Rena Xp 2 filter from a saltwater tank use in a FW tank?

[Finney]

Hi All,

I just bought my first canister filter, a used Rena Xp 2 off craigslist.

It was used in a saltwater tank, what should I clean it with before using it for my FW tank? I plan to transfer the current media from 2 HOB's into the canister.

Will vinegar and water work? Can I use the biofilter media (Bio-Chem Zorb?) that was used in the saltwater tank?

I currently use Matrix in my HOB and was considering adding that to the existing media

All of the filters and media look to be in good shape. a little salty/white crust on the parts.

So is there anything I should be aware of before making the changeover? Will a good rinse and scrub with vinegar suffice?

Thanks!

[Carl]

I have switched back & forth with canister filters between client's marine and freshwater tanks with NEVER an issue.
A vinegar rinse is still a god idea, but frankly not as important f going from one FW to another or ditto one SW to another

It is likely the Bio-Chem Zorb is exhausted, so replacing it for this reason might be suggested

Carl

[Finney]

Great!

Thank you so much Carl. I found this filter on Craigslist for $50, then went to your site and saw that it is one you recommend and carry replacement parts for so I grabbed it.

Do you have any setup/placement suggestions for me?

I am putting it in my 29g, planted tank w/Hillstream loaches. I have been using 2 hob's and bubblers to break the surface and create a fair amount of movement for current and oxygen purposes. They are doing well with this.

I am making the change to the canister to solve a couple of issues.

#1. I leave the water level a few inches low so that there is some waterfall action creating movement & surface motion for oxygenation. Also, I need to keep the flow spouts out of the water because my hillstreams have climbed into the filters while working against the flow. This did not end well for them. Unfortunately, my husband doesn't enjoy the splashing/bubbling sounds like I do so I need to find a quieter way to accommodate my hillstreams need for movement and oxygen.

#2. With the plants, large driftwood pieces and rocky bottom I created for the hillies to scavenge & play on I am finding too much detritus gathering and settling between rocky areas so not getting sucked into the filter.


I was thinking the spray bar just below the surface would break the surface in a quieter way for the oxygen (along with the bubble bar & large airstone) but that doesn't address #2 for keeping the detritus from settling into the cracks. Will just the stronger flow help this? Should I be using the power nozzle instead of the spray bar? should I purchase a small powerhead to place lower in the tank?

Other inhabitants in this tank include;
3 Hillstream loaches
1 Kuhli loach
1 Ottocinclus
5 Cherry barbs
3 Amano shrimp
2 Siamensis

Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.
enjoy your weekend!

Suzanne

[Carl]

First, sorry for the slow response, somehow I missed this.

Anyway, it seems you have an answer to question one, which I agree with

As to Detritus, a power head or better a propeller/circulation pump (which are more gentle wide angle flow) should help. An air bar can also help or a combination of both

Source links:
propeller/circulation pumps:




Air bars:



Carl

[Finney]

No worries!

Thanks Carl