Filter for a New Tank

I found the XP2 on drfostersmith for $84.99, so I will probably go for that. But, I will check out Big Al's too. When I get the XP2, do I have to buy anything such as tubing separately for the filter?


no, everything is included, except for biomaterial media (eg ceramic rings).

it comes with foam pads, cotton, and their carbon ion exchange mix called biochem zorb, which is great IMO.
 
So I will get everything I need to start and to use it successfully? Sorry I'm asking so many questions. I have never used a canister, only HOB filters. Thanks again for the help.


yes, other than some biomaterial.

Looking at the box of my XP3, it says the XP2 (which has two large filter baskets) comes with:

2 20 pores-per-inch foam pads

2 30 PPI foam pads

1 micro filtration pad (the cotton)

and

one pouch of biochem zorb.

All you need is some biomaterial but really, that can be added later on.

It has enough to get you going right out of the box.

But its always a good idea to fill it up with more as you go along :)
 
since there are two big trays, and the 4 foam pads will fill up one, you can put some biomaterial and the biochem zorb in the other, with the foam pad ontop (it has its own little spot).

you can order the Rena ceramic rings for biomedia if you want. 1 litre worth is 16.99 at bigals I think..

check out this link:

it looks like the rena XP2 is actually only 74.99:

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...umpharmaceuticalsrenafilstarxp2canisterfilter
 
After going to the store and looking at tanks, I will most likely be getting a 36 gallon bowfront instead. I was wondering if I could still use the XP2 or if I should go up to the XP3. If I can not afford the XP2 or XP3, then what filter should I buy instead?
 
After going to the store and looking at tanks, I will most likely be getting a 36 gallon bowfront instead. I was wondering if I could still use the XP2 or if I should go up to the XP3. If I can not afford the XP2 or XP3, then what filter should I buy instead?


if you cannot afford the XP2 then go with an AC 70.

I think the XP2 would be fine for a 36 gal. bowfront.

the XP3 is a very big and powerful filter, way overkill for a 36 IMO.

the eheims are the most expensive filters out there (their top end models anyway) and the classic eheims are reliable but not as user friendly as the more modern canister designs (including newer eheims themselves).
 
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