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Post by parker002 on Dec 2, 2014 10:53:46 GMT -5
I never used the Bio-Chem Stars that came with my XP2, either. Angelminx I used mine for about 6 months. I'm assuming the XP2 and XP3 have similar media trays in that each tray has a divider so that you can essentially put 2 different kinds of media in each tray. With my XP3, the number of star provided fit perfectly in the bottom of the tray, allowing the insertion of the divider. So then I put Matrix in the top half of the same tray. However, after a while I ended up just removing them and filling the whole tray with Matrix.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2014 11:44:58 GMT -5
Well... I certainly feel slighted. My xP came with four Stars.... Hardly enough to do anything. The xP3 didn't come with any Stars (My son had it first - he had Lava rock and an Eheim product that looked similar to Matrix in it). I bought the Stars back in 2006 and 2007 to replace bio media we thought wasn't working (but turned out to be a low KH problem).
I may eventually have free Stars to offer, too (chuckles).
Judy
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Post by angelminx on Dec 2, 2014 20:03:30 GMT -5
The 1st XP2 that I got didn't come with Bio-Stars, when it died ~2 1/2 years ago (after 3 years of good service...except having to replace a gasket) the new one came with 6 or 7. The XP2 is shorter than the XP3 (which won't fit under my tank) and only has 2 baskets instead of 3. I LOVE how easy it is to service...except that it is awkward trying to unhook it and then hook it back up after cleaning, because I feel like I'm standing on my head to do it (tight squeeze).
Angelminx
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Post by parker002 on Dec 2, 2014 20:10:04 GMT -5
Yeah, I'm a big fan of my XP3 but it's still a bear to clean and service. I might go to fluidized sand next...
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2014 15:41:45 GMT -5
Greetings All,
I FINALLY got around to adding the Kent Nitrogen Sponge (similar to Seachem De-Nitrate) to my Aqua-Clear 110 hang on filter. My 75 gallon is due for another 25% water change. I am pleased to say that the nitrate level is only at 40 ppm (I say only because my aquarium is way overstocked and has no plants that help use up nitrates. Remember I have two HUGE tinfoil barbs and a huge Synodontis catfish - those three fish alone are the maximum fish-per-inch for 75 gallons. I also have more barbs, lots of cory cats and rainbow fish. One of these days, I will count all of them). This proves to me that the Matrix I added a while back is really working to lower nitrates. The Nitrogen Sponge replaces two recharged Nitra-Zorb pouches. The Nitra-Zorb doesn't remove a lot of nitrates -- and really needs to be replaced/recharged every week - but who has time? I usually have a new Nitra-Zorb in the Rena xP3 and two recharged ones in the Aqua Clear.
I will come back here to give you updates. I realize it will take some time for the Nitrogen Sponge to lower nitrates. I ordered the Nitrogen Sponge before the Matrix (got a good deal on a bucket)- but forgot to order media bags....I won't be ordering more since the small amount of Matrix is doing such a good job -- and I only replaced the Bio Balls (one layer in the top basket). I have enough Matrix to replace the API Bio-Stars - and will do that over the next few months.
I also ordered some Matrix for my son for Christmas. We will be replacing his Bio Balls over the next couple of months. I added some (from my bottle) to one of his Rena xP3 filter last time I serviced it - just filling up the middle basket (I did take out a couple Bio Balls that were floating. He has ceramic rings on top of the Bio Balls to help keep them in place).
Judy
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