Filtration first. I've been through several Fluvals, from the internal filter when my painted was small to the canisters. I used a hang on power filter when he was very tiny but that lasted for about a year. As he grew I found that power filters can't cut it.

Recently I bought a Magnum 350 canister filter & I'll tell ya it is the BEST filter I've used so far. Not just because it keeps the tank clean but because it's easy to use, easy to clean. I love it!
I'll never go back to another IF this one stays together. The Fluval 304 was the best I'd ever had, until piece by piece it fell apart.

As for plants, your turtle eating them is a good thing for the turtle. My painted's tank is barren, empty except for the basking area, I gave up on looks long ago.
The way I see it, functional over looks is most the important thing about keeping him and greens are good for them so when you want him to have greens buy some more plants to make his day.
Don't fret over how the tank looks, it'll just give you grief that you don't need in your life.
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PHRatz

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