I can not put my XP4 24" below the water line, What can I do to stop the Bubley mist?

by Mark
(Ottawa Canada)

My tank is 64"L X 32"W x 32"H. It is on a 12" base so I can not put my XP4 24" below the water line. Now it is approx. 18" below the water line and I am getting a whooshing sound and a lot of bubbles. What can I do? and will this hurt the filter? Thanks. Mark.

A: If you can't meet the minimum distance you will have difficulty with priming and operating the filter. Bubbles are the result of this as you are not getting a good priming and siphoning on the inlet side of the filter. My guess is you have air in the top of the canister too. This is the source of the bubbles.

In what order should media be placed in the Rena Filstar XP1?

by Dave
(Berks,Pa.)

Hi,I was wondering in what order my media should be placed after the lower filter section.I know to 30 ppi goes in first,than the 20 ppi but I'm not sure being there is only one seperator with the XP1 if I should have the polishing filter on top of the 20 ppi before I put the seperator down or the way I have it which is,The 30 ppi,20PPI,bio stars,polishing filter on top.At the moment I'm not running any chemical media because I have a live planted tank and have heard from many people that you shouldn't run carbon with a planted tank.Any info on that subject I could use as well...But what if I wanted to try running caron?..Where would I put that?I'm think with just the one media basket I'm a bit tight for room.I have looked at the instructions many times and I have trouble even getting the basket closed with all the stuff in it.Now it does show that the XP1 only has the 30 ppi in it and I'm running the 30 and the 20.Should I only be running the one?Please let me know if I'm doing something wrong here....Dave

A: The XP1 is configured bottom up as follows 1-20ppi, 1-30ppi, grid, 1-BioChem Zorb, 1-Micro Filter pad. The picture shown is the XP3 but the stacking order is the same. XP2,3 and 4 have room for Bio Chem Stars and one each 20ppi,3ppi foams.

As for carbon in a planted tank I'm not personally familiar with the advice but I can imagine that anything that removes micro-organics from the tank could hurt plant growth. Maybe someone else will comment.

Are there and different options for the multipart intake tube assembly?

by Eric
(Jacksonville, FL)

I currently have a XP3. I'm using it w/ a 75gal tank for my freshwater turtle. My turtle can be quite abusive to her aquarium parts. She pulls on the multi-part intake tubing and sometimes knocks it off. In the process the parts tend to split over time and start leaking air into the system. I've been trying to construct an alternative pick up system but the existing tubes seem to be inbetween 3/4" and 1". Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you.

A: The best way to fix this is to glue your tubes together. We recommend clear silicone which most home centers carry. By using this type glue you can still take the tubes apart if you need to replace one tube.

XP4 sump filtration system on Reef Tank

by Thomas

I have a 70 gallon saltwater.
I was going to use a sump filtration system below my tank. I want to start a
reef tank with coral. I want to know if your X4 filter will keep my tank
clean. the sump system I was going to use was about600-700gph.

A: As far as flow rate, the filter is fine. However, I'm not sure if the second pump in the sump will be just a circulating pump or you plan to have the sump feed the XP4. You might want to check with your local dealer about this.

Rena Filstar XP2 filter set up

I have recived a xp3 and I don't think I have my filters set up right. Can u help me?

A: Please read through the FAQ's and answers already submitted. We have covered this already. Also, we highly recommend viewing the video at the manufactures web site.

Can't attach tubing to Rena Filstar XP2

by Brian Ingoldsby

Q: I am having great difficulty
attaching the hoses to the intake and output tubes on my
Rena XP2. It says it needs to be 2" but this seems
impossible.

Do you have any tips or suggestions to aid this
process? Is there any lubricant/grease I can put on
there that would be safe for the water?
Thanks in advance!

A: Two things you can do. One, spray or apply the ends with any water based silicone
lubricant. Secondly, it is also a good idea to warm up
the ends with hot water to make them more flexible. Best Regards, Bob

Can the Rena Filstar XP2 outlet tube be mounted vertically?

by THOMAS FARRELL
(Brooklyn, N.Y.)

Can I place the Output tube vertically? I tried to do this and it didn't seem to be stable. I was thinking about a metal clamp. I still haven't set up the filter, XP2, and I am awaiting your response. Thank You.

intake and output tubes on my. Rena XP2

by FLEMMING JAEGER
(CALIFORNIA)

DOES THE INTAKE HOSE CONNECT TO IN ON THE FILTER AND DOES THE SPRAYBAR HOSE CONNECT TO THE OUT ON THE FILTER

A: The intake tube pulls the water from the aquarium and into the filter. Tubing is attached to the intake tube and then connected to the inlet tube side of the Quick Disconnnect. The outlet tubing is connected from the outlet side of the quick disconnect to the outlet pipe. There is another part that connects to the outlet tube, inlet pipe extension, which is then connected to the spray bar. You can see the setup by visiting the MarsFishare.com web site and viewing the setup video.

