Reptile & Amphibian Forums

In the past we have always done very well with Fluval Plus filters....even for our large alligator snapping turtles (but they do test their limits). We are now in possession of a pair of american alligators that an older woman had to give up for adoption (each alligator is 4-5' in total length). They are being housed temporarily in a 10' cattle trough set up for alligators (basking lights, full spectrum light, basking areas, etc.). Does anyone have any recommendations on good quality pond filtration devices and possible sources for them?

Thanks in advance.

Rob Carmichael, Director/Curator
The WIldlife Discovery Center
City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation

I have used every type of filter known to man over the last 30 years of keeping crocodilians. I have D.E. filters (diatemaceous earth) on two of my large ponds. They work very well, but clog soon and need to be cleaned and changed frequently. I have other large ponds on sand filters. They work well too and only need to be back flushed once a month or so. I would reccomend sand/backflush filters if you have a large body of water for your guys. My ponds range from 5000 to 20000 gallons. If you have a smaller body of water then maybe fluval would be the way to go. I use these too on smaller tub-type ponds ranging from 100 gallons to 500 gallons. They need to be changed/cleaned a few times a week though, I must warn you.

>>In the past we have always done very well with Fluval Plus filters....even for our large alligator snapping turtles (but they do test their limits). We are now in possession of a pair of american alligators that an older woman had to give up for adoption (each alligator is 4-5' in total length). They are being housed temporarily in a 10' cattle trough set up for alligators (basking lights, full spectrum light, basking areas, etc.). Does anyone have any recommendations on good quality pond filtration devices and possible sources for them?
>>
>>Thanks in advance.
>>
>>Rob Carmichael, Director/Curator
>>The WIldlife Discovery Center
>>City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation
-----
If 50% of one's enemies are still breathing,... it just means you're doing a half-assed job.

The largest gator I housed was 8'. I used a hayward DE filter and a Hayward super pump 1.5hp. This system worked very well but needed cleaned and charged twice a month. So I added a prefilter on the 1.5 line prior to the filter but after the pump. By placing ball valves on either side of the prefilter it was a snap to clean the prefilter. This extended the draining and charging cycle to once a month. Of course once every week I would have to bump the system when the pressure rose more then 10psi above operating pressure but this only takes 10 seconds to do. Hopes this is helpful.

I will look into that product as it sounds like a possible solution. Thanks again. Rob

>>I will look into that product as it sounds like a possible solution. Thanks again. Rob
-----
True "power" is not to be found in social or economic placement or stature, which are merely illusory, finite, frail and brief.
True power is to be found in one's sheer will and personal determination to achieve one's goals at ANY cost and at ANY sacrifice.