For those whose goal is to minimize the cost of maintaining an aquarium, the Rena XP3 filter is the best deal on canister filters. According to aquarium filter reviews, the Rena X3 filter is a powerful 3-stage (mechanical, chemical and biological) filtration vessel. With a flow rate of 350 gph (gallon per hour), it can hold a 175 gallon tank. If you have a smaller tank, the flow rate can be adjusted.

The aquarium filter has three separate compartments: each compartment is divided into 2, making a total of 6 separate compartments or 6 media baskets. You can then customize your Rena filter as to which media to use. The filter also comes with cellular foam packs (20 and 30 ppi or pores per inch) to be placed in the bottom two sections of the filter. The middle compartment houses the ceramic rings or biological filter where bacteria (good bacteria) can grow to be part of your tank’s ecosystem. The unit also comes with a pack of Bio-chem Zorb to keep your tank water sparkling clean. Another advantage of the Rena XP3 is that they do not require specialized filter media like Fluval aquarium filters.

The Rena XP3 filter is a very easy filter to prime. It only requires a primer. Priming a cartridge filter means filling it with water so that when you turn the filter on, the suction begins and the water flow begins. The Rena filter is self-priming and its patented anti-airlock system ensures continuous flow, while the self-locking water cut-off system prevents accidental water loss.

Compared to the Eheim, the Rena XP3 may be louder but totally insignificant. It just sounds like the refrigerator humming. It is also larger than most cartridge filters. It has a clear plastic container so you can see what’s inside. As for maintenance, simply turn the control rod to shut off the water flow. Then simply take the canister filter into the kitchen and clean it. Be sure to clean the filter media inside.

Basically, the Rena XP3 gives more expensive brands a run for their money. Although most aquarium filter reviews note that the Rena motor is noisy, it is still a good buy for the price, even though it is sold without the biological media. As it is a powerful aquarium filter, it is the filter of choice for those with turtle tanks. Because turtle tanks tend to get dirty compared to fish tanks, cleaning and maintenance is always a consideration. Because of this, Rena is preferred because it is easy to clean and maintain.

Choosing a cartridge filter requires research to find one that meets your needs, species type, aquarium tank size, maintenance, and price. The Rena XP3 may compete with other more expensive brands, as the more expensive ones have extra features, but all things considered, the Rena XP3 is a good choice for a lower priced cartridge filter.