I traded up to the C-360 after using the 350 Magnum for 7 years.
The C-360 is a great canister filter, if you pay attention to directions and use some common sense.
Keep in mind that this is a professional series filter its not for the average hobbyist who will pull it out of the box, hook it up (without understanding instruction), and watch the pretty fish swim by.
Here is what I found -
1). The filter weighs 23lbs empty it holds 2.5 gallons of water at 8.5lbs per gallon. When full of media and water, this filter weighs 45lbs. Not something you want to move around a lot.
2). Since I considered myself a semi-pro fish keeper I hooked the filter up without reading or understanding the instructions A Big Mistake. Micro-bubbles and leaking like you wouldn't believe.
3). Take the time to inventory what is in the box and understand the components.
4). Per the instructions, keep the hoses to a minimum length. A straight shot from the canister to tank is best. (I found this vital to eliminating micro-bubbles).
5). When hooking the hoses to the canister mechanism, DO NOT hand tight only. You will need to use a wrench to completely tighten. Caution do not over tighten or plastic will crack. (this step is vital to eliminating micro-bubbles)
6). Make sure the canister is full of water prior to priming. Instruction say 2 pushes of the prime button ignore this and plan on 10-15 pushes with some wait time in between.
7). Placement of the media baskets in the canister is CRITICAL. Make sure the top cylinder of each tray has the rubber gasket on (these fall off easily).
8). Place the bottom basket in the canister, next one on top. Critical that you stick your finger down the hole to make sure the 2nd tray is seated on the 1st. Repeat for all trays. Make sure they snap together.
9). Make sure to keep the rubber ring (gasket) on the top lid lubricated. I used small amounts of vaseline it works great.
10). On 1st set up you can expect micro-bubble for the first few hours. You can wait it out, or slightly tip the canister to a side to remove faster. If bubbles prolong check that your hoses are tightly connected. No hand tightening. Check that you have the shortest possible hose run and that it is not obstructed.
11). I would highly recommend this filter to anyone who want to pay attention to detail, and set it up correctly. Leaking and Micro-bubbles are for those who don't understand how the filter works.
I am not sure why other's have reviewed this filter with "micro-bubbles". I have been using my C360 for a 60-Gallon tank and have been nothing but delighted. It does take some patience setting each tray appropriately on each of the previous tray placements, but the unit is difficult to snap the top on if all trays aren't set propery. To me, this is a self evident tip, I haven't done something right... Not a problem with the unit itself. Other than a few drops of water when I remove the tubing head, there is no mess at all around the aquarium. Very easy to use, very efficient, and very quiet...
A great filter... I am buying two more for my soon to be aquired 125 Gallon...
Buy Marineland PC-ml160 Multi-stage Canister Filter Now
I am a noobie when it comes to Aquariums...however, the new home I purchased had an outdoor Koi pond, which was not deep enough to keep them out during the winter (in the Northeast). I went and purchased a 125 Gallon tank and the C-360...it is very easy to use, and when you need to clean it, just turn a knob, pull out the hoses and take the filter away without spilling but maybe a drop of water...clean it, flush it and connect it and you are back and running...VERY easy...my water looks clear and clean with 12 Koi! :)
Read Best Reviews of Marineland PC-ml160 Multi-stage Canister Filter Here
The reviews left by others had stopped me from buying the ML360 canister filter.
I was trying similar products with better reviews that ended up not working for my set up.
Fluval 306 too loud for me.
Aquastop Canister too loud, impeller rattle, not enough room for the media I liked to use. The UV Sterilizer is a plus!
As a last resort I purchased the ML360. After 1 week of running this filter I have no complaints, yet.
I wanted something that was quiet. A low hum was ok, I just didn't wan't to hear the filter when I was reading or trying to fall asleep.
I love the sturdiness of this filter, everything seems to be of good quality plastic,nothing is cheap, thin, or mediocre. Clamps snap on firmly.
The vinyl tubing has a 3/4" inner diameter and 1" outer diameter and its tough to manage, but not impossible. A few cuts and adjustments does the trick.
I was having a hell of a time keeping the intake U-tube in place while adjusting the heavy hosing. I ended up using a 90* elbow to get to the filter to prevent any kinks.
I didn't like the media that the filter came with. I use SeaChem's media (bottom to top) Carbon Matrix, PhosGuard, Purigel, Matrix, and ML Polishing Pad included with the filter.
Water flow is great, i'm using am in-line 10 Watt UV sterilizer on the return line and the water pressure hasn't gone down at all.
The water exhaust nozzle has a vent adjustment so you can aim to different streams of water, very useful. I have one disturbing the surface tension on the tank and one going down and towards the far side of the tank.
What you will like: It is quiet, NOT silent, you can hear a low hum, but it doesn't over power a quiet room. (Bedroom in my case)
What you should consider: Take an hour out of your schedule to get the tubing just right. I suggest getting some 3/4" 90* elbows if your aquarium stand has a small opening for hoses and cables. I 'd spend the extra $40 and get your own media.
Side Note: Media of good quality that will mitigate water changes and keep the aquarium crystal clear. I find SeaChem good for this. The 4 years i've been keeping fish I find that SeaChem products are the best, never had issues with Ammonia, Phosphates, Silicates and Nitrates stay around 10ppm. I usually do a 30% water change every month. Media change/re-charge every 4 5 months.
Good luck finding what you're looking for. Hope I helped you in some way.
Want Marineland PC-ml160 Multi-stage Canister Filter Discount?
Easy to get hooked up and even the filter media is included. Runs quietly and has resulted in my 55 gallon aquarium having the cleanest water I have ever had. Very impressive. Well worth the money!
Save 71% Off
I was having PH crash problems in my fish tank when we moved to a town with a different tap water supply...for some reason I couldn't get my goldfish water to maintain a PH above 6.4!!! My poor babies :( I tried every chemical known to man, and it's a miracle my fish survived. I finally found a website online that suggested coral as a PH buffer. I put about 1/4 c in a hanging mesh bag into the water and keep it there 24/7...and now the PH is 7.4. I have a 14.5 gallon tank. I heard that mixing the coral straight into the substrate causes nitrate issues down the road when it breaks down, which is why I keep it in a bag. I can't support whether that is true, but my method has worked just fine so far, and I've replaced it once in the last year. I highly suggest trying this if you have the same issue like me!
