Rena XP filters

[saram521]

I'll be setting up my 46g and new 75g within the next few months and would like to use rena xp canister filters on both. I recently put an xp1 on my 20h that was getting very cloudy, and the rena really cleaned the water within 2-3 days! I was so giddy :). Here's my question though. GPH ratings for hob filters seem to be under rated and I've always purchased a much bigger hob than what was suggested by the manufacturers of these filters. Do I need to do the same with rena canisters? The xp1 is rated for aquariums up to 45g; is it truly sufficient for a 45g? Same with the xp2 which is rated for up to 75g... Also, when doing a water change, should I unplug the canister first, then puch up the disconnect valve, wait a minute or two, then siphon water out of my tank? A couple of weeks ago before doing a water change, I just pushed the disconnect valve lever up, pulled the tubes up from the canister, and all this water came flowing out so I rushed to put it back on! If you can't already tell, I've never used canister filters before recently :).

[CBWMN]

I hve an XP2 on my 46 G BF. I really like it.
It's so quiet that I have to hold a finger over the spray bar to check flow.
I went to Walmart and bought Polyfil pillow stuffing and use that for media. I also use the Rena Starz and sometimes carbon.
If I had a 75 g, I would go with an XP3.
Good luck
Charles

[Squawkbert]

Right - generally, go 1 up for canisters just like you do for hobs, and yes, unplug, close valves, drain, fill, open valves, plug back in.

Also - drill a little hole in the "in tank" side of the intake tube a hair below the lowest water level you allow in the tank.

This will allow the siphon to break in the event of a major failure and prevent a full tank draining event.

[saram521]

Also - drill a little hole in the "in tank" side of the intake tube a hair below the lowest water level you allow in the tank.

This will allow the siphon to break in the event of a major failure and prevent a full tank draining event.


Sorry, I can't compute, little slow today :). Do you think you could sketch out what you're describing? I'm a much better visual learner.

[Squawkbert]

Just look at the hard "U" shaped tubing going into a fish tank - that leads to the Intake of the canister. Lift it straight up some and drill a hole in a wet portion of it, just a little below the waterline.