Rena Filstar XP4 - 3 month evaluation

[Oddball]

After having the XP4 running on my 150 for the last 3 months, I have to recommend NOT buying this filter.

Out of the box, it was simple to load and get started (much the same way as the earlier models). It ran like a charm for a month. Then, one day, it quit. I opened the impeller cavity and found that the impeller and magnet would no longer match up (very bad 2-piece arrangement). I had to cut an old suction cup nib to keep the impeller seated to the magnet. A couple of weeks later, the filter quit again. This time the entire inside surface of the impeller was shaved down to where it could no longer engage the spinning magnet. I ordered another impeller assembly 3 weeks ago and am still waiting for it. I had to take the impeller from an XP3 I wasn't using just to keep a reduced flow running on the tank.


BTW, received a Fluval FX5 at the same time. It's been running without any problems since it's installation. I ordered 3 more.

 

[Jesse]

Bummer about the XP4, Phil. I've been running XP3s and XP2s for years w/out problems. The FX5 looks promising. It's HUGE!

 

[Oddball]

The XP4 uses a larger magnet and faster motor. However, their impeller is still the basic design. The torque of the motor wore away the nub that catches to the magnet assembly in just a month's time.

 

[Vitaliy]

At this point I regret buying an XP filer as well, the flow is just horribly weak compared to other filters in the same category.

 

[rust9000]

I have to agree after 3-4months of having my xp3 the impeller did the same thing and the seals started to leak, i was not happy

 

[rallysman]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm not a fan of XP series filters at all. They are way overhyped.

 

[MilitantPotato]

Damn shame, looks like Rena took the cheap route and just made a bigger (taller only, same sized sponges) bucket and crappy parts. IMO it's way over priced too, It's a value line, it shouldn't cost almost 200 bucks for a couple liters of extra space and a slightly bigger motor.

Did they clog up fast? I have a theory that with the extra flow and same sized media that the sponges won't keep up. I'm happy with the XP3 I own, but it dosn't suit a mechanical filtration job, I use it for bio thies days.

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

wow, hope my xp4 doesnt do the same thing....

btw ive been happy with my fx5 thou the outflow is weak imo

 

[redtailfool]

Thanks for the report Phil and everyone for giving their own reviews..
now i know where to lean on the next time i get a canister.

 

[hewhorunswithscissors]

Thanks for the report Phil and everyone for giving their own reviews..
now i know where to lean on the next time i get a canister.

GOod info. I will be sure NOT to get an XP4 ever. I will say that I have run Xp3 and xp2 for a couple of years without ever a single problem... I LOVE THEM.

I have FX5 and not so impressed with it. Cloggs up quickly, and gets air trapped in it. Its already, does the job I wanted it for (since its not my primary filter) so I can't complain I guess.. but I would never want one as my primary filter.