Rena FilStar Canister Filters

Purpose of the canister filter:

A canister filter is a large, powerful aquarium filter that is used for mechanical, biological and chemical filtration using media trays.  They usually are outside of the aquarium and can be "hidden" in an aquarium stand or below the tank.  They are completely enclosed and range in various sizes and heights.  There are two valves, intake and outtake which have a connecting tube that runs into the aquarium.  When compared to a hang on back (HOB) tank filter, canisters can sometimes go several months without maintenance depending on your biological load.

Types:

XP1:  Up to 45 gal., 250 gallons per hour of flow, consumes 13W of electricity, 1 media basket

XP2:  Up to 75 gal., 300 gallons per hour of flow, consumes 16W of electricity, 2 media baskets

XP3:  Up to 175 gal., 350 gallons per hour of flow, consumes 19W of electricity, 3 media baskets

XP4:  Up to 265 gal., 450 gallons per hour of flow, consumes 31W of electricity, 4 media baskets

Contents of Each Filter:

- Height-adjustable inlet with extension pieces and strainer.
- Customizable outlet system with spraybar, venturi, flow adjustment and outlet nozzle.
- Suction cups for attaching all outlet and inlet tubes.
- Filtration basket(s) with separation grid(s) for filter media.
- Flexible inlet and outlet tubing (2 x 5 ft.)
- 20 ppi open-cell foam(s) - removes coarse debris.
- 30 ppi open-cell foam(s) - removes finer particles.
- Micro-filtration pad for ultra-fine filtration.
- Bio-Chem Zorb pouch - for removal of organic waste.
- Complete instructions with toll-free technical assistance.

Features:

By-pass free design that ensures water flow through filter media.

Multi-use filtration baskets with handles

Easy accessible impeller and anti-lock system

Extremely Quiet

Self-priming

One-step water shut-off and disconnect lever

Personal Experience:

I have had an XP3 filter now for about 2 months on my 30 gallon tank and I must say, it is absolutely wonderful.  I had a hang on back tank filter that just couldn't do what the XP3 does.  I choose to with an XP3 even though it's rated for almost 100 gallons more than what I have, but overfiltration is better than underfiltration.  It allows me to completely customize the media baskets so if I want even cleaner water I can simply add another micro-filtration pad or a super-micro filtration pad in about 5 minutes.  It was easy to set up and only took me about 30 minutes start to finish to get up and running.  It is super quiet after about the first 24 hours when any and all air bubbles exit the system.  I would buy again, in fact I have bought another one for an up coming 125 gallon tank I am going to have.