newb questions xp3

erraticichlid

AC Members
Jul 29, 2008
42
0
0
42
this may be a dumb question but here goes . i have a xp3 filter / pump whatever on my 55 gal tank . the pipe that allows the water to flow back into the tank should it be under the water or on top where the water returning falls into the tank ? i thought it was supose to fallin but i saw a pic and it looks like this guys is under the water . the reason for me aksing is because mine splashes water up onto the hood lid on the top cover of my tank and thin from there a bead runs down the front of my tank no major water leekig but none the less im tierd of cleaning the white line off the front of my tank everyday . also should i buy a tank heater ?
 
I can't answer your filter question, but as for the heater, it depends on the fish you want to keep and what the climate is like where you live. Research the fish you want, on websites or in books, and see what temperatures those fish require. Most tropical fish need to be in the high 70's or low 80's. I think most people need tank heaters to keep tropical fish.
I actually don't use a heater because I'm in Hawaii and my tank stays naturally at tropical temperatures. In fact, it's really too hot in there for my rosy barbs, which are subtropical fish and like water in the mid-60's to lower 70's. If I'd followed the advice I just gave you and researched them better before I bought them, I'd have taken that into consideration..... :)
 
Last edited:
Yes, for the Rena canister filters the spray bar (pipe returning water to tank) should DEFINITELY be under water. If you bought the filter new, I believe the instructions are pretty clear about it. And, as for a heater, most places in the US you will need one for tropical fish, as they need water usually somewhere in the high 70s or low 80s, depending on the fish. Of course if you are in a tropical climate, your tank may naturally stay at these temps, or if you are keeping goldfish or other coldwater species, you don't need one.
 
:iagree:

The output, spraybar or jet, should be under water. A heater is almost definitely needed.
 
I keep my community tank (tropicals) a balmy 82 degrees year round. :cheers:
In my neck of the woods, It gets pretty cold -20 in the winter so a heater is a must.
 
The intake should ALWAYS be underwater.......






















That being said the spraybar should be underwater too lol
 
no i did not buy the filter new i live around LSU and a frat guy was moveing out he was going to throw it away and new i liked tanks and asked me if i wanted it so i took it. i needed a bigger tank for my fish and cool i realy wasnt sure about the spray bar seeing as im not in the same house as my tanks right now ill be putting it under the water but i think thats going to be kinda a stretch unless i almost fill my tank completely hmm should i fill my tank ? its right now about 4 - 5 inches from the top of the actualy glass and i live in louisiana its a tropical state very humid and hot most of the year our xmas is even hot but ill check its temp to see if i need a heater thanks
 
why does the output have to be under water?
 
It doesnt. lol

If you dont mind the splashing effect keep it above water!
 
it deosnt have to be below the water but it doesnt matter if it is below or above right ?
o and another question i started noticeing today that my tank is a little cloudy wondering what i can do to make the water clear again
 
AquariaCentral.com