Recommended media for rena XP4?

[TonyG]

So, I just stopped in DNA a few minutes ago and happened to spy a rena xp4 filter in the used pile of junk. It didn't have a price tag on it, so when I asked about it the guy said he would sell it to me for $50. Now, the only problem with this is that I happened to be on my motorcycle at the time, but luckily I had brought along my back pack, which was highly amusing to say the least.

Now, what are people running in these things? I have some cut to fit filter media from JFP that I can put in it, but what else? I have heard some are running bio balls, and I have heard of others running the dollar store scrubbers in their sumps, just unsure as to what is best. I know I could get the actual rena filter media, but just wanted to check and see if there is a better (cheaper) option. Also, this thing is still wet from its previous owner, so scrubbing it out will be the first order of business. Yes, it does have the filter media baskets in it, but no other filter media.

Woohoo, for lots of filtration on my 55g.
Ok, so part of that was just the fact I wanted to mention that I picked this sucker up for $50, and a used in tank co2 reactor with powerhead for $5.

[sap]

bio balls are too big and simply dont provide enough surface area for a cannister, I run PVC shavings in my FX5 along with one coarse media pad to collect debris

[kewlkatdady]

depending the size of the trays, you can use gravel, crushed coral, lava rocks...
really anything that is coarse will work for bio media...

if your are looking for mechanical filtration, you can't go wrong with pillow stuffing.

[dcacjc]

bio balls are too big and simply dont provide enough surface area for a cannister, I run PVC shavings in my FX5 along with one coarse media pad to collect debris


sap where did you get your PVC shavings?

[TonyG]

Thanks for the advice, I also had a discussion with Biggin about this and got some good advice from him as well, and will be picking up some ceramic media and pillow stuffing tomorrow.
I am curious now about the pvc shavings also.

[bra8ndy8]

I love the PVC shaving.....I don't care to much for the pillow stuffing....ohh and the lava rocks are great as well!!

[sap]

I got them at Winnies Pets in Hurst, its the only place i have ever seen them and these bags were old and covered in dust

[AndrewH]

I have the ceramic rings in both of my XP filters, along with the some pillow stuffing type pads (the cut to fit type from The Fish Place).