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Very Quiet
My husband and I just recently set up our tank that we have had for years. Seraching for a new filter system, a friend of ours recommended this one. We love it!! It's a little confusing to set up at first, but it's amazing! It's very quiet for such a big filter, and we are very happy with it.
[Monday, March 03, 2008]
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Reliable, efficient, quiet filter.
I did a lot of research when I was trying to decide on a canister filter for my 55-gallon aquarium, and saw a plethora of conflicting information. Eheim was supposedly the best brand, but people described it at "not user-friendly", and they can be a bit pricey. Others looked too cheaply-made to be worth the cost, and I didn't want to worry about replacing parts.
Eventually I settled on the Rena Filstar XP2 canister, and I've never been happier. It's reliable, quiet, and my water is crystal-clear (and that's saying something, since we have very heavy lime in my area). Any time I do a gravel-vac or move ornaments around, the XP2 has my water clear again within a few hours. Even when I slack off on cleaning the media, it keeps my aquarium balanced, runs smoothly, and maintains water circulation and current.
The only problem I've had was a defective hose clamp, so now I have a metal clamp there instead of the black one that came with it. I suggest having at least one on-hand so you don't have to go back to the store when setting up your filter. It also apparently has an automatic shutoff feature if you're silly and let the hose get crimped, like I did. That's the only time it ever ceased to function, which is far preferable to the motor burning out.
Priming this filter is a breeze, as are cleaning it and setting it to work again. The media lasts quite a while, and the only things not included are the Bio-Chem Stars. Definitely worth the money, especially if you're new to canister filters.
[Tuesday, February 12, 2008]
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Incredible Performance and Value
I've been using canister filters on my smaller tanks (20-55g) for the past decade and the RENA XP2 is the most impressive by far.
APPEARANCE
The kit was very neatly packaged. The filter itself is definitely not a real "looker", but it certainly has very clean lines. I expected some burrs on the plastic pieces, but there were none to be found. What else can I say about a filter that likely will be hidden away beneath a cabinet or behind the aquarium?
SETUP
It's ridiculous how easily the filter assembled. The media baskets are very practical and easy to manage, plenty of room for whatever you choose to filter with. The ONLY aspect I would consider potentially difficult was fitting the hoses to the rigid tubing -- easily remedied with a very light film of petroleum jelly, emphasis on "light". Once the clamp is in place it's nearly impossible to move the hose let alone pull it completely off the tubing. The instructions are clear and concise and the visuals so explicit the text is almost unnecessary.
OPERATION
I am not exaggerating when I say the filter generates only a whisper of noise. My wife wondered whether it was actually functioning until I opened the cabinet and she leaned over to listen. Amazing, considering the volume of water it's filtering. My water is crystal clear, well-balanced and the aquarium's occupants are healthy and robust -- testimony to how well the filter is functioning.
MAINTENANCE
I've never had another canister filter so easily maintained. Flip, pull, pop some clips and "voila" easy access to everything. I can change any media and swap filter pads all in less than 10 minutes. I'm so spoiled I wish I'd never have to see another wet-dry filter as long as I live.
You really can't go wrong with this one. Two thumbs way up.
[Saturday, January 26, 2008]
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