New Filstar XP L (up to 175 gal) Filter

[Empyreal]

So I've had a 100 gal tank with only a Emperor 400 filter on it for a while, so wanted to get another filter. My girlfriend just surprised me with a Filstar XP L (up to 175 gal). Any thoughts or suggestions? I have not set it up yet.
Also, does it matter how I place the outtake in the tank? For example, instead of being hung over the edge of the tank I may have to lay it sideways because of my tank structure, will this effect the outflow? Thanks guys!

 

[tehmole]

It's a great filter for a budget ... fill it up with ceramic rings. i think it'll be find once you prime it ... how i prime would fill the canister with water first (primed or from your tank), turn the unit on ... open a latch to let the air out ...BAM you're primed...

 

[Empyreal]

Thanks for the response tehmole! I noticed that the filter only came with 5 star biostars (the things that the bacteria grow on). It doesn't seem like enough. Should I get more or is it fine?

 

[soul_assassin]

I would gget more Matrix for it

 

[thacarter546]

I run three of these. Stuff em with matrix. I have one filled with denitrate because it was on sale. With a little bit of biomax from my old AC110 and some ceramic rings. One filled with Rena biostars got em for 2 dollars per 20 pack on clearance. The other stuffed with matrix.

You can also get odyssea ceramic biorings for next to nothing off ebay or aquatraders.

 

[Empyreal]

Not sure what Matrix is exactly? Could you recommend a specific item/product to fill the Biological filter? Sorry this is my first time with a Canister filter and I appreciate the advice.