All Turtles Message Board

melsmom

I really need to know as a newbie RES owner

What is THE best filter in terms of effectiveness (least number of water changes per week), sound, etc ....

thank you!!!!!!! Razz

turtle_grl77 · Level 4 Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Posts: 985 Location: Florida

Make sure your filter can filter 3-4 times the size of your tank.

melsmom · Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 4:30 pm Post subject:

wow .. seriousuly? So for my 10 gallon tank, get a filter that will work for a 30-40 gal? I'm considering a fluval 4 (internal) instead of the zoo med I just got that says for 30 gal but i'm not impressed. Neutral

ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 207

3-4 times might be a bit much. I had a Fluval 2 in my ten gallon tank, it did great - although it does take up space.

But do consider this: Your 10 gallon tank will only last the little guy a short while here, and then you'll be upgrading to at least a 20 if not more. The fluval 2 is decent enough in the 20 gallon tank (filled about 13 gallons full), but the water gets dirtier much faster than when the fluval2 was in only about 7 gallons of water. I have to do more frequent water changes. However, getting something bigger for only 20 gallons is tough.

I would suggest a Fluval2 or something for now, something good for 20-30 gallons will be fine. Just give the filter pads a cleaning weekly and do partial water changes weekly - turtles are still pretty messy.

I'm speaking from the experiences I have had keeping Tucker and research I've done. The 20 gallon is about done now as well, we'll be upgrading to probably 60 soon. If you can do it, I would highly recommend jumping from the 10 gallon to at least a forty gallon and getting a filter good for 100 gallons when your guy is ready for a new tank (versus the intermediate step.)

Anyhoo, good luck. Have fun!

melsmom · Posted: Thu May 03, 2007 6:27 pm Post subject: Thank you!!

after much discussion on this site and my local PetCo .. i increased the tank size from 10 gal to 20 and purchased a Fluval 3 and voila! perfecto .. now .. the water is lovely. except ... there still is an odor but the water is clear. I guess i can't have it all right? Any ideas for lowering the odor? Laughing

I have biowaste stuff in there but is there something for smell?

ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 207

Not sure. I add Repti-safe into the water to treat it, I don't have much smell. What else is in your tank?

melsmom · Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 9:49 am Post subject:

the only other things are beach-type rocks. When i clean the tank i take them out and scrub them. Maybe i should take them out periodically, between cleanings to rinse them. The turt seems very happy w/more room ...also, i've been seeing posts about uvb and uv bulbs. Is there a difference?

thanks!

ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 207

I might have these backwards, but...

the UBV bulb is the one that mimicks sunlight without heat, which ensures that the turtle gets the sunlight he needs to be properly healthy. The UVA bulb is what you would call your basking spot lamp, the hot one that mimicks the hot sun, warming the basking spot for your turtle.

Fred_and_George · Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 10:58 am Post subject:

yup, that is right. they need both spectrums of light ( A and B) to live properly. you can also buy a dual lightbulb that produces both types of UV light, im not sure, however, if it produces heat, so you may end up having to buy a heat light anyway, which isnt a big deal, i have a heat light for emergencies, and it was 3 bucks. but yeah, that is that
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AnimalLover · Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 10:43 am Post subject:

Start big if you're planning on keeping your turtle forever.... I know, I have four tanks since I started.

I now own a 75gallon... my next venture is a backyard pond.... the 75gal I fear is too small....
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Turtlelover75 · Level 2 Joined: 06 May 2007 Posts: 34

I would go for a powerful filter, but you still have to change the water and put new water in.