Filter media expertise needed for Rena Filstar series

[i pee in the sea]

Hi,

I own a Rena XP3, and I was just wondering what is the most cost effective way of filling in these media baskets?

In the past it's cost me a lot of money to replace them, and I think it's about time I smarten up!

So far I use

Bio-Chem Zorb (Carbon?) in the first basket for chemical
Bio-Chem Stars in the second basket for biological
and the 4 Foam pads for mechanical

I've read the sticky, and I'm still a little confused. Except for the biological one.

What can each of those be replaced without having to spend a lot of money?

Do I really need the chemical filtration? Can I replace them with a bunch of pan scrubs and sponges from the dollar store?

 

[creepyoldguy]

Just completely forget about your chemical filtration. Replace your chemical with more biological filtration of your choice. It's a one time investment and you're done. As far as the mechanical goes, I've had 2 xp4's for about a year and just rinse out the pads, I've never replaced them.

 

[i pee in the sea]

thanks creepyoldguy! (lol!)

Looks like I'll be heading to the dollar store to get a lot of pan scrubs