Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, I have my second filter. I just went into PetSmart and bought the most expensive one I could find, but it's not working because the water level has to be too high...higher than my basking area will allow it to be. I can't have the water so high to cover the basking area, but there doesn't seem to be any filters that I can find that don't require very deep water. ARGH...this is frustrating.

Does anyone have any good suggestions for filters? The tank is 20 gallons...please someone just tell me a good one and I'll buy it.

Oh, to top it off, this one is a heater AND a filter...the woman at the store didn't point that out. So, that is probably why it was more expensive.

Kristen
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1.1 pygmy leaf
1.0 carpet
1.0 jackson
0.0.3 red eared sliders

here is what you can do.....go down to your local pet shop, and buy some tubing the diameter of what came with the filter...just put in enough extra tubing so that the output is below your desired water level.

that is what i did and it works fine...i started out with having a waterfall in my livingroom, but i enjoy the quiet much better...enjoy...

BTW, what type of filter did you get? i am just curious....

The first was a Fluval 2 Plus...the second was some ProQuatics Thermofilter...dumb me trusted the person in the store, and didn't think about the name ("thermo"filter)...duh. I think I'm going to take it back and get a Fluval 4 Plus...I've at least heard that some people somewhat like them...and if we have to get two, I'll get two later.

I don't want to spend an arm and a leg on a filter...and, honestly, I'm sick of messing with the darn things. You can tell that with two small kids, my patience is next to nil.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Kristen
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1.1 pygmy leaf
1.0 carpet
1.0 jackson
0.0.3 red eared sliders

Instead of getting the internal filters like the Fluval Plus series, get a canister filter like the Fluval 204. Thats what I have, it sits outside the tank so it doesn't take up swimming room. It just has two tube, an input and an output, and since the output is underwater the filter runs silently. I have two small res in a 55 gallon tank with about 35 gallons of water and this filter, and I only have to change the water and clean the filter twice a year.
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For real? Wow, that sounds just like what I need...I'm not having fun changing out the water so often. I'm so paranoid that salmonella water will get on the floor and make my children sick (can that happen, anyway?? LOL)

I'm going to check it out...I'm sure it costs an arm and a leg, huh?

Thanks!
Kristen
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1.1 pygmy leaf
1.0 carpet
1.0 jackson
0.0.3 red eared sliders

I have a fluval 4 plus internal in with my small baby RES and already and unhappy with how it filters particals, no beneficial bacteria colonies can develop, etc. My adult has a Fluval 404 and I have been very happy with it so far. I bought it from Petsmart.com....for some reason the stores I have been to have it much more expensive in the store than on-line...I got mine on-line for $109...other on line stores have them at great prices.

I do firmly believe that with RES canister filters are just the way to go. I have a big messy adult and my maintenance is now a fraction of what it once was.

Thank you for the information. How large is the tank that your adult is in? I've found some good online places that have the Fluval 204 at reasonable prices. I called a local store today and they had the Fluval 404 for some rediculous price...$170 I think...I found the 204 for $51 something shipping.

Thanks again!
Kristen
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1.1 pygmy leaf
1.0 carpet
1.0 jackson
0.0.3 red eared sliders

Would this be the one you have?

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/animalworldnetwork/hagfluvmsf20.html

Does it keep the water clear?

Also, how big is the canister part of it that sits on the floor?

Thanks again
Kristen
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1.1 pygmy leaf
1.0 carpet
1.0 jackson
0.0.3 red eared sliders

here is the one that i have....
Magnum 350 Deuluxe

Thanks for the suggestion. I appreciate it...I'm going to look into these and the one mentioned above. If anyone knows which is better, feel free to let me know.

Kristen
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1.1 pygmy leaf
1.0 carpet
1.0 jackson
0.0.3 red eared sliders

here is a link of my tank from about...oh....3 months ago...the only thing that has changed, up 'til now, is the plants.. "wabo" is on top of the sunken tree stump....8-) but this is how my tanks looks all of the time..i also have a very large plecco which, fortunately, he leaves alone..believe it or not...the plecco bullies the turtle around..especially when the turtle goes into the plecco's home (the big stump)

hope this helps....
My tank......