It’s no wonder the API Filstar xP canister filters received an industry recognition award for the best aquarium filter! Easy-to-use and extremely powerful with multi-stage filtration and bypass-free circulation, the API Filstar continues to raise the bar for the best possible aquarium filtration.
Easy to Install:
- 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.
- Disposable filtration pouches for easy clean-up.
- Multi-use filtration baskets with handles for easy maintenance.
- Built in handles for easy carrying of filter during maintenance.
- Easily accessible impeller.
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.
Main Features
Specifications
Each API 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
For aquariums up to 45 gal and has a flow rate of 250gph
What's in the Box
Manufacturer Info
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Aquarium Supplies
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals (API) has been helping people take good care of ornamental fish for over 40 years. Their research and development scientists have advanced the care of fish with all-natural medications, stable bacteria for biological filtration, one-bottle test kits, consumer-friendly dosing caps and much more. They’ve received over 25 global patents for their breakthrough innovations in the aquatics industry. And they continue to look for ways to improve the fishkeeping experience for hobbyists. Research. Experience. Dedication to scientific, quality treatment for healthy fish. It’s what makes API the first choice of aquarium owners. API manufactures and sells hundreds of products across many different product categories, including aquarium and pond treatments, aquarium equipment, aquariums and fish nutrition.
Warranty
2 year warranty
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Aquarium Pharmaceuticals API FilStar XP Canister Filter
Reviews
Works Great..
by
DAVID MILLER
Great
Posted: 4/29/2013 from SANGER, CA UNITED STATES
3.5
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
This works GREAT!! Got the 75 gallon unit for my Red Ear Sliders and it works well for keeping thier nasty tank clean.
Ordered a second for the fish tank..
Only issue that keeps it from 5 stars is that it can be tough to prime. Ignore the directions, and put the pickup in the water. will save you a mess and lots of frustration.
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Watch out it LEAKS
by
DON SMITH
Unsatisfactory
Posted: 3/9/2012 from WESTLAKE, OH UNITED STATES
1.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
The water leaks out at the electrical cord. The troubleshooting guid identifies the fix as the in n out water tubing must be putting too much pressure on the unit - but I keep trying to fix/adjust & nothing seems to work for more than a few hours. Anyone for water all over the floor? I didn't think so.
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Pretty Decent filter for $$$$
by
PAMELA CHICOINE
Excellent!
Posted: 9/24/2011 from HUNTINGTON, VT UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
I replaced an Ehiem Proffessional 2 with this filter. The Ehiem ran flawlessly for 7 years but then started leaking between the base and the top. My plan was to buy the Ehiem Pro 3 2075 but after reading 30 or so poor reviews, I reconsidered. Apparently they also leak, brand new, right out of the box. I purchased the Rena Filstar xp3 for about $120 less then the Ehiem. The quality is not quite on par as everything seems just a little bit flimsier but the flow rate is 20gph stronger and it seems to work just fine. I leave the lower chamber clear so it can become a Filterfeeding Zone. The mid-chamber got my old Ehiem sponge plus a couple of the courser sponge filters that came with the Filstar. The top compartment holds 4 Chemi-Pure pouches with filter floss sandwiching them. All in all, this filter has adaquate capacity to function as I need it to on my 120 gallon reef tank. I only open it every 3 to 4 months, so I'm hoping that will help with the longevity of the latches and seal. This filter comes with all the media you need to get it up and running, although I don't use the the Bio-Chem Zorb as I don't find it to be on par with Chemi-Pure, and I don't use bio-balls of any type, but the media alone would come to a significant sum of money if you needed to purchase separately. The esthetics of the filter isn't great, but I keep it in the stand so it's no big deal. Also the filter runs silently, but so did my Ehiem, so no change there. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a compact, functionally well-designed, filter for a decent price.
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jeff
by
JEFF CAPARELL
Excellent!
Posted: 5/19/2011 from Simpsonville, SC UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
ive been keeping fish for over 4o yeaes one day i was looking for a new canister filter and i chose to give the rena a try and wow a dream come true!!!!!!!this is the best filter ive used in forever you can remove the hoses just flipping a switch and take the canister right to your cleaning station and take it apary clean it and 1 2 3 its ready to go.........it also has a new inovated way to use a rena heater check it out youll be glad if you choose it i sure am........
6 of 6 People found this review helpful, did you?
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Easy, quiet, workhorse!
by
CAROL SHARP
Excellent!
