Equipment Review and Discussion :: 20 gallon tank & a Rena XP3 filter

[annar]

I think Sam has gotten big enough to produce more waste than the Reptofilter can handle. I knew I'd have to replace that filter eventually, so I bought the XP3 when I saw it on sale. I know the general turtle rule is that you can't over filter, but after seeing the size of the XP3 I'm wondering if it's possible to use this with my 20 gallon long aquarium. I also have the Rena Smart heater that I can attach to the output. Can I use these on the 20 gallon tank that I have now or should I wait until I upgrade the tank, too? Thanks!

[PridgNYC]

Sure, but you might need to turn down the flow rate on the output side. There is a flow rate lever on the spray bar, but some have complained that it makes a whistling sound, you could also just pack more media in there to cut flow rates. I'd just try it first, and see what works. Pointing the spray bars at the wall of the tank also helps control currents. Besides the turtles love currents (unless it is so strong it glues them to the intake).

[annar]

Thanks for the tips! I'm planning on moving the tank and setting it all up this weekend, so I'll post back the results. I'll try packing some more media in there, too.

[VeipaCray]

Your turtle will be fine in the current. The big reason to cut down flow is if you have sand substrate and the filter is strong enough to kick up a constant sand storm.

[Love of Animals]

As PridgeNYC said you can point the spray bar towards the tank wall to cut down on current. I read somewhere that dialing down the filter flow may cause extra strain on the filter, shortening it's life. Not sure if that's true. Sure VeipaCray can confirm or debunk that.

[VeipaCray]

Restricting the flow on the output of a pump a little bit isn't bad. What you definitely do NOT want to do is restrict the incoming feed to the pump.

[PridgNYC]

Also, the main advantage of a canister is that you an place the outflow and inflow as far apart as needed to create the flows you want in the tank. Turtles like rivers (and lakes too).

[annar]

Just to provide an update - I tried hooking up the XP3 this weekend. Before it was completely primed, it started leaking out the top near the inflow nozzle. I couldn't get it working properly, so I put a Tetra Whisper in there until I can figure out what's going on with the XP3. Thanks for everybody's help and advice. When I get the Rena working, I'll put them all into practice.

[steve]

Was there any cracks in the nozzle/extension pieces?

[annar]

I haven't been able to find any cracks. It's brand new and it all looks fine. Right now, I've been checking if water got into places that it shouldn't have in the motor section. I hear some, but it doesn't seem to be coming out. I'm going to give it all another shot later in the week.

[steve]

Did you remove the funnel and put the cap back on? I can't think of anywhere else it might leak from.

[annar]

Yup. I made sure to take out the funnel and put the cap back on before I started it up. My brother-in-law is coming over this weekend to take a look at it. He used to have large fish tanks, so he has some filter experience. I'll let you know what happens.

[steve]

OK, good luck!