Filstar XP L output current too strong, miss the spray bar Rena used to have!

[Octavarium]

What is with this new output funnel API introduced for the Filstar line? I had a Rena XP 3 (same as my now API Filstar XP L) and it came with a spray bar which was perfect for flow, aeration, even CO2 dispersion (when I diffused into canister). The current is brutal to all my fishes and plants no matter how I am it, I guess Im going to have to play a connection game this weekend w PVC at Lowe's and make my own spray bar.

Anyone else find this new design not optimal? I guess if you need monster flow its the way to go, but I don't see that in most tanks (Mines a 60g planted). Also its hard to find spray bars out there, some generic ones on Amazon that are 16mm and I BELIEVE may fit, although not 100% on that.

For some reason finding the original Rena spray bar proves hard, anyone find one please let me know before this weekend!

 

[fishorama]

I'm interested to hear your DIY spray bar solution. I have 3 Rena 3's but only 1 spray bar I think. For many of my favorite loaches the power flow & aeration is good but not always.

You may have to go to a real plumbing supply place to get a better than big box selection.

 

[myswtsins]

Not sure how it comes now but is it a little jet piece that fits into the output elbow? If so, removing the jet piece does help disperse the flow a bit. Other wise, yeah a DIY spraybar would be the way I'd go. There are generic spraybar or nozzles out there but gotta make sure they fit and I prefer to have things in hand when trying to mis-match things.

 

[Octavarium]

Not sure how it comes now but is it a little jet piece that fits into the output elbow? If so, removing the jet piece does help disperse the flow a bit. Other wise, yeah a DIY spraybar would be the way I'd go. There are generic spraybar or nozzles out there but gotta make sure they fit and I prefer to have things in hand when trying to mis-match things.

Im the same way rather hold something so I can see it and try and fit it; however, I ordered a cheap 10" generic spray bar w 16mm connection, it looks it may fit, this is the only one online I will give a try. If it fits first try, well...lets just say thats not like my normal luck. And yes to the jetpiece, if you remove it its a little lesser but general flow, still not what I want but does help (or you point jet like I am into the corner of the tank closest to the side of the output to help disperse some of the force)

 

[dougall]

Flow should be the same using a spray bar, jet, UGF or whatever.

You're thinking of the overall speed of the output, which depends on the method used... you can diffuse the output by aiming it into some sponge, or the side of the tank rather than out into the water.

You can find the spraybars around if you look hard enough.. and there are a handful that people have said are about full replacements.

 

[Octavarium]

Flow should be the same using a spray bar, jet, UGF or whatever.

You're thinking of the overall speed of the output, which depends on the method used... you can diffuse the output by aiming it into some sponge, or the side of the tank rather than out into the water.

You can find the spraybars around if you look hard enough.. and there are a handful that people have said are about full replacements.

Yeah speed is better term since flow should be continuous, its aimed at corned now but I just like having movement over across half the tank at least, which is theoretically what this spray bar should do if it works fine, on top of aerating little more surface area when I place suction cups higher, and spread more CO2/flow to plants at a speed that doesn't make my CPO look like hes walking into the middle of a hurricane every time food drops lol

 

[dougall]

I'm really not sure of the plumbing for the newer models of Filstar filters, but something like this should work, I think the measurements are fine.

https://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Fish-Tank-Outflow-13mmx19mm/dp/B009EPOQHU/

Not sure what you ordered, but hopefully it's similar.

as for CO2, you really don't want surface area aeration if injecting CO2, you'll just be releasing the CO2 you've worked so hard to get into the tank; Plants growing should be creating the oxygen in the water

 

[Octavarium]

I'm really not sure of the plumbing for the newer models of Filstar filters, but something like this should work, I think the measurements are fine.

https://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Fish-Tank-Outflow-13mmx19mm/dp/B009EPOQHU/

Not sure what you ordered, but hopefully it's similar.

as for CO2, you really don't want surface area aeration if injecting CO2, you'll just be releasing the CO2 you've worked so hard to get into the tank; Plants growing should be creating the oxygen in the water

Got ya, I used to turn (on my old planted tank) the air pump only after lights were off. It's OK to aerate surface am hour after lights out when photosynthesis/my CO2 regulator shut off right? I just like to have the option to aerate surfaces available too w spray bar, just in case ever needed it for another tank or something.

 

[Octavarium]

As for the link, thats exactly what I bought lol. I clicked on your link, and it sent me to Amazon where the top corner says "You pruchased this product September 6 lmao! I liked it because like I said it was cheap, and at 16mm it APPEARS to be exactly what I need, so lets hope it fits! Im a Prime member so it should be in Tomorrow.

 

[dougall]

Personally I prefer to have the option to aerate a planted tank, but to never need to run it.

IMO, it's not too needed at night, There shouldn't be too much CO2 created by plants to be a problem when lights and CO2 injection are off.

If you turn off your CO2 (Assuming by solenoid) a bit before the lights go out, CO2 levels will drop while plants use the CO2, and if you don't gas it all off, you will have beneficial CO2 levels in the morning when lights come on (Again turn it on before the lights come on)


As for the spray bar, I have seen plenty of reports them connecting to the XPx hardware without a problem... so you should be golden.