Do I need to fill the baskets? Like the bottom one is full with the sponges, then the ceramic rings fill the second basket. Then fill the top basket with floss/batting then the micros pad, as it is very thin? Sorry I am taking long to understand this, it is just very confusing so many choices and don't want to make the wrong one lol
Just Bought an XP3 and have a question
- Thread starter Hunter74
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Do I need to fill the baskets? Like the bottom one is full with the sponges, then the ceramic rings fill the second basket. Then fill the top basket with floss/batting then the micros pad, as it is very thin? Sorry I am taking long to understand this, it is just very confusing so many choices and don't want to make the wrong one lol
I don't think they need to be filled tightly, in fact with floss packed is not good. I had to remove some after the first time, I thought it might impede the flow or cause the water to bypass the media.
With the batting I think I used 2 or 3 layer, mine wasn't very dense. You could really use all sponges if you wanted but batts & floss get the fine stuff better & they're much cheaper than the micron pads.
Don't wait to clean it until the flow is slowed. I would also continue using the AC, I use both XP3 & AC 70s on a 55g & 75g. It helps with water movement
With the batting I think I used 2 or 3 layer, mine wasn't very dense. You could really use all sponges if you wanted but batts & floss get the fine stuff better & they're much cheaper than the micron pads.
Don't wait to clean it until the flow is slowed. I would also continue using the AC, I use both XP3 & AC 70s on a 55g & 75g. It helps with water movement
All have great inputs on this canister! Basically with the bio media, just try and keep it all together, meaning not try and put some in one tran and then skip a tray an put more. Before I went completely bio media, I use the center tray for strictly bio media. The chemical filtration can be mixed 1/2 and 1/2 in the same tray and should be fine. Fishorama had some good comments about floss and clogging. Remember, the finer the filter media, the quicker it will clog and the more frequently you will have to clean your filter or at least replace the floss. Ebay sells floss in bulk for CHEAP! That's where I get mine for my wet/dry system on my discus tank. Just cut it to fit!
I definately will keep the aquaclear running.
So I guess I will let it run as is for now. for a few weeks till it gets good bacteria going in the sponges, then I will swap out the chemical stuff for more bio rings and some batting and try that out.
Thanks for all your help.
So I guess I will let it run as is for now. for a few weeks till it gets good bacteria going in the sponges, then I will swap out the chemical stuff for more bio rings and some batting and try that out.
Thanks for all your help.
One more questions about this filter. Was anybody able to get the hoses on the reccomended 2 inches onto the tubes. I barely got 1 1/2" until I said screw it and clamped them there. I figured it should be ok, as the intake and output on the actualy filter don't go on a full 2 inches and I was able push the hose all the way to the end of the nozzles on the filter.
No, not even after soaking the hose ends in HOT water. It's 1 more thing I check on at filter maintenance time or should...
I have a XP3 as well. I use sponges in the bottom, ceramic rings in the middle and filter media (fiberglass, etc.) on the top. I only use activated charcoal to clear the water of meds.
