FilStar Canister Filters

Versatile, high performance aquarium canister filter loaded with convenient features. Height-adjustable inlet and customizable outlet system with spray bar, venturi, and outlet nozzle allow this filter to work efficiently on any type of aquarium. Flow control is above tank level for easy accessibility. Anti-overheating design protects motor if filter gets clogged. Disposable filtration pouches and filtration baskets with handles allow easy replacement of media. Extra-large basket chambers allow space for additional bio media such as Bio-Chem Stars or specialized media. 2-year manufacturer's warranty. Replacement Rotor/Impeller Assemblies available.

Includes: FilStar coarse and fine foams (2 each for XP2 and XP3) for particle collection, Micro-Filtration Pad for ultra-fine filtration, Bio-Chem Zorb filtration pouch for removal of organic waste.

Add a Rena SmartHeater for integrated heating.

Please click on "More Information" for instructions for use and product specifications.

• Height-adjustable inlet with extension pieces and strainer
• Customizable outlet system with spray bar, venturi, flow adjustment and outlet nozzle
• Suction cups for attaching all outlet and inlet tubes
• Filtration basket(s) with separation grid(s) for filter media
• Flexible inlet and outlet tubing (2 x 5 ft)
• 20 ppi open-cell foam(s) - removes coarse debris
• 30 ppi open-cell foam(s) - removes finer particles
• Micro-filtration pad - for ultra-fine filtration
• Bio-Chem Zorb pouch - for removal of organic waste
• Complete instructions with toll-free technical assistance

Easy Installation

• Adjustable height inlet tube, fits even the deepest aquariums
• Modular outlet system adjusts to any aquarium
• 160 degree rotation of inlet/outlet nozzles

Easy to Use

• Self-priming, easy start system
• Unique one-step water shut-off and disconnect control lever
• Easily accessible flow control from above tank level

Maximum Performance

• Bypass-free construction ensures complete filtration
• Maximum capacity baskets hold large amounts of filtration media
• Efficient 3-stage filtration: mechanical, chemical, and biological
• Long-life shaft will not degrade, even in saltwater

Maximum Reliability

• Unique antiairlock system ensures continuous flow
• Self-locking water shut-off system prevents accidental flow during maintenance
• Rubber feet prevent slipping and dampen noise and vibration
• Barbed nozzles and safety clips (included) ensure a watertight connection
• Anti-overheating design protects motor if filter is clogged

If you need replacement/additional instructions, please contact Aquarium Pharmaceuticals at www.aquariumpharm.com.

Installation Quick Guide

Before you begin
Make sure the filter is positioned between 24" (min) and 55" (max) BELOW the water level of the aquarium. The filter will need to sit on a level surface. Take a look at your aquarium and decide where you want to place the inlet and outlet pipes and the FilStar Canister Power Filter. Make sure the hoses will be long enough and won't be stretched after installation.

STEP 1
Check the Parts
Lay out all of the parts and make sure nothing is missing or damaged. Keep the Inlet & Outlet Parts separate.

STEP 2
Assemble the Inlet Pipe

STEP 3
Assemble the Outlet Pipe

STEP 4
Mount the Inlet & Output Assemblies, using the suction cups to hold them in place.

STEP 5
Set up the Venturi Valve on the Outlet Pipe Assembly.

STEP 6
Set up the Canister Filter

• Remove the Blue Motor Housing by releasing the four Canister Clips and remove the Media Basket(s). Inspect the contents making sure to remove the plastic bag from any media that was shipped wrapped in plastic. Stack the Media Basket back in the Canister Base. Make sure they are stacked straight and that the top Basket Lid has the raised circle facing up. Replace the Blue Motor Housing and secure the four clips to seal it to the base.
• Measure the Flexible Tubing to be attached to the Inlet & Output Assemblies. Cut the tubing so it will go onto the Quick Disconnect Valve with just a little slack (NOTE: It is very important NOT to cut the tubing too short. If the tubing is cut too short and creates tension on the Quick Release Valve, the unit may leak. Additionally, leaving the tubing too long may prevent the unit from priming).
• Push the tubing onto the barbs of the Quick Disconnect Valve, making sure to connect the tubing coming from the Inlet Pipe Assembly to the Inlet Barb and the tubing from the Outlet Pipe Assembly to the Outlet Barb. If these tubes are reversed, the filter will NOT operate correctly.
• Secure the Flexible Tubing with two Flexible Tubing Clamps.

