API FILSTAR XP FILTER SIZE L Aquarium Canister Filter 1-Count Box
Material | cotton |
Item Weight | 11.05 Pounds |
External Testing Certification | API |
Brand | API |
About this item
- Contains one (1) API FILSTAR XP FILTER SIZE L Aquarium Canister Filter 1-Count Box
- Provides very powerful filtration for crystal clear water and healthy environment.
- Designed with self-priming & quick disconnect features to allow safe and easy stop & start of the filtration when maintenance is needed, anti-airlock system to prevent unexpected filtration stops, and anti-noise feature to prevent vibration against cabinet/floor.
- Combines strong flow rates with large capacity for filtration media that removes compounds, colors and odors 3x more effectively than carbon alone.
- Allows the use of various filtration media available in the API range, and meets your specific freshwater and saltwater requirements.
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Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Product Dimensions : 9 x 13.5 x 18 inches; 11.05 Pounds
- Item model number : 722
- Date First Available : June 20, 2004
- Manufacturer : Aquarium Pharmaceuticals
- ASIN : B000260FX4
- Customer Reviews:
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Product Description
Product Description
The API FILSTAR xP is extremely powerful, unbelievably easy to use and maintain, and so silent it can be used in any room in the house. The API FILSTAR xP Canister Filter offers several set-up options, making it adaptable to fit your individual needs, and includes features that set it apart from all other canister filters: 1- Easy Start-Up – One-time, self-priming system primes in seconds, without hand pumping or manual siphoning, 2- Maximum Capacity with large baskets hold API highly efficient filter media products, 3- Unique Anti-Airlock System prevents overheating and eliminates the need for re-priming, 4- Bypass-Free Circulation ensure maintenance, 5- Long-Lasting, heavy-gauge construction stands up to the rigors of everyday use, 6- Easy Access gives immediate access to media baskets, impeller, and shaft, 7- Large Rubber Base keeps filter in place and completely dampens vibration. Various API media products are available enabling you to customize your filtration system to meet your own particular aquatic requirements. You’ll see the difference the Filstar XP’s advanced filtration system makes in creating a cleaner, healthier environment for your fish. Contents of the box: 1 API FILSTAR XP-L, 2 flexible tubes 59" (1,5m), 1 set of accessories (inlet and outlet tubes, gooseneck, suction cups), Illustrated instructions, 1 30ppi foam for removal of finer debris, 1 20ppi foam: Bio-Chem Stars for superior biological filtration. Grows massive colonies of beneficial nitrifying bacteria. Size 6: superior resins; activated carbon. Cleans & clears aquarium water, 1 microfiltration pad for ultra-fine filtration and polishing, 1 microfiltration pad, Specifications: Flow-rate: 350 U.S. GAL/h (1350 L/h) Aquarium volume: up to 175 U.S. GAL (660L) Canister volume: 2.4 U.S. GAL (9.1L) Waterflow with filtration media and accessories: 187 U.S. GAL/h (706 L/h) Number of filter baskets: 3 Power: 28W With API Aquarium products, it’s easy to keep a beautiful saltwater, freshwater or reef aquarium. For over 50 years, API has been creating innovative, research-driven solutions that make it easier to care for your fish and aquarium. API Aquarium Treatment Supplies are designed to work in conjunction with each other to provide best results to control algae, promote healthy bacterial growth and help control and cure fish diseases and conditions such as ich and fin rot. They work to provide a safe, hospitable environment for fish such as tropical community fish, cichlids, goldfish and more. With API, you can spend more time admiring your fish, and less time scrubbing your tank. Make sure to use all products as directed in order to ensure the best results.
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Features
MAKES WATER CLEAN AND CLEAR
- Uses BIO-CHEM ZORB® an exclusive research grade resin-carbon blend.
- BIO-CHEM ZORB® removes compounds that carbon alone cannot remove.
SELF PRIMING - EASY START-UP
- Primes in seconds with only a cupful of water.
- Does not require hand-pumping or manual siphoning to start.
- Patented anti-airlock system eliminates the need to re-prime.
QUICK DISCONNECT - EASY MAINTENANCE
- Centralized control of all functions to remove canister without losing prime.
- Self-locking water shutoff system prevents accidental flow during maintenance.
VERY QUIET & POWERFUL 3-STAGE FILTRATION
- Holds any combination of filtration media: mechanical, chemical and biological.
