Just installed an XP-3

by J HARP
(Oklahoma)

Changed from UGF with 2 150GPH Powerheads on a 75g FW tank. XP-3 seems to be working flawlessly. The output seems to be much less, started with the spraybar, then changed to jet stream. Am I missing something or is the XP-3 so efficient that it only seems to be less output. Is there a way to measure output?

Also, on the filter media. I have the sponges in the 3rd or bottom basket, followed by ceramic rings and stars mixed. The top has the pad and biozorb. Should I have any media in the lower part of the top basket? Do the baskets need to be completely filled to be most effective?

Thanks

J Harp

A: Great question! It is difficult to compare flows on two different types of systems but chances are two powerheads pulling water through an undergravel filter will deliver almost the entire capacity of the pump back into the aquarium. However, the 400 gallon per hour pump on the XP3 has to push the water up a minimum of two feet while moving the water through the filters and plumbing. This will restrict the flow so that you will probably get something less than 400 gallons per hour. This is not an issue in a 75 gallon aquarium since you will get at least 150 gallons per hour. Plenty of flow for a 75 gallon aquarium. The only important measure is the water quality which should be tested often. One other consideration is aeration. Powerheads sprayed over the surface will provide better aeration than one XP3 so you might consider using an air pump or powerhead to provide some additional surface agitation to increase aeration to levels equal to the two powerheads you had before.