Marineland C-530 manual

OCJoeR · Feb 2, 2020

I'm a new member so I hope this isn't a problem posting this here. I have a 55 gal. tank that was part of a movie scene (my former neighbor built tanks for the studios). It hasn't been set up for a while because of a number of issues. It's always been used as a fresh water tank, even though my neighbor kept telling me salt water tanks weren't that hard to maintain. (easy for him to say, he was in the business). Anyway, I'm working on setting it up again and the place I'm going to put it only has access from the front so the old hang on the back filter I have won't work. I found, and bought, a Marineland C-530. While it seems like over kill for this tank I though more filtration is better than less. My problem is I can't find a manual. And now I can't even get onto marineland.com. I keep getting "HTTP Error 503. The service is unavailable." when I try to go there.

So my first question is where can I find the manual for this filter?

The next question is if I can't find the manual is there any way to stop the water flow when I need to do maintenance? I'm not seeing anything on the filter. Do I need a pair of shut off valves to put in the hose lines?

The next question is do I absolutely need a protein skimmer for a salt water tank? I'm thinking about taking the plunge so to speak, but I'm finding prices of $200 plus for protein skimmers.

I'm sure I'll have tons more questions if I choose to go the salt water route, but those are the first set. I'd ask my former neighbor but he passed away many years ago.

Thanks for any help,

Joe

Ron Reefman · Feb 2, 2020

Can the HOB filter go on one end of the tank rather than the back?

A canister filter can work for a saltwater tank, but almost nobody uses one as they require cleaning way too frequently and are generally a pain.

You do not absolutely need a protein skimmer, but IMHO they are a good tool and my guess would be that 80% of reefers run one because they work well.

OCJoeR · Feb 2, 2020

Ron Reefman said:
Can the HOB filter go on one end of the tank rather than the back?

A canister filter can work for a saltwater tank, but almost nobody uses one as they require cleaning way too frequently and are generally a pain.

You do not absolutely need a protein skimmer, but IMHO they are a good tool and my guess would be that 80% of reefers run one because they work well.

Hi Ron,

Thank you for the information. Looks like I'll forgo the salt water based on your info. My current filter won't fit on the side. It sounds like I'll need a protien skimmer and one of those sump filter setups, which seems like a bunch more money.

Joe