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I just bought a second xp3 off of craigslist and since the filter was used and kind of dirty I decided to throw away all of the filtration pads. Big Al's has the 20 ppi foam and the 30 ppi foam , but they don't carry the microfiltration pad (the first pad and it is white) for the rena xps. I noticed a bunch of other filters that appeared to be similar, any suggestions on what I should get?

you could use the pad of other filters on the XP. but some people, including myself, dont use the pad because it could clog up the filter. you could just add more media or other things instead of the pad. but thats just my opinion.

All your really need are the 20 and the 30 one is a fine sponge and one is a course sponge and they should beable to catch most of the tank waist. Combine that with the carbon pouch + rings or what ever else they have which are kind of optional and not really needed you should be alright.

The microfiltration pad isn't really necessary---some people (including me) think using one tends to clog the filter and affects the outflow of the water. I used them at first, but stopped when I found I had to open the filter to "clean" it fairly quickly, only to find that the weakened outflow was due to the microfiltration pad.

I use the microfiltration pads in my XP3 and like them. I haven't had a problem with outflow. You can get a box for them for around $5.50 from PETSMART.COM.

Here's another place you can get them. They are more expensive here so unless you have more money than you need, I'd advise getting them from Petsmart. You might hang onto this link though because this is the Rena Filstar outlet and you can get all sorts of replacement parts here (not just filter media) that you can't get anywhere else.

http://rena-aquatics-outlet.planetrena. ... Media.html

Thanks everyone, I was worried that they didn't exist.

If you do have the pad, how long before you have to clean out the filter?

When you start to notice the filter is putting out less water than usual. Otherwise, it just depends on how often you have to replace your media of choice.

I have it in my wish list at bigals just in case I need extra, I bought some a week ago. Looks like they still have it.

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ct ... iltration2

Wow, I thought it would be more money...