Rena XP4 & Smart Heater?

I own a XP3 for my 55 gal. & now i'm thinking about buying a XP4 for my 125 gal.

Is Xp4 enough filtration for a 125 of African Chilids
Also, I was Considering buying a Rena Smart Heater
How Well do they work would the 300 watt be enough to keep the 125 warm?

A: a lot depends on the stocking level in the tank for the filter part and where the tank is located for the heater part. I would advise contacting the dealer directly as they will have a better understanding of your tank and the stocking levels (assuming you work with a local dealer). In general, if your bio-load is average, the Rena Filstar XP4 should be adequate. The heater might work if the lighting on the tank and the room temp are high enough to supplement the heater. Otherwise you may need a second heater.

Rena Filstar XP4 dimensions

by Scott
(Walnut Creek, CA USA)

Do you have the correct dimensions of the xp4 fliter (H x L X D). I am building a cabinet for my tank and want to make sure that I have enough space for it.
Thank you, Scott

What media should I use in my XP2 for the diatoms in my turtle tank?

by Kathleen Brennan
(Caldwell, NJ, USA)

I set up my turtle tank for my Malayan box turtle about 9 weeks ago. I am using the media provided with the Filstar (Bio-Chem Zorb, carbon, and pads). However, my tank is now covered in diatoms (brown algae)& the water is not crystal clear. I read the Q&A regarding the ideal media setup for an XP2 in a turtle tank, but since I have a bad diatom problem and the water isn't crystal clear, I wondered if I should be using a different media instead of the Bio-Chem Zorb. How do I know what media to use, be it the Bio-Chem-, Nitra-, or Phos-Zorb or maybe just the activated carbon?
Also, in what order should I put them? I tried to find a good diagram of the order of the media, but I could only find the one picture I attached.

Thank you in advance for your help!

A: First I want to complement you on the question. This will be very helpful for a lot of people. The Rena Filstar XP filter system was designed from the beginning to be used in aquariums only. The manufacturer, Mars Fishcare,  provides no support for the use of the filter in an amphibian environment. However, the filter has made major inroads into the amphibian market so at PlanetRena  we do provide support for this application.

Amphibian tanks are really closer to the environment in decorative ponds than to an aquarium. As such, they require more of everything; more chemical, more biological and more mechanical filtration than most aquariums. You have already experienced the problems associated with a bio-load that is too great for the filter.

As for the stacking order, that is a function of the filter mechanics more than anything else. So the basic order is the same regardless of the application. An XP2 is not ideal for adding additional media since you only have 4 compartments total for media. You can have two types of media in an XP2 compartment but this can cause problems with flow.  The best scenario would be to buy some additional biological media for the bottom chamber of the top basket. This chamber should be completely filled with
media. The bottom basket should remain as is, two 20 ppi foams and then two 300 ppi foams (going bottom up). Finally, the top half of the top basket should have the Bio ChemZorb and then the micro-filter.

If you are concerned about diatoms and algae, you need to think about using a pond type bacteria/enzyme product such as PondCare Powerpaks or Pond Care powder. This will greatly increase the biological activity which helps with sludge breakdown. Along with this, you need to do more frequent water changes to remove the nitrates/phosphates which act as the fertilizer for the algae plants. The diatoms should be removed by the microfilter but if not you can always use a product such as Accu-Clear to clump any fine
particles such as diatoms which can be either vacuumed from the tank or picked up by the filters.  These measures will improve water quality but may not completely fix your problems. You may need a larger filter so you can add phosphate remover and more biological filtration depending on water conditions in your tank.

You can find all these products at: http://rena-aquatics-outlet.planetrena.com/

Can you use BioChem and NitraZorb at the same time in a Rena Filstar XP2?

by Gina
(IL)

Just wondering.. I want something to regulate my nitrates as much as possible. Thanks!

A: You can, but you will probably have to give up something else. You can try putting one pouch in the bottom of the top container on top of the BioChem Stars, divider grid, another pouch then the micro-filter. If that proves too tight or slows the flow of water then you will have to remove something to make room.

What is the best setup (media options) for a 50 gallon turtle tank using a Rena Xp4 and Xp2?

by Roel
(Corpus Christi, Tx.)

I had the Rena Xp2 running on a 20 gallon tank and recently upgraded to a 50 gallon tank (currently have the Xp2 running on the 50 gallon tank). I have read somewhere that I should be using a filter that is rated 3 times higher for the size tank that I have because turtles are extremely messy so Im considering purchasing a Rena Xp4. I figured skipping the Xp3 would save money when planning future tank upgrades. Im wanting to run the Xp4 and Xp2 on the tank with two red eared slider turles(or would that be overkill???) and wondering what media options would be most beneficial and practical.

