Filstar XP3 Biomedia [Archive]

BigAds

07-10-2008, 1:50 PM

I'm going to pick up an XP3 today, and need to figure out which additional media to get. It will be the only filter on my tank (36 gallon) so I need it to perform mechanical, biological, and chemical filtering. I know it comes with some media, usually a couple sponges and a micro pad, along with some chemical filter, but I don't believe it comes with any biomedia.

So, what should I get for biological media? Ceramic rings, plastic balls or stars?

Also, isn't it a paradox that biomedia removes nitrates but plants need nitrates? Would having a lot of biomedia be bad for plants, considering that my tank has low nitrates already (steady 10 with reagent test) ?

BoredAgain

07-10-2008, 2:08 PM

In my XP3 I use pot scrubbers and Seachem Matrix.

Ozymandias

07-10-2008, 2:30 PM

not really the bio media just acts as a place for bacteria to grow. the amount of bacteria you have usually corresponds the the nitrate level. i use a combinations of ehiem substrate some other ceramic rings AC biomedia. i've seen Seachem's Matrix before and actually quite like it so i might replace the bio-balls i have in my filter with it next time i do a cleaning.

BigAds

07-10-2008, 4:19 PM

Does Seachem's Matrix break down or need to be replaced ever though... I thought I read somewhere that the pores could clog up with gunk eventually, though I can't find where I got that from now.

Ozymandias

07-10-2008, 4:37 PM

well it can get messy do once and a while a good rins is probably good. never heard of it braking down though

BoredAgain

07-10-2008, 4:58 PM

I don't know about it breaking down...that would be a good question for Seachem. I believe it would take a long time for it to break down from normal use.

http://seachem.com/products/product_pages/Matrix.html

Riiz

07-10-2008, 5:00 PM

@Bigads, Matrix doesnt break down but it does clog up eventually.

EfisubstratPro is supposedly superior, I think I even saw a discussion between matrix,substrat pro and biomax. I like substrat, been using for about 4 years without any issues.

MFK link: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154873&highlight=matrix

BoredAgain

07-10-2008, 5:06 PM

I'm sure the three listed above would each be good for its intended purpose. If they are all about the same price...go for any of the three. I've only used Matrix so that's all I can comment on.

I've been using Matrix for over 6 months with no clogs....and a good rinse is all it would need if it ever does clog up.

BigAds

07-10-2008, 7:20 PM

BoredAgain

07-10-2008, 8:42 PM

Any clue how many liters of ehfisubstrat pro it takes to fill a basket in the XP3? And would there be any benefit to having half ehfi pro and half of another biomedia?

I'm guessing that 2L of ehfipro would be enough to fill the XP3 basket and my Aquaclear 70...
I used 1 liter of Matrix in mine...but I also used pot scrubbers as a bio media. You could easily use 2 liters if you wanted.

Ozymandias

07-10-2008, 9:11 PM

mix and matching for me works out just fine

BigAds

07-11-2008, 11:05 AM

How much media fits in a basket (both compartments) ? 1L or 2L?

Ozymandias

07-11-2008, 11:14 AM

not sure of the mentions of the compartments for the XPs

BoredAgain

07-11-2008, 11:17 AM

If I remember correctly, 1 liter, maybe a bit more, will fit in one basket. Anything more than 1 liter would just be overkill for a tank your size.

BigAds

07-11-2008, 11:20 AM

not sure of the mentions of the compartments for the XPs
Me either, since I'm going to have to order it online... I'd like to know how much biomedia I should order too though. I want to buy enough ehfisubstrat/pro to fill the middle basket, but haven't got a clue how much it would take.

deez sumps

07-11-2008, 1:35 PM

I just filled my xp3 last week with matrix, and 1 Liter will fill a basket fully. I just have in a fine-filter pad at the bottom of the basket and loose matrix.

BigAds

07-11-2008, 2:30 PM

Wonderful...

Micron Pad
Purigen/Chemical Media (tanins be damned!)
------------
Filter Floss
_______________________

Filter floss
Ehfisubstrat Pro
------------
Ehfisubstrat Pro
_______________________

2 Fine Foam Pads
------------
2 Course Foam Pads

Sound good? Or should I try fitting more filter floss in? I wouldn't mind having to change the filter floss every other week so the micron pad doesn't get clogged up... think I'd be able to go every other week changing the floss, I've got no idea how fast it fills up?

(Stock = 1 angelfish, 1 gbr, 7 harlequin rasbora, 6 peppered cories)

Riiz

07-11-2008, 4:27 PM

Sounds good. The filter floss mileage will vary, try to get an idea of the filters output when its clean, and check it during water changes.

BigAds

07-11-2008, 10:26 PM

Thanks all... I'm really looking forward to extremely clean water.

BoredAgain

07-11-2008, 10:30 PM

I'd skip the micron pad, but other than that, looks like a good setup.

mott

07-11-2008, 10:58 PM

Why not just buy a 2217? it comes with everything, you will wind up spending close to 200 dollars for that setup.

BoredAgain

07-11-2008, 11:11 PM

Why not just buy a 2217? it comes with everything, you will wind up spending close to 200 dollars for that setup.
Some people prefer Rena filters, I know I do. :) That setup shouldn't cost more than $140 to $150, depending on where it's being purchased.

EDIT: I just priced his purchase at kensfish.com, $145 total for everything minus the filter floss, which can be purchased at Walmart for a few bucks.

fishorama

07-12-2008, 11:58 AM

Be careful putting in too thick, dense or uneven layer of floss. I had to take some out, it was partially clogged

BoredAgain

07-12-2008, 1:10 PM

Be careful putting in too thick, dense or uneven layer of floss. I had to take some out, it was partially clogged
I got tired of this problem, then just got tired of replacing it so much so I stopped using it. I may put some back in during the next maintenance, but so far I've noticed no changes in water clarity after several weeks.

BigAds

07-12-2008, 1:54 PM

I'm definitely going to start out easy on the floss... it is afterall only a 36 gallon tank.

I'll be ordering from either kensfish.com or BigAls.com (with pricematch)... at most $145 shipped.

*It's amazing that kensfish has Filstars priced so much lower than everywhere else... I feel bad for anyone who has bought a new Filstar elsewhere.

BoredAgain

07-12-2008, 2:27 PM

*It's amazing that kensfish has Filstars priced so much lower than everywhere else... I feel bad for anyone who has bought a new Filstar elsewhere.
Yup, I saved $50 to $100 ordering from kensfish. Just order from him.