Rena XP2 - Use Bio-Chem Stars?

[realdeal]

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]

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]

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

 

[neilanh]

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]

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

 

[rich311k]

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]

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