STEP 7
Prime the Filter

• Lift the Lever on top of the Quick Disconnect Valve to prevent water from entering the filter. Remove the Inlet Pipe Cap on the Inlet Pipe Assembly.
• Insert the Priming Funnel into the Inlet Pipe Assembly. Using a cup, pour water into the Priming Funnel until the tubing between the Inlet Pipe and the Quick Disconnect Valve is full of water.
• Remove the Priming Funnel and replace the Inlet Pipe Cap securely. Make sure the Quick Disconnect Valve is fully seated in the blue motor housing, and then push the Lever down.
• The canister should begin to fill with water and air should be forced out through the tubing. Allow two minutes for the filter and tubing to fill completely.

STEP 8
Plug in the power cord to operate the FilStar Canister Power Filter

Maintenance
Clean canister, rinse foam pads, and replace micron filtration pad once monthly. Replace Bio-Chem Zorb every 1-3 months, depending on fish load.

Introduction to mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration:

In an aquatic environment, organic particles (leftover food, excrement, dead algae etc.) are always produced, which if not removed, will result in a high bio-load that encourages the development of nitrate and unsightly algae. Also, as fish digest their food and as bacteria break down fish food and other organic matter, ammonia (which is toxic to fish) is set free into the water. The following types of filtration methods are employed to remove these effects and maintain a suitable environment.

Mechanical Filtration is the physical removal of particulate matter from the water. This is achieved by introducing a mechanical barrier in the water flow that traps particles of a certain size according to filter material used. A mechanical filter is only effective when it is cleaned regularly, otherwise, bacteria will settle in and start breaking down the collected dirt, thus setting nutrients free into the water as well as becoming a bio-filter resulting in increased nitrate levels.

Biological Filtration is the process by which aerobic (nitrifying) bacteria convert the toxic ammonia into nitrite, which is only slightly less toxic than ammonia. Another bacteria changes nitrite into the relatively harmless nitrate. This process is known as nitrification, and in nature, takes place in aquatic habitats and soils where ammonia and sufficient oxygen are present.

The nitrifying bacteria develop naturally in an aquatic environment and will colonize any suitable filter media. Once a biological filter media has been established, it should be disturbed as little as possible since the bacteria colony maintains its level of activity according to the bio-load present in the system.

Chemical Filtration removes toxic or unwanted chemicals as the water passes through a chemical media or resin. A number of recent advancements have brought us new products that are targeted at removing specific chemicals or excess nutrients from the water. If used correctly, these medias can be incorporated into the filtration to both improve water quality, and reduce the amount of maintenance and water changes needed to sustain a healthy aquarium. Most of these medias do have adverse side effects for aquarium pets. It is, however, important to carefully monitor the water chemistry and perform water changes as necessary.

John Caster
Whittier, CA

I have the XP3 on my 55 gal. saltwater aquarium now for about a year and have absolutely NO problems whatsoever! I'm usually always in a hurry and have no time to maintain a high maintenance filter, which is why I decided to purchase this one. I clean it about once a month and is still doing pretty good by that time. Easy to clean, easy to install, easy to maintain. Good quality product.

Anonymous
[City Not Selected], CA

I bought two FilStar Canister Filters, one for a 110 gallon freshwater tank, and the other for a 40 gallon saltwater tank. I have tried many canister filters and have found that the FilStar is by far the most reliable and hard working. I strongly recommend it.

Dana Dickerson
Garland, TX

I purchased the XP2 for my 29 gallon, it keeps the water crystal clear. Filter maintenance is quick and easy. We have this filter in our family room and it is so quiet that you can't tell that it's running unless you open the aquarium stand.

John Logan
Miami, FL

I purchased an XP2 for my 50 gallon freshwater planted aquarium. The setup was super easy and the filter works great! The water is crystal clear and my fish and plants couldn't be healthier! No more bypass like I've experienced with hang on tank power filters. I've had canister filters that cost more than this but none were as easy to use or worked as well. I can't say enough good things about this filter!

Adam Harper
Arlington, TX

The Rena XP3 seemed to be the best filter for my money so I bought and installed it on my 100G Cichlid tank. It installed and worked beautifully! I loved it and bought another XP3 for my 120G show tank, and was just as satisfied. My daughter bought the XP1 for her smaller aquarium and it works fine there also. These are the best filters!!

Mike Koch
Charlotte, NC

The way a Filstar filters out large particles, then smaller particles, and finally minute particles is the way all filters should work. My tank has never been cleaner.

