dont no anything about a canister filter

[fishkeeper25]

hi i recently bought my tank and it came with a canister filter. i no NOTHING about it. i went to the lfs and bought the media needed, i bought those ceramic rings and carbon. the model of is a rena filstar xp3. is this a good filter for a 65 gallon with big cichlids, and why is there a valve that makes it go stronger? should it be kept on the max or the min?

thanks guys

 

[tcarswell]

There should be some easy start instructions follow those. Make sure the exhaust from the canister and the intake are properly secured or you can possibly run in to a flood type situation. Also pre wash all your media well (I use a colander) For carbon I use a brine shrimp net but I am sure you can figure something out like a big bowl with slow water washing it . Is the tank cycled yet ? PM me or post up if you hit hang ups during the installation.

 

[sutherland]

hi i recently bought my tank and it came with a canister filter. i no NOTHING about it. i went to the lfs and bought the media needed, i bought those ceramic rings and carbon. the model of is a rena filstar xp3. is this a good filter for a 65 gallon with big cichlids, and why is there a valve that makes it go stronger? should it be kept on the max or the min?

thanks guys

Good pickup! Housed within the filtration unit are three trays, and with those three, you can place just about anything you wish (depending on your needs). Cichlids are messy fish, so in your first two trays (bottom: coarse / middle: fine or medium). The top tray, run some bio-media (bio-stars, ceramic "noodles") etc. You can even top it all off with a micro-polisher.

I wouldn't be concerned about carbon, it's best used when you want to remove something (whether it be meds or coloration etc.).

The XP3 will be fine for the 65, however, it could use a little help. Not by means of extra filtration, but more so on your account. Like previously mentioned, cichlids are messy, and weekly water changes are a MUST.

 

[fishkeeper25]

i have set up everything. and it seems to be running good. the first night i filled half the tank with freash tap water and let it rest for a day with the filter working. the second day i added the water of my 35 gallon in the 65 and then added my fish will this be alright its the first time i cycle my tank i never new you had to cycle. my fish is a red devil how seems fine so far hes eating and all

 

[tcarswell]

i have set up everything. and it seems to be running good. the first night i filled half the tank with freash tap water and let it rest for a day with the filter working. the second day i added the water of my 35 gallon in the 65 and then added my fish will this be alright its the first time i cycle my tank i never new you had to cycle. my fish is a red devil how seems fine so far hes eating and all

The best thing you can do for cycling is add your old filter for at least a week.And any ornaments / stuff that is from your 35 which was most likely cycled if its older than 3 months. I only added the carbon directions because you already bought it. There are some better ways to go but carbon is a good way to start a tank and I occasionally run it for water polishing.

Best of luck to ya