- Maximum capacity baskets. Each basket holds up to 4 different media pouches.
- Inner dividers allow maximum flexibility.
Benefits
The superior design of the API FILSTAR XP makes it one of the most reliable canister filters. Its solid construction ensures a trouble free and quiet operation. Strong flow rates and superior filtration media provide optimal filtration results with very easy maintenance.
Filtration Media
API FILSTAR XP comes with efficient media* for powerful 3-stage filtration:
- Step 1: Filtration pads of 20 ppi and 30 ppi remove debris (mechanical filtration)
- Step 2: API BIO-CHEM STARS quickly establish the biological filter. They provide 4 times more surface area than ceramic rings for massive bacterial colonization (biological filtration)
- Step 3: API BIO-CHEM ZORB makes water clean and clear. It removes colors and odors as well as compounds that carbon alone cannot remove
FILSTAR XP Sizes
Filter Size Aquarium Size Flow-Rate(Gallons per hour) xP-S Up to 45 U.S. GAL 250 U.S. GPH xP-M Up to 75 U.S. GAL 300 U.S. GPH xP-L Up to 175 U.S. GAL 350 U.S. GPH xP-XL Up to 265 U.S. GAL 450 U.S. GPH
Guarantee
All API FILSTAR XP are guaranteed for 2 years.
Other Items To Consider
API BIO-CHEM ZORB- Makes water clean and clear.
- Removes colors and odors.
- Removes compounds that carbon alone cannot remove
Also available for API FILSTAR XP filters: NITRA ZORB, PHOS ZORB, ZEOLITE AMMONIA REMOVER and BIO-CHEM STARS.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the ease of assembly of the pet supplies. For example, they mention it's easy to prime and use. Customers are also impresseded with the quality of the filter, saying it'll last a long time. As for noise, they say it'd be a good filter for the price. That said, opinions are mixed on the quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the pet supplies easy to assemble. They mention it's quiet, simple enough, and easy to use. Customers also appreciate the ease of maintenance.
"...The start up was easily explained in the directions but I needed to try several times to get the air out of it to finally run smoothly...." Read more
"...Conclusion: Rena gave me a great product. It was simple to install, the directions were decent, it works great, and so far all I can say is that I'm..." Read more
"...Yes I may have something break now and then with it, but much easier set up, cleaning and replacement parts are very easy to come by...." Read more
"...Very sturdy, reliable design- Very quick and easy to service/clean- Longevity- Great water quality/flow/health of fish..." Read more
Customers like the filter quality of the aquarium filter. They mention that it has a good quality build, is easy to prime, and is the best aquarium filter they've found. The filtration power is great, and it keeps the water sparkling clean. Overall, the filter earns its keep and provides a healthy clean environment for their pets.
"...Overall, the filter earns its keep and provides a healthy clean evironment for my turtle and her fish friends." Read more
"...That is all. Nice filter, especially for the money." Read more
"...So I think, ok cool, filter quality hasn't changed and all really looks the same, so I buy it...." Read more
"This is the best canister filter out there. For this price, you cannot beat it. It's so easy to set up, self priming, etc...." Read more
Customers like the noise level of the pet supplies. They mention that it is very quiet, with a gentle hum.
"...did start filtering the tank I was very impressed with how quiet the filter does run...." Read more
"...It's quiet, very quiet, and barely noticeable hiding away at the bottom...." Read more
"It's very quiet, gentle hum is all...." Read more
"...I think i will love his XPL Filter, powerful, quiet, but pissed off at a new product that the gaskets have faults in them and this went as a passed..." Read more
Customers like the value of the pet supplies. They mention it's very good for the price, cheap, and worth the hassle. Customers also say the filter is good and quiet.
"...The media selection is great, and inexpensive...." Read more
"...I have nothing bad to say about this filter. It seems like a good value at the price." Read more
"...The replacement filters are easy to find and although they are not cheap, they are worth more to me by reducing the amount of time I spend cleaning...." Read more
"...Pros: Price. Amazon has this at $105. Well worth the money Flow rate and GPH...." Read more
Customers like the cleanliness of the pet supplies. They mention that the process to clean is easy, it keeps their tank very clean, and the components are easier to take out and clean. Some say that the filter is quiet and clears their tank well.
