View Full Version : Rena XP3 - Got one - what next?
ColemontHD
11-09-2006, 7:47 PM
Hey gang. So over the past few days, I have managed to change everything.
* Changed gravel from mixed color to pure white gravel - small grains
* Purchased 50lbs of Holey Rock and took out the store bought fake rocks
And the major part:
I changed my whole filter system. I purchased a Rena XP3, Aquaclear 50, and still have a Top Fin 10. It is SO SO quiet! Much better than a Petsmart 40/60 power filter that rattled all the time.
So, my question is this. In the XP3, there is a section in the canister that is made for extra material/filter media. What can go here? Please link me to things I can buy to add extra filtration in here. Thanks!
Peanutsweet
11-10-2006, 9:40 AM
I just set up a new one last week, and I didnt put anything in the extra basket.
Maybe I should have?
ColemontHD
11-10-2006, 9:42 AM
This is what I am trying to figure out.
echoofformless
11-10-2006, 10:00 AM
Whatever the heck you want.
You can use it for ceramic rings or crushed lava rock for extra biofiltration.
You can use it for specialized chemical filtration such as phosphate remover, activated carbon, peat or anything else you might want.
ColemontHD
11-10-2006, 11:58 AM
So, if I just want extra filtration, what would you suggest I put in there?
echoofformless
11-10-2006, 12:07 PM
It depends on what you mean by extra filtration. You mean like just mechanical debris removal? I wouldn't put anything in there for that. The sponges pretty much get rid of that sort of thing.
Chemically it depends on what sort of tank you're trying to keep. I only use it for peat because I do blackwater tanks. Lots of people like activated carbon if you don't already have a chamber with that, you could put that in there.
If not I would just either leave it empty or put more biomedia in there. It can never hurt to have lots of biomedia. Lava rock, ceramic rings, etc.
meyerhaus
11-10-2006, 12:26 PM
Biomax, Biomax, Biomax!
ColemontHD
11-10-2006, 4:51 PM
Any links?
ColemontHD
11-11-2006, 3:25 PM
Any links?
Please guys?
I would say just google it, or check the usual internet stores. You should be able to find it quite easily.
DeRo316
11-13-2006, 10:02 AM
Before you add any special media I would get a master freshwater test kit (http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444177 6772&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030068&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1163433832084&itemNo=5&In=Fish&N=2030068&Ne=2) and test your water. If the fish you want need any special water conditions you can add media to your filter to condition the water in-line.
I would fill the bottom shelf with the black sponge that comes with it and some filter floss. In my 2nd shelf I put some bio-balls (http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444177 7378&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030141&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1163433696264&itemNo=18&In=Fish&N=2030141&Ne=2) to give some bacteria a place to stay and a bag of carbon (http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444178 0079&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030141&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1163433615163&itemNo=3&In=Fish&N=2030141&Ne=2) to remove the tannis from my driftwood. The top shelf has crushed coral to raise my ph.
echoofformless
11-13-2006, 10:24 AM
Keep in mind though that if you decide to start playing with pH, hardness, etc only do it because you have very particular fish with very special needs. If you have a mix of different fish in a community tank, there is no need to do anthing drastic with your water parameters.
So unless you're keeping very hard or very soft water fish, just stick with extra biomedia.