is filstar xp2 too strong for 29G

jeanp

jeanp

Banned
Dec 1, 2004
13
0
0
46
Falls Church, VA
Hello everyone! This is my first thread so I want to apologise in advance if I do something wrong. I hope I put this thread on the proper forum. I didn't use equipment forum because my question is about aquarium in general, not only about filter.
I am going to set up 29G tank next month. Right now I have 10G and would like to upgrade to something biger. I would like to have a lot of plants in my new tank. As to fish, my choice is dwarf neon rainbows. I just love them.
I did some reading and bought filstar xp2 (up to 75G, 300GPH) filter for the new tank. I thought it would be fine, especially since they have flow control regulator.
Today I went to the nearest LFS store looking for some driftwood, and, in my conversation with one of the employe there, the subject of overfiltration came up. Well, he scared me a lot. He told me that I won't be able to grow nice plants in my 29G because I have such a strong filter (something about CO2 balance). He also told me that my fish will be constantly stressed if I use Filstar xp2 on 29G. He said that even though I will have clear water for sure, it would not be a healthy aquarium.
Is he right? I would appreciate every opinion.
Does anyone use flow control on their filstar xp2? How good does it work? Will I be able to reduce the flow from 300GPH to 150-180GPH through this thing. Does putting more media in the filter reduces flow or not?
Thank you all in advance!
P.S.: I am new to this kind of communication (I mean through forums), so I don't know what the rules are. Is it polite to post the same question on different websites? If it is not, I am sorry, because I asked the same question on the other website also.
 
That filter should be fine to use with your tank. Canisters are much better than HOB/power filters for planted tanks any day. As long as there isn't too much surface agitation, CO2 levels should remain stable..(lower the spraybar/outflow at least 1" below the waterline.)

*Many of us here visit and post on many other forums as well ;) Nothing wrong with that...the more advice you can get, the better. Some forums just offer better advice than others.
 
Last edited:
I agree with Slappy. With the XP2, you'll be able to position the outflow so it doesn't disturb the surface. When the surface is disturbed/agitated, it allows more gas to exchange, not good if you're trying to keep CO2 in the water, that part the lfs employee had right. That person didn't know the product (the XP2) well enough though. As for too much current, there are numerous ways to alter the flow so as not to stress the fish/plants. You may want to research in the DIY Forum here at AC.
I have an XP3. They are excellent filters! Yes, when you add media, it restricts the flow some, don't worry, it'll work fine. Many people try to get 10 water exchanges per hour in there tank. If you have a 30 gal tank and the filter pumps 300gal/hr...there you go. Yes, there are fish that prefer slower water, but there will be slower spots in the tank. The majority of fish will be fine with 10 exchanges/hr.

HTH

...and Welcome to AC!
 
I'm running an XP2 on a 55. I don't use the flow control now, but I did when I first installed it. The spray bar made a whistling sound at full flow, so I cut it back to reduce the sound. I eventually went back and drilled out the holes larger to eliminate the sound and run at full flow. However, you should be able to adjust it to suit your tank with no problem. Angle it down from the surface like the previous poster said and it should disturb things less than a HOB filter would. Should keep the tank looking pretty good I think.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom