Rena XP2 - Use Bio-Chem Stars? - Aquarium Advice

realdeal · 10-03-2007, 09:47 PM

I am in the process of setting up my XP2 and the instructions recommend either Bio-Chem Stars or Ceramic Rings to be added to one of the trays.

I will be housing community fish in my tank.

Do you guys recommend using one of the above items? If so, which- the stars or the rings?

Also, how often do I need to replace the stars/rings? What about the foam pads? microfiltration pad? Carbon?

NoSvOrAx · 10-03-2007, 10:33 PM

The stars are expensive. I have some that came with my xp4s, but mostly my filters are filled with the fluval biomax (rings). They are less than half the cost of the stars....

rich311k · 10-03-2007, 10:36 PM

I don't think it much matters. I use the ceramic noodle things myself.

neilanh · 10-03-2007, 11:02 PM

They all accomplish the same thing. I prefer the ceramic rings over the stars and bioballs because they sink and stay in the baskets better.

realdeal · 10-04-2007, 08:40 AM

How often does each piece of media need to be changed/rinsed?

rich311k · 10-04-2007, 09:25 AM

My coarse sponges get rinsed every month. I use them until they fall apart.

My fine sponges I rinse monthly and change every couple of months.

I only rinse the bio media when it is really ugly looking.

theotheragentm · 10-04-2007, 11:48 AM

I like the ones that look like Cocoa Puffs, because they look like Cocoa Puffs.

10-03-2007, 09:47 PM	#1
realdeal Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New York Posts: 44 Images: 2	Rena XP2 - Use Bio-Chem Stars? I am in the process of setting up my XP2 and the instructions recommend either Bio-Chem Stars or Ceramic Rings to be added to one of the trays. I will be housing community fish in my tank. Do you guys recommend using one of the above items? If so, which- the stars or the rings? Also, how often do I need to replace the stars/rings? What about the foam pads? microfiltration pad? Carbon?

10-03-2007, 11:02 PM	#4
neilanh MTS Advocate Community Mentor Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 2,931 Images: 15	They all accomplish the same thing. I prefer the ceramic rings over the stars and bioballs because they sink and stay in the baskets better. __________________ ~Neilan In the DC Metro Area? Check out GWAPA Look, I have a My Info Page! Where's yours? Useful Links: Vote for AA, Nitrogen Cycle, Fishless Cycling, Articles, Acronym List

10-04-2007, 11:48 AM	#7
theotheragentm Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,172	I like the ones that look like Cocoa Puffs, because they look like Cocoa Puffs. __________________ Box of Water - My Personal Musing and Photos on Fish Keeping

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Replumbing my Rena XP2, need help!!	helicopter	DIY Projects	7	05-02-2007 09:13 AM
Rena XP2 quite noisy.	Marconis	General Hardware/Equipment Discussion	15	03-22-2007 07:18 PM
FS: Rena Filstar xp2 - PA		Classifieds	0	01-30-2006 04:20 PM
rena xp2 or xp3	cabbspapp	General Hardware/Equipment Discussion	6	09-27-2005 04:53 PM
My Rena Xp2 Review	FMZ	General Hardware/Equipment Discussion	4	04-25-2004 12:28 AM

10-03-2007, 10:33 PM	#2
NoSvOrAx Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 144	The stars are expensive. I have some that came with my xp4s, but mostly my filters are filled with the fluval biomax (rings). They are less than half the cost of the stars....

10-03-2007, 10:36 PM	#3
rich311k Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 8,849 Images: 35	I don't think it much matters. I use the ceramic noodle things myself.

10-04-2007, 08:40 AM	#5
realdeal Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New York Posts: 44 Images: 2	How often does each piece of media need to be changed/rinsed?

10-04-2007, 09:25 AM	#6
rich311k Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 8,849 Images: 35	My coarse sponges get rinsed every month. I use them until they fall apart. My fine sponges I rinse monthly and change every couple of months. I only rinse the bio media when it is really ugly looking.