Rena 721 Filstar XP2 Canister Filter

by Mars Fishcare

Product Features

• The most reliable and easy-to-maintain canister filters available
• Color coded parts organized in a vacuum-formed tray
• Full color instruction book for easy step-by-step set up
• Self-priming; fast and easy maintenance; no pumping necessary
• XP2 Aquarium Size Flow Rate: 75 U.S. gal : 300 U.S. gal/hr (280 L 1,150L/hr)

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 16 inches ; 5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00026Z4KS
• Item model number: 721
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,873 in Pet Supplies (See Top 100 in Pet Supplies)

Product Description

Powerful, easy to use aquarium filter has an anti-airlock system for continuous, silent operation; media baskets hold mechanical, chemical and/or biological filtration; self-locking water shutoff system; self-priming easy startup. For aquariums up to 75 gal.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From a wet-dry to 2 XP2's, March 30, 2006

By 

Robert Bailey "Koontz fan for life!" (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rena 721 Filstar XP2 Canister Filter (Misc.)

I have a 100 gallon tank and I paid 500.00 for a wet/dry system that everyone swore would be my last and best filter. Well after a year of loud draining noises and yellow water I ditched it and put on 2 of the XP2's. All I can say is WOW!!!! After only 9 hours my water is crystal clear! I was so used to the yellow tinge in the water I forgot what clear water looked like! My wet dry was rated for a 200 gallon tank and I changed the media religously! It pales in comparison to the XP2's! And the XP2's along with a year supply of filter media cost less than half of the Wet/Dry system! I am sold on the XP2! They are virtually noiseless too!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reliable, efficient, quiet filter., February 11, 2008

By 

K. Spencer "Doomy" (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rena 721 Filstar XP2 Canister Filter (Misc.)

I did a lot of research when I was trying to decide on a canister filter for my 55-gallon aquarium, and saw a plethora of conflicting information. Eheim was supposedly the best brand, but people described it at "not user-friendly", and they can be a bit pricey. Others looked too cheaply-made to be worth the cost, and I didn't want to worry about replacing parts.

Eventually I settled on the Rena Filstar XP2 canister, and I've never been happier. It's reliable, quiet, and my water is crystal-clear (and that's saying something, since we have very heavy lime in my area). Any time I do a gravel-vac or move ornaments around, the XP2 has my water clear again within a few hours. Even when I slack off on cleaning the media, it keeps my aquarium balanced, runs smoothly, and maintains water circulation and current.

The only problem I've had was a defective hose clamp, so now I have a metal clamp there instead of the black one that came with it. I suggest having at least one on-hand so you don't have to go back to the store when setting up your filter. It also apparently has an automatic shutoff feature if you're silly and let the hose get crimped, like I did. That's the only time it ever ceased to function, which is far preferable to the motor burning out.

Priming this filter is a breeze, as are cleaning it and setting it to work again. The media lasts quite a while, and the only things not included are the Bio-Chem Stars. Definitely worth the money, especially if you're new to canister filters.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible Performance and Value, January 25, 2008

By 

B. Davis (NE Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rena 721 Filstar XP2 Canister Filter (Misc.)

I've been using canister filters on my smaller tanks (20-55g) for the past decade and the RENA XP2 is the most impressive by far.

APPEARANCE
The kit was very neatly packaged. The filter itself is definitely not a real "looker", but it certainly has very clean lines. I expected some burrs on the plastic pieces, but there were none to be found. What else can I say about a filter that likely will be hidden away beneath a cabinet or behind the aquarium?

SETUP
It's ridiculous how easily the filter assembled. The media baskets are very practical and easy to manage, plenty of room for whatever you choose to filter with. The ONLY aspect I would consider potentially difficult was fitting the hoses to the rigid tubing -- easily remedied with a very light film of petroleum jelly, emphasis on "light". Once the clamp is in place it's nearly impossible to move the hose let alone pull it completely off the tubing. The instructions are clear and concise and the visuals so explicit the text is almost unnecessary.

OPERATION
I am not exaggerating when I say the filter generates only a whisper of noise. My wife wondered whether it was actually functioning until I opened the cabinet and she leaned over to listen. Amazing, considering the volume of water it's filtering. My water is crystal clear, well-balanced and the aquarium's occupants are healthy and robust -- testimony to how well the filter is functioning.

MAINTENANCE
I've never had another canister filter so easily maintained. Flip, pull, pop some clips and "voila" easy access to everything. I can change any media and swap filter pads all in less than 10 minutes. I'm so spoiled I wish I'd never have to see another wet-dry filter as long as I live.

You really can't go wrong with this one. Two thumbs way up.