Rena Filstar XP3 Canister Filter Q's

kianna

kianna

Keep on swimming
Sep 15, 2008
163
0
16
Lakewood, WA
Petco.com has it online right now for $159.99 with free shipping and I was thinking of ordering one. It says it comes with:

2x 20 ppi cell foam
2x 30 ppi cell foam
1x micro-filtration pad
1x bio-chem zorb makes the water crystal-clear

This is my 1st canister filter so I was wondering if theres anything else I need to get....ceramic rings etc? Or does it come with EVERYTHING I need.



Also if anyone has a different way of filling the baskets please tell. :)
 
I fill my baskets differently depending on what tank it is. For my non-planted, high bioload tank it's foam-->filter floss-->chemipure/purigen-->ceramic rings-->polishing pad. For the planted tank take out the chemipure/purigen. IIRC you'll have to buy the biomedia.
 
Well if your satisfied with your research on this filter and you have made up your mind with this model, brand, and design. Then it looks Pet Smart has the best price/shipping combo today at least.

As far as basket filter media for this type of filter I use carbon in the bottom over a layer of rings to suspended the net bagging from clogging the grates, on the top I use porous light-weight barbecue lava rocks, and in the middle Polywool sandwhiched between two cut-to-fit layers of rigid Blue-bonded pad or pond pad to prevent clogging and bypass from water pushing up from the bottom of the grate lifting the sing pad media.
 
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I bought this one too and set it up. I took my time with it because I was a little scared. It's also my first canister and I got it up and running. It's quiet too. Hopefully my fish like it too. LOL
 
mott said:
Check out this legit hak someone at TPT posted, I think it works with Eheim too.
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/equipment/101061-thinking-about-buying-canister-filter.html

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3602&prodid=6139&catid=113
Click to expand...



Yep.....on that first link I posted my purchase there (Kianna there too). After starting this thread I continued researching and actually found that link and ended up purchasing 2 from Dr Foster & Smith. Now I'm just researching some different options for filling the baskets.
 
i run my xp3s with the black foam pads that come with it on the bottom, middle tray i use some seachem matrix media with those black stars that come with the filter, and on the top tray i use ceramic rings or more seachem matrix..with that fine while filter pad sandwiched at the top.. i dont use carbon that often.
 
XP3 Filter Q's--help help!

Ok I did my first WC since hooking up new XP3 (I'm new to canister filters). I did a large WC and ended up unplugging the filter and flipping the quick disconnect level. I ended up having to reprime it by doing it this way and had lots of air in there.

I read the instruction book on how to clean the filter BUT how do you guys do it just for large WC......when you're not cleaning the canister? Also when you feed....doesn't it suck up alot food? Is there a way to slow the flow or something during feeding?? The way it is now it just blows the food everywhere. I know theres got to be some tips/tricks to make this easier!
 
I don't usually do such a large WC, 50-60% at most but my intake is still under water.

Lower your intake so you can keep it runnin while doing a WC.

As for feeding just lower the valve.
 
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