Canister or HOB?

[Noto]

Yeah, you can definitely change the media to suit your preference in your HOB, and I like using lots of sponges too. I only use carbon to remove medication, and I'm not totally sold on the ceramic filter media. Sponges are reliable and easy to clean.

 

[ProblEmZ]

ok, here is another question....For Ac70 can i use three block sponges instead of using the carbon and biomax pellets...??? I find it easier to just run then with three sponges...the carbon and biomax pellets always seem to rip open....

You could but bio max is such a good media for bio. Get "the Bag" those things rock i haven't had one rip open just yet. Every time one of my Bio Max bags rip i break out "the Bag".

 

[TheFishJunky]

I've heard that the XP4 is poorly designed- basically just a taller XP3 with a stronger pump, but the same sized plumbing. Try the XP3 before you give up on Rena entirely.

no offense,you could be totally correct-100% but I'll never buy a Rena again.As a consumer in todays market-dont put out a bad product and expect to be "okay".I am a cannister fiend and Rena may well have been my new "cannister fav."but unfortunately,I was burned the first time and that is all ya get with me.Ill pay more for fluval and at least know they are the best in my opinion.

 

[Noto]

I'd probably do the same in your shoes. It's a shame, though, because the XP3 really is a good filter.

 

[heavyhitter]

well im thinking of using two ac70s...will this be good enought for my 55g???

That would be a great solution. You can rotate cleaning schedules with them them.

 

[polish]

no offense,you could be totally correct-100% but I'll never buy a Rena again.As a consumer in todays market-dont put out a bad product and expect to be "okay".I am a cannister fiend and Rena may well have been my new "cannister fav."but unfortunately,I was burned the first time and that is all ya get with me.Ill pay more for fluval and at least know they are the best in my opinion.

I was in the same boat except with Aquaclear, I got a 110 and it was terrible. I tossed it, I'll never recommend them. However I have nothing but good to say about the Rena XP1, XP2, and XP3. I have never used a XP4, for that price I'd try an FX5. And as someone said the XP4 isn't the best design, I've read that as well. I guess due to the strong pump it clogs easier since they didn't increase the actual filter size.

 

[heavyhitter]

ok, here is another question....For Ac70 can i use three block sponges instead of using the carbon and biomax pellets...??? I find it easier to just run then with three sponges...the carbon and biomax pellets always seem to rip open....

Dont even use the carbon. Keep it untill you need it. Only use carbon if you need to remove medication or something.

2 sponges and the biomax is decent.

Contrary to popular belief sponges are not "just" mechanical, they are also offer a bed for biological activity.

 

[sp33dstix]

ok, here is another question....For Ac70 can i use three block sponges instead of using the carbon and biomax pellets...??? I find it easier to just run then with three sponges...the carbon and biomax pellets always seem to rip open....

This is what I do with my AC's
Bottom = foam block sponge
Middle = filter floss
Top = biomax
You could have on all mech filter and one all bio filter as well, just make sure you have a prefilter for the biomax.

Working at a LFS we NEVER used carbon, only for removing meds, we usually just had huge sponge filters in every tank. Carbon = waste of money IMO. Our show tanks ran using fluvals and all we had in them was the foam sponge and biomax, sometimes filter floss before the biomax, just make sure you keep up on water changes. You should be fine.

In your case, I would purchase a AC110 and make it bio only, and the ac70 I would put a foam block and the rest filter floss, you should have some crystal clear water in no time.