"...have something break now and then with it, but much easier set up, cleaning and replacement parts are very easy to come by...." Read more
"Excellent clarity, great flow, versatile, quiet, efficient, and very simple to clean...." Read more
"...My filter is quiet and clears my tank well. I love the customizability of the baskets for various filter media...." Read more
"...Easy to clean: Even when I've been profusely lazy in cleaning the filter, I can always dump out the water, vigorously spray it down with a hose, and..." Read more
Customers like the clarity of the pet supplies. They mention that it makes their water clear in a very short period of time. Some say that the product is versatile, quiet, efficient, and simple. Overall, most are satisfied with the clarity and quality of the water.
"...and the water seems clearer. I have added many feeder fish and my RES will happily eat them from time to time...." Read more
"...Very quick and easy to service/clean- Longevity- Great water quality/flow/health of fishTrouble-shooting:-..." Read more
"...But I can't blame the filter for that. The water is always crystal clear. She seems to love her environment now...." Read more
"Excellent clarity, great flow, versatile, quiet, efficient, and very simple to clean...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the filter. Some mention that it works fairly well for three years, does extremely well, and is easy to clean. However, others say that it's not as well made as the Fluval, the intake tube is flimsy, and the latches may eventually break.
"...It was simple to install, the directions were decent, it works great, and so far all I can say is that I'm very pleased...." Read more
"...Very sturdy, reliable design- Very quick and easy to service/clean- Longevity- Great water quality/flow/health of fish..." Read more
"...I still think the intake tube(s) are flimsy and need to be updated to accommodate aquariums that don't have water filled to the top...." Read more
"...So far I have not been disappointed.The filter seems to be well constructed. I took it apart and looked it over carefully...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the leakage of the pet supplies. They mention that the filter is unusable, leaking all over the place, and has a slow leak around the main seal. They also say that the intake on the quick disconnect leaked, and the corner clamp had a leak.
"...which gave us a tiny leak even using the black compression clamps provided...." Read more
"...prime right, gaskets have bubbles in it from manufacturing, leaks water from the sides, therefore it will not prime...." Read more
"...If you don't put things back together properly, the filter will leak and you need something to catch some water until you discover the problem...." Read more
"...The filter has not leaked so far. If it does, rest assured, I will update this review again...." Read more
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UPDATE: September 2009. I upgraded to a 120 gallon tank and this filter runs better than when it filtered the smaller tank. I have been very busy this summer, so I have stopped using the lettuce leaves everyday for my turtle. The purple lettuce leaves get torn to shreds and tends to clog the filter. I added an aerator (remember? she loves swimming in the bubbles) and the water seems clearer. I have added many feeder fish and my RES will happily eat them from time to time. She has decided that two of the big gold fish, one smaller minnow, two snails and three bottom feeders(one named Sushi) are her friends. She will not eat them and the filter can manage their waste with ease as well. I have designated one day per month for major cleaning. I put Scooter in a plastic bucket with some water and a rock and she will watch me spend about 2-3 hours cleaning everything. Scrubbing the algae off everything manages the overly green slime problem. I have found the tubes/hose that lead to the filter cannot be removed and difficult to clean. I have a little brush to break up the slime that can clog it at times. Then where I can't reach the tubing, I simply squeeze the tube until the solid slime on the inside of the tubing breaks up and finally filters into the tube/hose or the aquarium. Make sure you do this before you change the water. The slime can be quite messy and you don't want to clog brand new filter medium. There were times that it was difficult to prime, and I am not sure what the problem was but persistence is the key. I kept trying different things like making sure there was enough water in the intake valve and sealing the cap securely. The replacement filters are easy to find and although they are not cheap, they are worth more to me by reducing the amount of time I spend cleaning. I still think the intake tube(s) are flimsy and need to be updated to accommodate aquariums that don't have water filled to the top. I have furnace tape to secure the joints to prevent air getting into the filter. It works but wish the design was better so that I didn't have to resort to such a primitive solution. Overall, the filter earns its keep and provides a healthy clean evironment for my turtle and her fish friends.
The directions aren't the best, but they're more than enough. I was able to get this up and running in around 30 minutes. I bet I could have done it 10 if I just wanted it up and running.
The only only difficult thing I can say about this is getting the hoses on. I'm not the strongest man alive, but I'm not the weakest. You need some sort of safe lubricant as the hoses can't be muscled on at the suggest length of 2 inches.
Other than that, it's been moving some SERIOUS amount of water and it's not disturbing the surface as much as an over the top filter would. It's quiet, very quiet, and barely noticeable hiding away at the bottom.