Jimmy Dunn
Atlanta, GA

I use to own all Magnum filters. I got really tired of gasket leaks and priming leaks so I tried Filstar . Now I own two of them - an XP3 and an XP2 . I use them on both saltwater and freshwater. I swear by them now. No leaks and multi-filter choices.

Carl Henson
Garland, TX

I purchased the XP3 about a month ago. I was running two 500 powerheads also on a new 125 gallon tank. I didn't understand why my tank was so cloudy. It was the new rocks. I turned the powerheads off, and the filter did the rest. My tank is very clear. This filter is the best.

Jon Stalker
Lapeer, MI

I've had the XP3 on my 75 gal. community tank for three months now and the water has never looked better. The water is crystal clear and odor free. I use Phos-Zorb and Nitra-Zorb in one media basket, and Bio-Chem Stars in the other along with the Bio-Zorb. Maintaining the filter only takes a few minutes too. Having a clean good looking tank has never been easier.

Steve Smola
Chicopee, MA

I purchased the XP3 on-line from Drs. Foster & Smith. It maintains a 37 Gal. aquarium with 34 fish. The water is clear, the fish are happy, and the unit is quiet. I would buy the RENA filstar again. I liked the filter so much I bought the RENA air pump.

Gaines Kergosien
Nashville, TN

This filter seems to be the best bang for the buck. It was very easy to install and seems to be working quite well. I like how they include various hardware for the return configuration. I'd highly recommend the XP3.

Martin Lakr
Forest, CA

I bought this filter for my 30 gallon tank a while ago, and I love it! It is so easy to clean and it is also very quiet.

James Stewart
San Angelo, TX

I recently purchased the FilStar XP3 Canister Filter for my 90-gallon African Cichlid tank. The water has never been so clear!!

Adam DiMartini
Berwyn, PA

I currently have a FilStar XP3 Canister Filter on my 180-gallon tank. Along with my AquaClear 500, my tank has never looked better. The FilStar Filters are easy to use and efficient. I love it!

Paul Ostrander
[City Not Selected], NY

I purchased a Rena FilStar one month ago. My aquarium water has never been clearer, it really sparkles. Also you can't hear it at all, easy set up, I consider this a real bargan.

Brian Cheung
Elk Grove, CA

I bought a XP4 lately for my 80 gallon turtle tank. My turtles are loving the water and the water is SO clean. Strongly recommend the XP4.

Jodie Arneson
Tumwater, WA

My Black Red-tailed Shark was always rubbing against the decorations in the tank, and then I replaced my 3 (50 gal size) power filters with an XP3. The shark stopped his rubbing and the water is always crystal clear. I've had my XP3 for over a year now, and have had no issues with the fish or water quality. A total must-have for any aquarium!

Jeffrey Barton
[City Not Selected], OH

I have a Rena XP1 on a 35 gallon hex tank. I have 5 large Oranda Goldfish in this tank. What a great filter, keeps water clean and clear. I clean the filter every 5th week. Filter media is very easy found at pet shops or online at Foster and Smith. Simple to maintain. Very quiet unit. I highly recommend this Rena XP1.

David Ehl
Encinitas, CA

I am running two of the xp3s on a 180 gallon Oscar tank and it works great. No hassle maintenence and setup and crystal clear water. Buy this.

Peter Metherall
Cambridge, WI

Just replaced my Eheim Classic 2213 filter with a Filstar XP1. The Eheim was an excellent filter, but it finally died of old age. Just to try something different, I chose the XP1 and am very, very satisfied. Although my aquarium (30-gal. xtra high) water clarity has been what I considered excellent, I noticed a visible improvement within 24 hours with the XP1. I was pleasantly surprised. My freshwater aquarium is heavily planted and CO2 fertilized and, as such, I really like the ability to dial down the gph and not shred the plants in a blast of water (the included spray-bar helps here too). The tank is mature and the nitrifying bacteria in the filter and tank are doing their job and I think I finally have the number of fish right, so I don't have to run the filter at flank speed. I could go on, but the bottom line is that this is a great little filter for not a lot of money. Oh yeah, it's very quiet too. I would certainly recommend it to a friend.

Cheryl Richards
Cincinnati, OH

I purchased the Filstar XP3 2.5 years ago and it is the best filter I have ever bought. I have been in the aquarium hobby for about 27 years and I definitely recommend this filter because it performs well and is easy to maintain.