XP3 filter on 30g tank??? Also, Coralife RODI PureFlo unit?

[chrisbenavides]

Can I have your opinions on a XP3 in a 30 gallon tank?

I will be ordering a filter tonight, and will need to decide if the XP3 is neccessary, or if I should just get the XP1 or XP2. I can afford the XP3, but is it too much flow for a seahorse tank?

The XP3 is rated at 350 GPH and is stated to be good a 175 gallon tank.

Also, I will be ordering an RODI unit made by Coralife called PureFlo. Know anything about it? I was thinking if DI was totally necessary and if I should get the RO only made by Coralife. I like the price.

Here are the specs for the XP3:

Maximum Performance:
Efficient 3-stage filtration: mechanical, chemical & Biological.
Bypass-free: ensures complete water flow through the filter media.
Maximum capacity baskets hold large amounts of filtration media.
Long-life shaft will not degrade, even in salt water.
Maximum Reliability:
Unique anti-airlock system ensures continuous flow.
Self-locking water shutoff system prevents accidental flow during maintenance.
Rubber feet prevent slipping and dampen noise and vibration.
Barbed nozzles and safety clips (included) ensure a water tight connection.
Anti-overheating design protects motor if filter is clogged.
Each Rena Filstar xP contains:
Height-adjustable inlet with extension pieces and strainer.
Customizable outlet system with spraybar, 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.
Two Year Manufacturer's Warranty

[GSMguy]

is it for a reef because it will just turn into a nitrate trap spend the money on a good skimmer

[chrisbenavides]

Great question!

I will be buying two. One for my coral 55g tank and the other for my 30 gallon seahorse (live rock) tank.

Whats the best way to use these Filstar filters? Skimmers are better than canister filters??? I thought both were needed. Currently for my 55g tank I am running a Penguin HOB and a Remora AquaC. I was thinking, since I do have a fairly good skimmer on my 55g tank, I should probably now get a better filter. My 30g also has a small HOB filter but a very cheap skimmer (Jebo). I bought that skimmer when I didn't have money.

What do you all think is best now???

[chrisbenavides]

***Also, if a better skimmer (if you all think) should be priority for the 30g tank (instead of the XP3), then what about the Coralife Skimmer or the Typhoon Hang-On Skimmer?

I still think the 55g tank should have a better filter (currently using HOB) because it already has a good skimmer.

[GSMguy]

Originally posted by chrisbenavides
***Also, if a better skimmer (if you all think) should be priority for the 30g tank (instead of the XP3), then what about the Coralife Skimmer or the Typhoon Hang-On Skimmer?

I still think the 55g tank should have a better filter (currently using HOB) because it already has a good skimmer.

no need for a good filter. a good skimmer and lots of liverock takes care of it. the canisters are great for carbon and purigen but using the media and the filter floss will lead to nitrate buildup that is hard to shake so yes i think a canister is good but it doesnt need to be good just needs to run water over carbon

if i were you i would put the remora on the 30g and buy a better skimmer for the 55 like a CSS125, remora pro, or the deltec mce 600 the better skimmer will work better than a bad skimmer and good canister

imo

[chrisbenavides]

I greatly appreciate your advise. I just thought that as well, to put the Remora on the 30g tank and get the Remora Pro for the 55g tank.

Thanks!!!

[GSMguy]

Originally posted by chrisbenavides
I greatly appreciate your advise. I just thought that as well, to put the Remora on the 30g tank and get the Remora Pro for the 55g tank.

Thanks!!!

HTH i think that is a better route and if you are needing the extra flow i would reccomend a circulation pump like the hydor koralia or tunze nano streams

[chrisbenavides]

With regards to the Filstar, then, you mentioned all I need is to run water over carbon. Then how much carbon and what rate, hence, which XP3 would be needed for my 55g tank, even if I do get the Remora Pro? Would a XP1 be sufficient (if I am just running carbon), live rock, and the Remora Pro?

Sorry about the questions?

[GSMguy]

Originally posted by chrisbenavides
With regards to the Filstar, then, you mentioned all I need is to run water over carbon. Then how much carbon and what rate, hence, which XP3 would be needed for my 55g tank, even if I do get the Remora Pro? Would a XP1 be sufficient (if I am just running carbon), live rock, and the Remora Pro?

Sorry about the questions?

get the remora pro with a mag 5 instead of mag3 pump works better that way

i would say xp1 would be perfect to polish the water in a 55

[chrisbenavides]

what about the RODI by Coralife (PureFlo)....how much better is the RODI than the RO by PureFlo?

also, I have never used an RODI unit, so how do you store the water? I know it is connected to a faucet, but where does it go from the faucet to the three canisters to the _____? If anyone can lead me to some insight, I would appreciate it. I don't know if I need to buy an additional container in which the purified water
drains into or what??? If I don't have a container where it drains into, I would probably have to have the water directed into a 5 gallon jug????

THANKS!!! and sorry again about the many questions....

[chrisbenavides]

Do some actually run skimmers only with live rock, and no HOB or Canister filter???? Now I am wondering how important is a filer for the SH tank if I will be adding the Remora AquaC to it???

Any input???

[chrisbenavides]

bumping once