Directions for Setup


xP Filter Navigation
FilStar Specifications
Directions for Setup
Cleaning & Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Troubleshooting Guide
Assembly or Use Problems
If you have any problems assembling or using this filter, DO NOT RETURN THE Filstar xP FILTER TO THE STORE.

Call our Technical Service Department
9 AM - 5 PM Eastern Time – Monday thru Friday
1-800-847-0659

SECTION 1: SETTING UP YOUR FILTER

Before you begin
Make sure the filter will sit a minimum of 24” (61 cm) (See Fig A) and a maximum of 55” (140 cm) BELOW the water level of the aquarium. The filter will need to sit on a level surface. Take a look at your aquarium and decide where you want to place the inlet and outlet pipes and the Filstar Canister Power Filter. (See Fig. B & C for examples) Make sure the hoses will be long enough and won’t be stretched after installation.

STEP 1

Check the parts
You will find two (2) bags of parts. One will be labeled “Inlet Pipe” and the other “Outlet Pipe”. Lay out all of the parts and make sure nothing is missing or damaged. Keep the Inlet & Outlet Parts Separate.

To optimize the set-up options, the Rena Filstar xP Filter comes standard with two different Outlet set-ups (See Fig. D & E). You can use a Spray Bar either horizontality (Fig. D) or vertically (Fig E) or a Power Jet Nozzle (shown in both Fig D & E) the Power Jet Nozzle can be extended down by the use of an Extension Tube.

Your Filstar xP Filter also comes with a Venturi Valve Kit for your OPTIONAL use (See Fig #F). Decide which set-up option best suites your needs and whether you are going to use the Venturi Valve.

After you have decided which of the set-up options you will use, you can begin set-up and installation.

Note: Fig. D & E show both the Spray Bar AND the Power Jet Nozzle in the illustration – you must choose to use either one or the other. Additionally, they are shown in all the locations where they can be placed. (the power jet is shown three times in Fig D- you must choose one location).

STEP 2

The Inlet Pipe Assembly
This is the set-up that puts the water into the filter

  1. Mount the Inlet Pipe (#3). This is the pipe that will pull the water from the aquarium and into the filter. Begin connecting the Extension Tubes (#7) together, using a twisting motion to make sure the sections fit snugly. Push the Strainer (#8) onto the end of the extension tubes. You will want the Strainer (#8) on the outlet pipe to be about 4” (10 cm) from the gravel bed.
  2. Screw the Inlet Pipe Cap (#11) onto Inlet pipe (#3). Attach an Elbow (#10) to the opening in the Inlet Pipe, twisting it to make sure it is secure. Attach the extension tube assembly to the elbow.
  3. Slide one of the Flexible Tubes (#1) onto the hose barb of the Inlet pipe. The tubing should be pushed onto the outlet pipe 4” (10 cm) and secured with a Flexible Tubing Clamp (#19).
  4. Attach a Tubing Clamp (#6) with Suction Cups (#15) to the inlet pipe so that it can be secured to the outside of the aquarium.
  5. Set this aside until Step #4 and now proceed to Step #3.

STEP 3

The Outlet Pipe Assembly
This is the set-up that returns water to the aquarium -- (See Fig marked “OUT”)

  1. Assembling the Outlet Pipe (#2) - Attach an Elbow (#10) to the Outlet Pipe so that the unattached end will be pointing down into the aquarium. Twist the parts together to ensure a good fit. Now, attach another elbow (#10) to the open end of the elbow that you just installed. (Note- If you want the Spraybar or Power Jet Nozzle to go straight down into the tank (See Fig. E) do not attach the second elbow.
  2. If you want to control the flow of water into the tank, attach the Outflow Regulator (#4) to the end of the elbow attached in step 3A. If you are not going to use the Venturi Kit (#41), install the Venturi Plug (#42) now. If you are going to use the Venturi Kit, proceed to Step C. The Venturi will be installed later.
  3. Spraybar or Power Jet Options –NOTE: Use only one or the other.
    Option #1 Using the Spray Bar (See Figure D)
    1. Connect the Spray Bar Extensions (#5) together. Make sure they fit together securely and that the spray bar holes line up. You need to use at least four extensions. Cap the last extension with the Spray Bar Cap (#A).
    2. Now, attach the spray bar assembly to the flow adjustment installed in 3B and proceed to Step D.
      Option #2- Using the Power Jet Nozzle (#13)
    3. Connect the Power Jet Nozzle (13) to the Outflow Regulator (#4) and proceed to Step D.
  4. Slide the other Flexible Tube (#1) onto the hose barb of the Outlet Pipe. The tubing should be pushed onto the outlet pipe 4” (10 cm) and secured with a Flexible Tubing Clamp (#19).
  5. Attach a Tubing Clamp (#6) with Suction Cups (#15) to the Outlet Pipe so that it can be secured to the outside of the aquarium, and another Tubing Clamp (#6) with Suction Cups (#15) to the Spray Bar Assembly so that it can be secured to the inside of the aquarium.

