Rena Filstar Xp3 - Noisy!

[Bloo]

I just got a new tank that had a practically brand new (3 month old) Rena Filstar XP3 on it. I'm really disappointed with it though and find it almighty noisy - compared to my previous Eheims that is

My Eheims have always been absolutely silent and you couldn't even hear it unless you pressed your ear to it - and even then it was the faintest of humm's. But this thing has a loud "rattle and shake" to it

It does however have a powerful outflow - but that's the only good thing on it.

What would be a good comparable Eheim alternative for a 100 US gallon ?

I currently have my Eheim 2224 hooked up in conjunction with the Rena (not together - the Eheim is on the other side of the tank) - just as some added filtration.

 

[Fillet 'O' Fish]

Hi Bloo

I have the XP3 also. When I first set it up I found it noisy also.
I took the lid off, opened the impella housing (small circular dial in centre of underside of lid) and pulled the magnetic propella out. Cleaned the inside of the socket and wiped the magnetic cylinder and put all back together.
That seemed to stop the rattling ...mines totally silent now

I also find that when cleaning the canister, put the top on and clamp down and then fill carefully from the hose openings. Let it stand for a bit and then gentley tap the side of the canister and air bubbles should be dispelled. This stops the rattling when the air is trapped in the impeller housing in the lid.

Mines been going for just over 4 months and still is just a gentle hum barely audable.

Hope that helps a little.

 

[AMS]

Agreed. Dont give up on the XP3 just yet, initially they are quite noisy. I reccomend trying what Fillet suggested, as that is how everyone seems to stop the noise and make everything run smoothly. The XP3 is a great canister, one of the best I have seen.

 

[Bloo]

I'll hang onto it and see how it goes because I'm sure it's nice and powerful.
But the thing is, the filter was only used for three months - but that was 9 months ago and has since been sitting high and dry. It actually looks brand spanking new and there's not a speck of dirt to be seen really. So wiping the impeller isn't going to help I think
Perhaps it just needs some more time to settle in, so I'll see how it goes.

Thanks you guys

 

[sub.42]

I'll hang onto it and see how it goes because I'm sure it's nice and powerful.
But the thing is, the filter was only used for three months - but that was 9 months ago and has since been sitting high and dry. It actually looks brand spanking new and there's not a speck of dirt to be seen really. So wiping the impeller isn't going to help I think
Perhaps it just needs some more time to settle in, so I'll see how it goes.

Thanks you guys

Yep! Also agreed Don't give up on it just yet. My Rena became almost silent after a couple of weeks. All of the air in the unit found it's way out, and it furred up nicely. Add to that just about the easiest access, priming and media basket system on the market, and you are onto a winner. I just wish somebody would give me an nice XP3!

sub.

 

[Fillet 'O' Fish]

Did you clean the impella out last time you used it 9 months ago?
Algae/gunky stuff does build up in there, and maybe it has dried on in the 9 months since using

Give it a whirl anyway

 

[Bloo]

Nope - I just got the filter. And the person I got it from (with my 100 gallon tank ) only used it for three months - and thereafter it was thoroughly cleaned and stored away for the last 9 months. It really does look new and I can hardly see that it's ever been used. But I'll give it a go tomorrow anyway

 

[CFC]

The Renas have a great output because they have a bi pass system which allows 50% of the water that goes through them to miss going through the media, Fluval also use this method to boost their Lph rates as well. Eheim have no by pass and the flow rate given is of the entire volume passing through the media.
I havent been particularly impressed with the XP3 that came with our Rena tank and intend to replace it with a Eheim at some point.

 

[Bloo]

The Renas have a great output because they have a bi pass system which allows 50% of the water that goes through them to miss going through the media, Fluval also use this method to boost their Lph rates as well. Eheim have no by pass and the flow rate given is of the entire volume passing through the media.

Ahh that makes sense. I did wonder about all that space around the baskets.
I'm still itching to replace it with something like a 2028 to run in conjunction with my 2224 !

 

[SlipperyWhenWet]

The Renas have a great output because they have a bi pass system which allows 50% of the water that goes through them to miss going through the media, Fluval also use this method to boost their Lph rates as well. Eheim have no by pass and the flow rate given is of the entire volume passing through the media.
I havent been particularly impressed with the XP3 that came with our Rena tank and intend to replace it with a Eheim at some point.

I have an XP2 on a my 180 litre tank and you prompted me to take it apart to check, as my recollection didnt agree with your comment.

Having just taken it apart, I can confirm that there is no bypass. The tank drain runs into the void surrounding the baskets, then up through the media baskets to the impeller before going out again. The top of the media baskets uses a circular fitting to seal around the impeller hole, so there is simply no way for the water to bypass the media.

Having made an annoyingly large puddle on my floor, I was not best pleased to discover that I could have just googled the issue. See for example www.planetrena.com/Rena-Filters.html.

Sorry, but you are mistaken.

S.

 

[BWBettas]

If only i could afford an external filter.. HOB and nternals for me

Bret

 

[CFC]

The Renas have a great output because they have a bi pass system which allows 50% of the water that goes through them to miss going through the media, Fluval also use this method to boost their Lph rates as well. Eheim have no by pass and the flow rate given is of the entire volume passing through the media.
I havent been particularly impressed with the XP3 that came with our Rena tank and intend to replace it with a Eheim at some point.

I have an XP2 on a my 180 litre tank and you prompted me to take it apart to check, as my recollection didnt agree with your comment.

Having just taken it apart, I can confirm that there is no bypass. The tank drain runs into the void surrounding the baskets, then up through the media baskets to the impeller before going out again. The top of the media baskets uses a circular fitting to seal around the impeller hole, so there is simply no way for the water to bypass the media.

Having made an annoyingly large puddle on my floor, I was not best pleased to discover that I could have just googled the issue. See for example www.planetrena.com/Rena-Filters.html.

Sorry, but you are mistaken.

S.

The XP2 may not have the bypass chamber but the XP3 certainly does, it is even described in the instruction manual which is provided with the filter, a percentage of the flow is redirected away from the media to prevent flow reduction even when the sponges are clogged, i cant find my manual right now but if i do i'll scan the page and post a picture.

 

[andywg]

Is it just me or does that bypass seem a bit of a con.

One of the hardest things to do with a cannister filter is to ensure all the water goes through the media. It's almoast as if rather than trying design the filter better, they just gave it a fancy marketing name and left it be...

 

[Fillet 'O' Fish]

Im afarid your wrong CFC old buddy
The XP3 definately has NO bypass arrangement.
I have read the owners manual from cover to cover, and there is no talk of bypass.

Also check this filter review out: RENA XP3 review

Just one of hundered of sites with reviews that state there is no bypass. This confirms that the whole XP range has no bypass.