A: In general for turtles you want more biological media and BioChem Zorb for removal of color or odor. This was already covered in the Q&A section at the bottom of the FAQ section for the filstar. I have copied it below:

Q - What is the best media for an aquatic turtle tank? What is the best setup for a turtle tank using the Rena FilstarXP2? What is the difference between the Spraybar and Power Jet Nozzle. 

A - With turtles, my goal would be to remove as much solid organics as possible with mechanical filtration, use the biological filtration to keep ammonia levels down and the Biochem Zorb to remove odors and colors which are real problems with turtles. I would also recommend do sing the tank with API StressZyme. This is live bacteria that will help break down the solid waste by boosting the action of biological filtration. 

You would definitely benefit by having BioChem Zorb in the canister. However, turtletanks are most known for the large volume of solid organic waste emitted by the critters. You must make sure that you have as much mechanical filtration as you can get. The unit comes with 2ea 20and 30ppi foams which is about all you can put in the unit. I would use the top basket for BioChem Stars or Ceramic Rings and the upper half of the basket for the BioChem Zorb. I wouldn't use the Micro Filter in this unit since you only
have 4 total media chambers. 

The Spraybar gives a more gentle agitation of the surface which some aquatic life prefer. However,you won't get as much gas exchange at the surface with this method. The Power-Jet nozzle can be mounted in such a way that it sprays over the surface and creates strong surface agitation that will release harmful gasses from the water and infuses the water with additional oxygen which is very beneficial in breaking down pollutants but not so important for turtles since they don't rely on gills for oxygen exchange.

Rena Filstar XP aquarium and stand project

by clint lewallen
(wilmington nc)

Finally got my 75 gallon tank off the floor. Before my filter wouldn't work right (Editor: the minimum distance of two feet between the top of the motor and the waterline in the aquarium was not being met)

Now my rena filstar xp3 is working fine, no noise.  It was a pain to prime before and it was slow filling up. I wondered why, but once i got the filter up on my new stand, it filled up, it ran great, no noise. I had to check it a few times just to see if it was still working... lol. Thanks for letting me know why it was slow to prime. Here are some pics.

A: You are a great carpenter. That stand looks first rate. I'm glad we could help. For of all you folks that insist on running the filter next to the aquarium. It may work for awhile but eventually you will have problems.

My Rena Filstar XP 3 setup

by clint lewallen
(wilmington nc)

A:For of all you folks that insist on running the filter next to the aquarium. It may work for awhile but eventually you will have problems. This is the proper setup for the most trouble-free operation.

Want to run Filstar out of sump

by paul
(coldwater, michigan)

I want to add a sump for a refuge and for more water volume for better stability. I know it says i can run my xp2 minimum 24" below top water level and maximum 55". so im curious if i set the filstar xp 24" below the sump can i use it as a return back to the tank?

please reply to sinluien@hotmail.com

thank you,
paul

XP1

by John
(San Dimas)

I have a 65 gal turtle (Red Eared Snappers) aquarium. I have an XP1. What filter media do I use, and in which order do I put them in?

Thanks,
John

A: In general for turtles you want more biological media and BioChem Zorb for removal of color or odor. This was already covered in the Q&A section at the bottom of the FAQ section for the filstar. I have copied it below:

Q - What is the best media for an aquatic turtle tank? What is the best setup for a turtle tank using the Rena FilstarXP2? What is the difference between the Spraybar and Power Jet Nozzle. 

A - With turtles, my goal would be to remove as much solid organics as possible with mechanical filtration, use the biological filtration to keep ammonia levels down and the Biochem Zorb to remove odors and colors which are real problems with turtles. I would also recommend dosing the tank with API StressZyme. This is live bacteria that will help break down the solid waste by boosting the action of biological filtration. 

You would definitely benefit by having BioChem Zorb in the canister. However, turtletanks are most k nown for the large volume of solid organic waste emitted by the critters. You must make sure that you have as much mechanical filtration as you can get. The unit comes with 2ea 20ppi and 30ppi foams which is about all you can put in the unit. I would use the top basket for BioChem Stars or Ceramic Rings and the upper half of the basket for the BioChem Zorb. I wouldn't use the Micro Filter in this unit since
you onlyhave 4 total media chambers. 

The Spraybar gives a more gentle agitation of the surface which some aquatic life prefer. However,you won't get as much gas exchange at the surface with this method. The Power-Jet nozzle can be mounted in such a way that it sprays over the surface and creates strong surface agitation that will release harmful gasses from the water and infuses the water with additional oxygen which is very beneficial in breaking down pollutants but not so important for turtles since they don't rely on gills for oxygen exchange.