Filstar Xp's Defect and problem

M

madturtle

AC Members
Oct 8, 2005
6
0
0
Hi. I am new here so bare with me.. After reading so many positive user reviews about Rena Filstar Canister filter, I bought an XP3. Initially, I thought I made the right decision, after the time spent in the past 4 days in setting up and testing this filter, I've come to a conclusion.. There is 2 potential problem with Filstar XP canister filter... Air leak, and water Leak. both leaks are caused by the improper sealing of the Quick-disconnect connector and these are serious issues.

The Rena Filstar's unique quick-disconect unit is made of plastic and its sitting on top of the canister lid. this unit has the male connectors, the lid has female connectors. These female and male connectors are designed to be the Only structural support and responsible for the weight of the water hoses and the quick-disconnect unit. This design is bad because any tension or movement from the water hoses will translate into movements in the female-male connections and that will slightly distort the O-rings. These o-rings just ain't tight enough to prevent the leaks.. Moreover, both inlet/outlet connectors are elbow shaped and this shape will create a lever action so to dislocate the o-ring connections a little more.

If there is a leak on the quick-disconnect unit, it will be air leak or/and water leak.

The air Leak will cause the level of water inside the canister drop slowly and the flow rate will decrease slowly until the filter stops pumping water.

The water leak will cause water running out the power cord opening.

I read somewhere that a little vaseline helps fix the problem... :sad: this is a commerical product for crying out loud....

BTW

If water is leaking from the quick-disconnect unit, because the size of the canister lid, it may be many days after before the leak is detected. its like a timebomb after each canister cleaning.
and this is bad enough to discourage me from buying another Rena Filstar filter.
 
Last edited:
turning mine on it's side causes it to leek but otherwise I get breat flow from my xp2 ,more flow than my fluval 404, please use a hook screwed into ceiling to suspend your hoses ,relieveing any leverage on the head of the canister! I use on copper wires to hold up my hoses of fluval 7 rena to avoid kinks in hoses & stress to joints!! I hope this helps & am sorry your haveing trouble.
 
I think that's a super paranoid post.
If you're going to dissect the Filstar like that, might I suggest an Eheim?

The only (small) beef I got with my XP3 is that it spits out fine bubbles every once in a while.
Others have complained about it - it doesn't bother me that much, but this is what keeps me claiming it being "perfect".
My cichlids have fun when all the little bubbles come out anyways. :D
 
Hi Mad
This is your first post and a great one @ that.
I also have had problems w/ xp3 and talking to tech support,
They asked me to adjust the little round black button
on the inside and have it only 1/8 inch pushed in from the surface
and this will some how fix it.

The bubbles you don't mind f8 (small Beef) are also reducing your GPH do to air sucsion. Which will reduce the canister water level over time.

I had even asked about useing vaseline, They did not recommend the use of it since
it was patroleum (OIL) based, But I could use something water based.

If this did not do the trick, call back he will send a new seal kit
free or $$$ I did not ask that.

IMO Madturtle mad was DEAD ON with his findings. :thm: :read:

P.S. My xp2 unit works great. (no bubbles)
 
Last edited:
Use a silicon based paste to seal up any potential leaks. They can be bought wherever you buy underwater pumps or in scuba shops. They can keep water out of my diving camera case at 3 atmospheres below sea level so would work great on the Rena and wouldnot lead to potential destruction of the plastic like a petroleum based product would.
 
BUCKEYEMOLDED said:
The bubbles you don't mind f8 (small Beef) are also reducing your GPH do to air sucsion. Which will reduce the canister water level over time.
Click to expand...
Do you have an idea of what kinda rate we're talking about here?
I've had to service the XP3 once already, and the thing was pretty full to the top.
I do check the XP3 almost weekly, and I don't see any significant drop in the water level in the canister itself.
 
the impellar also can make air bubbles. The impellar can turn the water into a froth if there is any kind of restriction or lose of water pressure.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom