Rena Filstar XP2

Raphael · Post by **Raphael** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 1:03 pm

I bought the rena filstar xp2 from my LFS because I have planned to buy an 80 US gallon reef. I am buying things step by step for the reef tank. I will probably have the reef tank in April. I know I have kept it secret for about two weeks but now I'm telling you

In the meantime, could I use this filter for my 22 US gallon F8 tank to get used to using it or is it too powerful?

Raphael · Post by **Raphael** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 6:00 pm

Hello? Does anyone know?

penpitt · Post by **penpitt** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 7:35 pm

I run a xp-2 on my 50 gallon gsp tank and it has quite a bit of current for the tank. If you use the spraybar attachment and reduce the flow some it might be fine.

YBeNormal · Post by **YBeNormal** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 9:13 pm

Canister filters are normally frowned upon for reef tanks. Rather, you should consider live rock and a good skimmer, preferably with a sump and refugium as well. You should also be aware that running a reef tank may require a pretty substantial investment in lighting, pumps/power heads, supplements and test kits. I'm not trying to turn you away from going with a reef tank, but I'd hate for you to go into this without understanding the costs.

Have you had a chance to visit the forums at reefcentral.com?

Raphael · Post by **Raphael** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 3:57 am

I know, I am a member of reef central and have had a 4 page conversation about this. I will be getting a skimmer (Aqua C remora pro) and 2 filters. I will also be getting some powerheads. I was planning on getting live rock and possibly some live sand. The tank that I want to use the rena filter with is only 22 US gallons, is that overpowered?

YBeNormal · Post by **YBeNormal** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 12:05 pm

I don't have any experience w/ the rena filstar xp2 but I see that it is rated for 300g/hr and up to 72 gallon tanks. Pumps and filters are usually overrated to begin with and you can expect some reduction due to head loss, especially if you use a spray bar. As long as you are not planning on using the filter on a tank with live plants or with fish that prefer calmer water (e.g. FW angelfish), I think it will be OK.

So you are going to use two canister filters and an Aqua C on your reef tank?

Raphael · Post by **Raphael** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 1:30 pm

Yes I will be having two canister filters and an Aqua C Remora Pro.

Post by **Myaj** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 2:58 pm

I have the XP3 on a 33 long tank, and man that sucker is powerful. But the fish love it.

I'd say the XP2 might work on a 22 gallon tank, depending on the fish and the tank dimentions. Fish that like current will be just fine, and if its a longer tank, that will help too.

I use the power jet instead of the spraybar, I'm sure the spraybar spreads out the water movement a little. I just like setting up the jet to spray down the entire length of the tank so the fish can swim into the current.

Raphael · Post by **Raphael** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 3:15 pm

I have F8s in the tank.

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:52 pm

Are the F8s going into the reef?

Raphael · Post by **Raphael** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:54 pm

No, I am slowly buying equipment for the reef. SO far I only have the Rena filter and was wandering if I could use it on my 22 US gallon F8 tank in the meantime to leaarn how to use it.

YBeNormal · Post by **YBeNormal** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 6:47 pm

Personally, I'd drop the canisters and invest in some live rock and a good skimmer. Canisters are great on FW & BW tanks but on SW tanks they can become nitrate factories and are more trouble than they are worth.

lisalisa · Post by **lisalisa** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 7:57 pm

I can secod that Ybe. I use a my canister for short periods only on my SW if I need some water polishing for some special event.

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 7:59 pm

I started out my SW GSP tank w an Eheim & AC 500. Eventually dropped both, due to high nitrAtes & got LR, a DSB & bought a skimmer. I still use the AC for carbon only though.

lisalisa · Post by **lisalisa** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 8:02 pm

I suppose the AC is your source of mech filtration too PP? I like AC's quite a bit personally. I use them on all my FW & BW tanks.

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