STEP 4

Mounting the Inlet & Output Assemblies

  1. The inlet and outlet assemblies may be attached together or placed in different areas of the tank.  (See Fig B & C)    
  2. Mount the assemblies to the aquarium, using the suction cups to hold them in place

STEP 5

Venturi Valve- If you are not using the venturi valve, skip to Step 6. (Note- If you are not using the Venturi you should have installed the Venturi Plug in Step #3-B.

  1. On the Outlet Pipe Assembly -- attach the Venturi Tubing (#B) to the Venturi Valve in the center of the Outflow Regulator (#4).
  2. Attach the Venturi Silencer Valve (#C) to the end of the venturi tubing.
  3. Use the Venturi Suction Cup & Clip (#D) to attach the Venturi Silencer Valve to the inside of the aquarium above the water line.

STEP 6

Setting up the canister.

  1. Place the filter where you want it. Remove the Blue Motor Housing by releasing the four canister clips.
  2. Remove the media baskets and inspect the contents. Make sure to remove the plastic bag from any media that was shipped wrapped in plastic.
  3. Stack the baskets (the number of baskets will vary depending on the filter model, e.g. xP2 = 2 baskets) back in the canister base. Make sure they are stacked straight and that the top BASKET LID (#33) has the raised circle facing up. Note- Failure to do this will result in the filter NOT operating properly and damage to the filter may result.
  4. Replace the Blue Motor Housing and secure the four clips to seal it to the base.
  5. Measure the Flexible Tubing (#1) that is attached to the Inlet & Output Assemblies and cut it so that it will go onto the Quick Disconnect Valve (#23) with just a little slack. NOTE: It is very important NOT to cut the tubing too short. If the tubing is cut too short and creates tension on the quick release valve, the unit may leak. Additionally, leaving the tubing too long may prevent the unit from priming.
  6. Push the tubing onto the barbs of the Quick Disconnect Valve, making sure to connect the tubing coming from the Inlet Pipe Assembly to the Inlet Barb and the tubing from the Outlet Pipe Assembly to the Outlet Barb. The top of the motor housing is marked – REMEMBER – INLET is putting water IN the filter canister. OUTPUT is putting water BACK into the aquarium. If these tubes are reversed to filter will NOT operate correctly.
  7. Secure the Flexible Tubing with two Flexible Tubing Clamps (#19).

STEP 7

Priming the filter

  1. On the top of the filter lift the lever on the Quick Disconnect Valve (#23). This will prevent water from entering the filter.
  2. Remove the Inlet Pipe Cap (#11) on the inlet pipe assembly.
  3. Insert the Priming Funnel (#9) into the inlet pipe assembly.
  4. Using a cup, pour water into the Priming Funnel until the tubing between the inlet pipe and the Quick Disconnect Valve is full of water.
  5. Remove the Priming Funnel and replace the Inlet Pipe Cap securely.
  6. Make sure the Quick Disconnect Valve is fully seated in the blue motor housing, and then push the lever down.
  7. The canister should begin to fill with water and air should be forced out through the tubing. Allow two minutes for the filter and tubing to fill completely.

STEP 8

Operating the Filstar Canister Power Filter

  1. Plugging in the power cord. To avoid the possibility of the electric plug getting wet, a drip-loop should be arranged by the user. See Safety instructions for more information on the drip-loop. NOTE- If water does come into contact with the receptacle or the plug, turn the power supply off at the Breaker Box. DO NOT unplug the cord until the power supply is off.
  2. Once the unit is primed and plugged in the water should start to pump into the tank and drain back out into the canister. If it does not, consult the troubleshooting guide.
  3. You may turn the Outflow Regulator (#4) on the Outflow Assembly to adjust the rate of flow.
  4. If using the Venturi Kit, turn the Outflow Regulator gradually until bubbles begin to flow steadily.

*NOTE: Assembly or Use Problems
If you have any problems assembling or using this filter,
DO NOT RETURN THE Filstar xP FILTER TO THE STORE.

Call our Technical Service Department
9 AM - 5 PM Eastern Time – Monday thru Friday
1-800-847-0659

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