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getsu_04
Level 1
Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 22
Location: Philly
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 Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 6:34 pm Post subject: filter question |
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| I have 2 hatchling RES in a 28 gallon rubber made. If I am willing to do full water changes every 2 days, do I really need a filter at this point?I know when they get older it will be a different story but can I get away without using one for right now?Thanks so much for any advice you can give me! |
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Iris
Level 1
Joined: 08 Apr 2007
Posts: 14
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| Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 6:40 pm Post subject: |
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| you could but you would have to change the water often with a filter you won't have to do it as much. So you can either clean a tank every 3 days or so or you can get a filter and change it every 2-3 weeks. |
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ryanandsuzyro
Level 3
Joined: 19 Nov 2006
Posts: 207
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| Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 12:55 am Post subject: Re: filter question |
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| getsu_04 wrote: | | I have 2 hatchling RES in a 28 gallon rubber made. If I am willing to do full water changes every 2 days, do I really need a filter at this point?I know when they get older it will be a different story but can I get away without using one for right now?Thanks so much for any advice you can give me! |
What is your reason for not wanting to buy a filter? Financial? If you can afford it, I would recommend getting a filter right aways. Fluval 3 would probably be fine for that, but you could get a Fluval 4 that'll be suitable for a 40 gallon or so.
If you don't get sick of doing full water changes every two days, I mean, go ahead. I hate doing full water changes. Not even really a fan of partial, but I do 'em weekly. You should also use a water conditioner on the tap water. Doing this every couple days...
One thing I'm learning is that you need a certain amount of bacteria in the water. You don't change all filter media at once so that you can retain some of the beneficial bacteria in the ecosystem. Changing the water every couple days might actually work against your turtle's overall health.
I don't know your turtles, but I do know this: My turtle gets stressed out when we do water changes. If I take him out, he stays hidden in his bin until we put him back in, then he freaks out for a while until he calms down. If I do the water change with him in, he gets stressed out. Your turtles might be placid or not affected but you do risk putting undue stress on your guys.
I'm not an expert, this is just what I've learned and some of my thoughts. |
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getsu_04
Level 1
Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 22
Location: Philly
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| Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 5:54 pm Post subject: |
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| My little guys dont seem to really mind water changes, the only way they voice their displeasure is by immediatly pooping in their clean water. I will get a good filter when I have a chance. I actually do have one but I have the feeling it's a pretty crappy one. It's a Zoo med 318 turtle filter. I guess I will try installing that one tomorrow when I change their water and buy a better one when I am financially able to. By the way,since they are hatchlings do I have to worry about any drowning risk? |
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melsmom
Level 2
Joined: 22 Apr 2007
Posts: 59
Location: san diego, California
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| Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 12:34 pm Post subject: |
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| Iris wrote: | | you could but you would have to change the water often with a filter you won't have to do it as much. So you can either clean a tank every 3 days or so or you can get a filter and change it every 2-3 weeks. |
Ok so do tell ... what filter can i get that I can not do water changes so often? I have a 10 gallon tank and one res. I have tried stingray (for 10 gal tanks), whisper (for 10 gal tanks), whisper (for 30 gal tanks), and now i have a zoo med (for turtle tanks up to 30 gal). Are my expectations too high? Should the water get slightly cloudy on a day by day basis? I am soo frustrated. It doesn't matter to me if it's a submergible system or not but ... I do want it quiet. I don't want to hear a fountain all day/night. Thanks for any info!  |
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Fred_and_George
Level 3
Joined: 20 Sep 2006
Posts: 264
Location: Kingston, Ontario Canada
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| Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2007 4:18 pm Post subject: |
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a filter is a healthier alternative to frequent water changes. there are beneficial bacteria that grow in aquariums, and filters dont kill them. they provide a means for faster breaking down waste and essentially act as a filtration system themselves. by cleaning your tank out as often as you are, you are killing these bacteria. also, you are really stressing your turtles. you may say that "they dont mind" but it is added stress that can lead to illness as their immune systems start suffering from the lack of benefical bacteria, the frequent handling, and the stress of being out of thier home as you clean the tank. i strongly suggest getting a filter. it is a lot cheaper than vet bills, in the long run.
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I love my turtles!  |
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