Media Suggestion for Rena xp3 canister filter

**sara528** · 07-06-2012, 01:28 AM

Hello,

I am pretty new to canister filters and I find them to be pretty intimidating. I am looking for some advice and suggestions. I have a 75 gallon freshwater aquarium non-planted with a rena xp3 canister. I only have used the media that came with the filter, and I am at the point where I would like to know more about the canister and learn about different media and how to use them to better my aquarium. I am wondering what other media I could or should add to my filter to better my aquarium or should I not add anything at all. Any suggestions or insight would be greatly appreciate.

Thanks in advance!

**Strider199** · 07-06-2012, 02:13 AM

The more bio-media you can have in any filter the better. If your tank has a cloudy appearance then add some more pads. I have added peat moss in a bag to one compartment to lower my pH. I have since taken it out because a stable pH has been known to be better for the stock then one which I try to control. Add as much bio-media as practical. This will keep your tanks water parameters where you prefer them.

**Lady Hobbs** · 07-06-2012, 02:22 AM

Canisters are awesome. You can add bags of Chemi-Pure or Phosphate removers. You can use foam or pillow stuffing, Bio-Max or Bio-Balls. Coarse filtering or filter sheets. Ammonia or nitrate removers. You will get the hang of it and will fill it how it works best for you.

I happen to use coarse filtering for the bottom basket, pillow stuff in the middle for fine particle remover and bio-max on top where the water is the cleaniest. You will figure out how you get the best results.

**dmagerl** · 07-06-2012, 02:53 AM

My XP3 tends to spew bubbles when the input flow becomes just the slightest bit restricted. Therefore, I dont use any fine filter media/floss in mine.

I use just the course/fine sponges in the bottom tray and bio media split between the middle and top trays. I've never noticed any difference with or without floss.

Its sort of a joke what they include with the filter as biomedia, just a few of those plastic star thingies. You'll want to buy additional media of whatever brand you prefer.