On another note to Amazon, the first filter I got had a MASSIVE crack on the side. I immediately noticed this and began the refund process sending it back to Amazon. They picked it up from my house (free of charge) and sent my new filter to me with free 3 days shipping! I chose the ultra cheap 5-8 days, so they did a great job getting my replacement to me fast and easy. I was a little upset as I was like a child waiting for this thing to come in, but Amazon really made it painless.
Conclusion: Rena gave me a great product. It was simple to install, the directions were decent, it works great, and so far all I can say is that I'm very pleased. Great product from a great third party company. Thank you Amazon and Rena.
If you don't have the water to the top of the tank you cannot use this filter! Because of the intake tubing, everything must be underwater otherwise you will suck air.
The intake and output tubing doesn't come apart once you put it together with the clamps so you cannot clean them.
I had an issue with set up and called customer service... the guy was arrogant and rude and wasn't very much help at all. Seemed as though he was the guy that owned the company by the way he was talking.
I'm sticking to my fluval which I've had for well over 10 years (I have both running in the same tank)! Yes I may have something break now and then with it, but much easier set up, cleaning and replacement parts are very easy to come by. I only continue to use this POS filter because we paid so much for it... sooner or later I will throw it out the window!
Top reviews from other countries
This filter can sometimes be a little tricky to prime, but after a few tries it does work. I haven't had a problem with it struggling to restart after a power outage.
I was a little concerned with the many people claiming it leaked after the first day or two so I did take precautions. I placed the whole filter in a deep Rubbermaid bin to avoid flooding my house in the event of a leak. I left it in that bin for 2 months and never once had a drop leak out. Make sure you seat the lid correctly. It shouldn't be too much of a struggle to clip the lid on or clamp the hose assembly down.
Overall I'm very happy with my purchase and I hope that this one lasts another 8 years (but I'd be happy with 5). It is a great price for a filter designed for 175 gallons and keeps my 65 gallon turtle tank sparkling.
I upgraded from the XP-S filter that I had for 2 years. Problems I had with that one was small intake/output tubing and leaking output tubing. I solved the leaking problem on my old XP-S with silicon all around the output tubing because the clamp wasn't doing it's job and the metal clamps you can buy crush the plastic tube.
On to the new product, The API Filstar XP-M Canister Filter
PRO
-I received this XP-M 1 day early which is great, I paid for express.
-Can handle my new 60 gallon tank no problem
-Clears my tank up fast and I have 2 RES turtles that are 4 years old.
-Easy to Clean with the baskets
CONS
-Output tube leaks again...Seriously idk why, idk if its the tube design but it trickle leaks. I had to silicon the sucker again, Hope it holds.
-Intake tube is a JOKE. it's WAYYYYYY to small for a 60 gallon tank that is 80% filled. Basically i NEED to buy the extension kit now.
-This one is louder than my old filter. I'm going to monitor it as time goes on but it's definitely 50% louder than my old XP-S
-Recommends 15 stars for good bacterial growth. Comes with like 8...
-Shipping container came dented and one of my clips for the lid was chipped and off. I replaced it with a old clip from my XP-S
Tips for buyers:
Buy extra bacterial stars for it
Buy the Extension kit >.> Money grab i know but you will need it
Don't buy the marketed pads for it, buy a generic pad that is like half the price, they are on amazon.ca
Update: I've been running this filter for a few months now and can further elaborate on issues mentioned above. Indeed, a considerable amount of dirt does bypass the baskets. Water enters the filter and some of it immediately exits through the top before having been directed down into the unit and up through the baskets. I found it necessary to put sponges and floss in the top and bottom baskets, and keep bb media in the center where it accumulates less debris. I've also had to add air driven sponge filters to the tank to make up for the lack of mechanical filtration the Filstar provides.
From day one, air gets sucked inside continuously. I've switched the hose clamps to metal clamps, replaced o-rings and gaskets and still it sucks air (which makes it noisy, blows micro bubbles into the tank and causes greater wear on the motor) and ensured the primer spout was sealed tight (even wrapped the threads with plumber's tape). Nothing has slowed the amountmof air that gets pulled into the canister. After taking it apart, I notice there is nothing wrapped around the power cord to prevent air from being pulled into the sizable hole. I'm working on ways to seal it, I will probably end up using silicone. If this effort fails, I'll honestly give up and seek out a new canister filter or build my own.