All Turtles Message Board

Pat · Level 2 Joined: 11 Jul 2007 Posts: 30

I have a 20 gallon tank with a Fluval 2 filter, but I don't think the filter is enough. The water seems to get murky after just a few days. Should I get a bigger filter???

MinisMommy · Level 3 Joined: 06 Jun 2007 Posts: 103

Depends... how big of a turtle do you have in the twenty gal tank? If its begger than 2 or 3 inches, it could be that the tank is too small. When they are scared they will poop alot to muck up the water to try to discuise their self. Too small of a tank will scare them becuase there is not enough room and they will get stressed out. The turtle really needs about 10gal per inch of the turtle. However, if the turtle ISNT too big... do you have gravel or rocks on the bottom? This traps a LOT of debres and will muck up the water very quickly. my suggestion is to take the gravel out and just leave it as a glass bottom. This way the turtle has more swimming room , and nothing will get trapped under the rocks, and the water will filter better... which means FAR less water changes!!!

Pat · Level 2 Joined: 11 Jul 2007 Posts: 30

I have two red eared sliders about 4 inches each. They were given to me in a 10 gallon tank, but it was too small. I now have the 20 gallon and no gravel. I would think the gravel would trap debris. The water stays clearer longer in my small tank. I have the over the top type filter (can't think of the name). I saw another message about the Fluval not being the best. I go to Petland Discounts and was told the Fluval was the best. I don't want to invest foolishly and have a bigger filter still not do the job. The turtles seem to be very happy and healthy and I only feed them what they will eat. I just want the best for them.

MinisMommy · Level 3 Joined: 06 Jun 2007 Posts: 103

OK two 4 inch turtles are WAY too big for a 20 gal tank... they need ATLEAST 75 gal of water to live in. This is like confining you to your bedroom for the reast of your life and never letting you have anymore room than that. However... from my years of experence yes indeed Fluval IS THE BEST!!!. they work amazingly. invest in a new tank. then invest in a new filter. Trust me, upgrade to the biggest you can afford now and then in the future when they keep growing you wont have to spend even more money on an even bigger tank. They will both probably get to about 7-10 inches EACH depending on their sex.

Pat · Level 2 Joined: 11 Jul 2007 Posts: 30

Thanks again for the info. I went to Petland this morning and was researching the turtle tanks. I didn't realize that they have a specific tank with a cut out on the side for a filter. Anyway, if you think the Fluval is good then I am with you 100%. So far the turtles look happy in the 20 gallon, but next time (when I have some extra money), I will get the bigger tank so they can swim freely. The salesperson at Petland showed me how their turtles are kept, and they use the Fluval. I have the Fluval 2 so next time I will invest in the bigger one.

melsmom · Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 3:13 pm Post subject:

just to add my own experience, I have one res in a 20 gal with a fluval 4. I have gone through many many many filters and that one works. We just got back from a 10 trip and the tank was pretty clear, with a little smell, but overall was awesome. so .. get the biggest filter u can Laughing

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Pat · Level 2 Joined: 11 Jul 2007 Posts: 30

I have two RES and they seem to be happy in the 20 gal. tank. I think I will invest in the Fluval 4 as long as it's not too big for the tank. Do you rinse out your filters every two days or do you put new ones in after a few days. My Fluval 2 seems to be working quite well now. I also have a 10 gal. tank that I put the guys in while I am cleaning the 20 gal. tank. What do you feed your turtle???????

Rachel16 · Level 3 Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 351

somtimes the water gets merky for different reasons-----will edit later-----
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In memory of Tara who died unexpectedly 4Pm on January 14, 2007

Pat · Level 2 Joined: 11 Jul 2007 Posts: 30

My turtles are swimming around like crazy in the 20 gal. tank. I was reading that Krill is just a treat for them. I give them Reptomin sticks, but would like to give them the healtiest foods that I can. They seem to be always hungry, but I don't want to over feed them. My neighbor who had them before said to feed them live tiny goldfish, but I feel sorry for the little fish.

turtbert · Level 3 Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 272

personally I would invest in an external filter as soon as you get a bigger tank. In my experience internal ones just don't work for larger turtles. I had a 4+ in a 25g with a 3 1/2" turtle and that worked well, however my larger turtles dislodge everything I try to stick in their tank so an external fluval would be much better, I'd go for the largest you can afford either a fluval 205, 305 or 405 Smile

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