DIY Marineland Penguin Filter Cartridge s

coach_z

coach_z

AC Members
Jan 12, 2009
3,370
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NJ - Northern
Real Name
Chris
Marineland Penguin Rite size Filter cartridges are great but they have one major problem associated with them. They are extremely expensive!!!!

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Fortunately these cartridges can be modified to become re-usable and extremely cost effective.

Required Materials:

  • (2) Marineland Penguine pre-made cartridges
  • blue bonded filter pad (or other appropriate filter material)
  • rubber bands
Required Tools:

  • Box cutter (or equivalent)
  • Scissors
Time Required for Modification

  • 10 Minutes or so
Procedure:
1) Using the box cutter (or equivalent) and/or scissors carefully remove the Blue filter material from a new or used filter cartridge frame.​
NOTE: This might be tricky, require a bit of trimming, pulling cutting. It is best to remove it all, but i have found that leaving some material where it is glued to the plastic cartridge has no ill effects​
2) Using the box cutter (or equivalent) cut 4 notches in the sides of the filter cartridge frame. Refer to the first attachement below for visual guidance.

CAUTION: Do not cut yourself.
​
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3) Using the scissors, cut the Blue Bonded Filter pad (or, appropriate filter material) so that it is 1/4" to 1/2" wider and taller than the Filter Cartridge frame.
​
4) Using two rubber bands secure Blue bonded filter pad to the top and the bottom of the filter cartridge. The rubber bands will fit snugly within the notches made in Step 2.
​
5) Replace Blue Bonded Filter pad when appropriate (aproximately once a month) and make sure to replace rubber bands at the same time as they tend to disintegrate over time.
​
6) Repeat procedure for other filter cartridge (optional). I use two of these in my filter because they fit, or you can use the other one for a backup
​
Using Carbon or other media within your cartridge:
If the time comes where you need to use carbon (or other filter matieral) in your cartridge you are still able to use these cartridges. The notches have been placed so that the majority of the Filter Cartridge can be filled with carbon (or other) without it all falling out.
NOTE: It wont fall out as long as you do not shake it violently.
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Enjoy and good luck!
-Chris
 
This is terrific! Your plan can be modified to work for the Eclipse filter, too! Excellent post, and exactly what I had been looking for on the internet, but couldn't find.
 
Somervell said:
This is terrific! Your plan can be modified to work for the Eclipse filter, too! Excellent post, and exactly what I had been looking for on the internet, but couldn't find.
Click to expand...
I use staples brand rubber bands....2-3 dollars for a pack of 300 or so....throw them out often because they are so cheap.

CWO4GUNNER said:
Very useful DIY especially since it required no sewing and is quite fast to make. Im just wondering if there is a preferred type rubber band that will last longer in water then others.
Bravo Zulu!
Click to expand...

i can do a quick writeup for this filter (or diagram) if i were to know how these filters install in the hood.

thanks for the props folks! this write up was done by request.
 
been doing this for years on eclipse hood filters , emperor 400's and penguins. rubber bands are so cheap i just replace every month. same thing can be done with whisper filter pads as well.
 
Do you have to sew a pocket for the whisper filter, Rod? I know the clips are reusable.
 
Thanks a ton for this write up! I hate, hate, hate buying new filters all the time for these!
 
all i use to do to whisper pads was measure out enough length of pad material a little wider then the plastic frame and then measure from the top of the frame all the way down it and back up the other side and remove the plastic clip on top of frame and insert new pad so it wraps around the frame and the clip holds both sides snug then i put 1 rubber band around the middle and put back in filter and your done. i didnt use carbon in my pads so no need to sew the sides of the filter pad. i no longer use whisper filters but my friends do and still use this method to replace there pads. i buy the 100% king size roll of polyester fiber material in the sewing department at walmart for 10.99 and that will last a good 2-3 months and i now use it in my canister filters and wet/dry filters. walmart sells a flame retardent version of this poly roll also make sure you get the UNTREATED bag. only difference i never cut notches in the sides of the frame since i used thin rubber bands and they slid down in the frame holer in the filter with no problem. if you cut notches in the frame i wouldnt cut so deep as the frames can be flimsy and cutting to deep a notch can snap your frame i found that out a few times trial and error so i stopped doing notches when i found out they werent need for my use.
 
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when i had my penguin 200, i just washed out the cartridge with the garden hose and re-used it till it literally came apart. then i bought 1 more and continued. they ususally lasted about 6 months.
 
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