Filstar XP3 Configuration

[gregs]

The below describes how my canister filter is currently setup.
I welcome any comments on water movement through this unit which has 3 dual chambers, starting from the bottom where the water is forced through the filter baskets:
-30ppi foam
-20ppi foam
-Micro Filter pad
-Ceramic Rings
-Bio-Zorb Bag
-2x Chemi-Pure bags
I rinse the 20 & 30ppi foam and Micro filter pad in tank water during water changes, and have ordered replacement foam to begin monthly changing of 1, as recomended by one of the contributors here.
Recent Water Parameters:
Ph 8.2
Amonia 0
Nitrate 10
Nitrite 0
Sp 1.023 1/2
temp 80
Calcium 575ml (pre last water change)
Phos 0 (pre last water change)
Alk 200ppm (pre last water change)
Tank Details:
75g (Borm 11/18/06)
20lb Live Sand
40lb Crushed Coral
~70lb Live Rock
Filstar Xp3 (295gph)
4x65w lighting
Maxi-Jet 1200(350gph) -2nd unit coming anyday
5 Small Blue/Green Chromis
3 Juvi Perc Clowns
Foxface Lo
~12 Red Legs
~12 Blue Legs
**Wierd tiny spider looking bugs on water surface which initial though was debris from algea being eaten fy Foxface, but they swarm on the surface, but only in the open top tank
With Warm regards,
Greg

 

[keith burn]

i do not like most canister filters thay plug up fast and are a pain to clean.
if you can use a sump its the best
Sp 1.023 1/2

[hr]
i like it at 1.024/1.026 just me
Calcium 575ml (pre last water change)

[hr]
a little hi 400 to 450
Maxi-Jet 1200(350gph) -2nd unit coming anyday --imo get 3 1200 2 on sides and 1 in back.
3 Juvi Perc Clowns---may have a prob with 3 of them in the long run...

 

[gregs]

Originally Posted by keith burn
Maxi-Jet 1200(350gph) -2nd unit coming anyday --imo get 3 1200 2 on sides and 1 in back.
All pointing in the same direction I assume. If all 3 are pointed at 45 degrre to create surface aggitation, does placing them at different levels provide any side benifit?

 

[keith burn]

sorry no not all at 45degrre one at top/L,side one bod/R,side one back to front.
imp if all water is going the same way you will hand dead spots.
like this water is going all over.will keep extra food in water to be picked you by filter.
and with a 75gal will not be bad to have more flow.you can go with 5 or 6 of them on timers thay have wave makers that will put a tide in your tank.
in my 75gal i run 6 ph 4/1200 2/900 4 on the sides 2 on back.
will get a wave maker one day...

 

[gregs]

Originally Posted by GregS
-30ppi foam
-20ppi foam
-Micro Filter pad
-Ceramic Rings
-Bio-Zorb Bag
-2x Chemi-Pure bags
Thanks for the comments on the power heads Keith. I'm still interested in any opinion on the 3 stages of water filtration I believe I have going on.
1) Mechanical - foam
2) Biological -pad & rings
3) Chemical -bags
Thanks in advance,
Greg

 

[keith burn]

1) Mechanical - foam---- use the bigest one only will gunk up fast
2) Biological -pad & rings---the water flow is fast for them to work well.
3) Chemical -bags-- a good way to run carbon buy not 24/7..
imo remove all foam/rings/bags and use it for flow only.