Posted: 4/7/2011 from CRESTVIEW, FL UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
We purchased the Rena FilStar xP3 for our 110 gallon freshwater cichlid tank. Setup was so simple. This filter is very easy to prime with no mess at all. The xP3 runs very, very quietly, almost silent.
Our fish had been without filtration for 2 days, and the xP3 cleared their water up very quickly.
We and our fish are very happy with this filter.
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Worth every penny.
by
BRYAN SMITH
Excellent!
Posted: 11/23/2010 from Montrose, CO UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
I highly recommend Rena Filstar canisters. They're sturdy, reliable and quiet with a large number of filter media possibilities.
I have been using Filstar canisters for about 5 years. I have 3, an XP2 running my refugium on a 75G reef, an XP3 on a 45G planted fresh and an XP4 on a 150G fresh. I have never been anything but pleased with them. I have never had a microbubble problem from them and they have always operated very quietly. If you have a noisy one or are getting microbubbles then you are likely getting air in to the canister and should check all your O-rings and hose fittings. You should check them every time you clean it especially the large lid ring. My Filstars have been completely reliable for years and I have found them quite durable. Mine have been through the ringer a time or two and are still purring away.
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I'm Impressed
by
PAUL F
Excellent!
Posted: 9/5/2010 from MONTEBELLO, CA UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
Had double set of Magnum 350's paired bio-wheel outlets. Huge big hassle to maintain and restart, and you had to choose between carbon cartridge or polishing cartridge, can't have both. The sleeve style pad was also awkward to spray through during cleaning. Replaced with two large bio-wheel Emperors, easier maintenance but water that that clean.
Switched to a smaller 20L turtle tank, even messier than the 60g. Refreshing to have a product work exactly as advertised. I use the XP1 attached to the undergravel filter plate and this is the perfect setup for turtles, and as far as I can see, but freshwater as well. This way you don't need the bio stars or ceramic rings as you get way more surface area with the 2-1/2" layer of fine gravel. VerI take advantage of the open nature of arranging the media to focus on physical/mechanical filtration. Two 30ppi sponges, Micro, then Super Micro Progressive. I'm sure some other cannisters allow you to arrange your media also, but they cost double or more for the same capacity. What to improve on? I can't think of anything. For the hoses, don't try to push them on straight-on. Wiggle from opposite sides and they will slowly work their way in. This is the problem with silicon type hoses, but its worth it, result is no leaks and very flexible routing. People with air bubbles, did you get them 2" or more onto the pipe ends? They seal very tight so I don't even use the hose clamps.
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AWESOME!!!!
by
MIRIAM GARCIA
Excellent!
Posted: 8/15/2010 from BROOKLYN, NY UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Beginner
Comments:
this product was awesome really cleans my tank i have two turtles b/c my baby brother purchase two turtles they are two messy turtles; this filter is great, efficient the only problem was building it; the manual was complicated didnt explain much thank goodness i saw the video we manage to build it together. But the filter is great, efficient, and worth the purchase
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Hose difficulty
by
CONRAD SUNDHOLM
Average
Posted: 7/29/2010 from SPRING HILL, FL UNITED STATES
3.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
The filter does a great job on my 40 tank. The hose connections are exceedingly difficult, On my first two attempts I had air leaks that sucked in air to create filter noise. It is very hard to force the connecting hoses on far enough, especially when you are lying on the floor trying to make the hoses fit on the filter itself.
I had greater success when I used the disconnect to remove them from the filter.
Eventually I was forced to go out and buy metal clamps to finally close the air leaks.
The plasctic clamps were not strong enough.
I would only recommend this filter to a very smart muscle builder with the pushing power to securely fasten the hoses.
Everythig else worke just fine - whisper quiet
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Reliable but has issues
by
JOE W.
Below Average
Posted: 6/19/2010 from Augusta, KS UNITED STATES
2.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
Pros: 1) Very reliable. Have had for 4 years with no problems with the pump. 2) Relatively quiet. 3)Lots of ways to modify.
Cons: 1) Produces TONS of microbubbles! This is the biggest problem with this filter. I have replumbed the unit and contacted Rena tech support to no avail. Works fine if you don't clean or touch it. Seriously, I can simply ajust the output and my 60 gallon reef fills with microbubbles to the point that it's difficult to make out the fish. Takes about 2 DAYS to clear up. 2) Overpriced.
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