Rena Filstar XP1 Canister

Andyoybna

Manufacturer specifications:

250GPH (142 with media)
Up to 45 Gallon Aquarium
13 Watts
0.334 Amps
Max. Water head: 47 Inches
WIDTH 8.25 IN. HEIGHT 8.25 IN. LENGTH 9.5 IN.

2 Year Warranty

Price range: $65-$110


My first impressions when I got this filter home and opened up the box was definitely a good one, everything was there, lots of different accessories and connections to customize the set up, nicely sized full color instruction manual.

My use for this filter was a 29Gallon aquarium, it housed 2 Jack Dempseys (full grown) however the jacks have been moved to a different tank, and this filter will be used for a pair of seahorses (main reason I bought it)

The Media:
The canister comes with the option for using carbon, however the main filter media is varying density foam sponges and floss, this model uses 4 layers, and like most/all canisters is customizable for your particular needs.

The set up:

There was definitely a good mess of different fittings and connectors in the box, neatly organized, suction cups, extensions, clamps, a spray bar, several elbows, flow valve. I opted to use the spray bar.

Connecting everything together was pretty easy, fittings simply snapped in place, the intake strainer had extensions in approximately 4" intervals, making setting the depth pretty easy. As for setting up the "out" end, the instruction manual was definitely helpful, since each fitting was not as self explanatory as it first seemed, and took a bit of messing around with to figure out where it all went, and where the flow valve went.

The tubing, really my biggest issue with this filter is that it comes with (3/4"?) non-flexible tubing, basically the same clear stuff that comes with your gravel vac. When I attached the tubing to the intake and outflow fittings on the tank, it twisted and pulled them out of position, it wanted to kink, and it was hard getting everything back into place. Also, the little plastic clamps that come with the filter are all but useless, I wouldn't trust them for anything, however the way the fittings are ribbed coming loose would be highly unlikely. If you are however concerned about the fittings coming loose, you could pick up some small radiator hose clamps at your local auto parts store.

Priming:
Another area I had issues with was priming, it was a real pain! The manufacturer wants you to unscrew a cap on the intake hose, insert a funnel, and pour in a glass of water. Although in theory... it may start a siphon, it in fact does not, so instead of that glass, which I gave up on, I went and got a pitcher, about 6 pitchers of water in fact, about half of which ended up on my floor. You are better off filling the filter with water before you even start to prime it. However, after that mess, I turned it on, and it ran smoothly, and stayed primed and restarted through a couple of power surges lately as well.

Cleaning:

Although I haven't had to clean the filter yet, it looks very, very easy, there is a flow control valve on the outflow, which you can turn the flow off with, and there is dual ball valves on the filter where the hoses attach to stop the flow as well. Turn off the filter, stop the flow, remove hose connector, take filter to the sink, rinse media, and you're done, reconnect hoses, and turn it back on, should self-prime at this point.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with the performance of this filter, although I've only used it on a tank for two weeks, it was an immediate improvement over the whisper 30-60 it replaced, and kept the water very clear. Noise is non existent unless you let the water level fall below the spray bar, it seems to move plenty of water for this sized tank, although I probably wouldn't use it on anything bigger than my 29, a 33 cube, or 37 tall would be fine, however, unless understocked, the advertised 45 gal tank would be pushing it.

Bang for your buck?

Well, I picked this thing up 75% because the box was in bad shape, however even if I did pay full price, it would be well worth it, although I usually use HOB power filters on smaller tanks, this is much more efficient without making the tank Niagara falls.

harley3k

I just set up a XP2 on my 55gal, and I have to say that I didn't have the same problem with priming. If you add the 3/4 of a cup of water, and then replace the cap it seems to work as advertised. If the cap is left off, it won't autofill.

jd@ga

If I might add, first installation is a little tricky. Here are some tips for this filter and some other canisters that might help out. On tubing , measure twice cut once. Always leave a little slack in your measurements better safe than sorry. When you`r installing inlets and outlets on the hoses use spit or a small bit of vaseline or water conditionerthis helps out a lot . Make sure you use all the parts that come with the filter , hose clamps and tank elbows, suction cups etc. Don`t be afraid to back up those hose clamps with extras. Just be careful not to cut the hoses with them. Small particle media shouldn`t be used unless it is in a media or nylon bags. As I mentioned above first time installation may be a little tricky but, the more you do anything the easier it gets.

Jay

I've had the fillstar lll on my 75 for years...Love it. I do recall that the hoses were a bit of a struggle, soaking them for a bit in hot water makes them a lot easier to deal with.

I also used store bought plastic hose clamps.

Never have a problem with self priming as long as I remembered to screw the cap back on before engaging the hose attachment.

Jay