Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have 1 florida and i spiny softshell and am using a substrate of zoo med's desert sand and was wondering what kind of filter i could use that won't be affected by the sand. i have burned up a filter already from the sand in the water getting into the filter motor and siezing it up. please reply thank you

i've burned up a few filters myself.three suggestions.1)when you put in your next power filter you might try keeping the filter inlet just below the waters surface.then add an airstone to the opposite end of the tank.this will create a subtle current through the whole tank that constanty circulates new water past the filters inlet.as an aside this current also allows your heater to warm the whole tank,as opposed to the area just around it.2)use a larger grade of sand or smaller grade of gravel.it won't get pulled into the filter as easily.3)ditch the power filter & go with a single or "gang"of sponge filters.very simple,easy to clean,low-tech,quiet,& cheaper than a power filter that needs replacing every 6 months.i've also had success using a "box"filter for my smaller turts.if your "softie" is an adult then,because of the enclosure size,your options change.

well i have a 10 gallon tank with 1 florida and 1 spiny softshell in it and i was using a whisper filter. the water is very cloudy and i think its from the zoo med desert sand that i am using as substratte. how do i keep from burning up another filter like this can i somehow prefilter the water?

did you wash the sand before adding it to the tank?you should rinse the sand in a bucket or other container under running water before you use it.when the water runs clean then it is suitable for use.try a piece of nylon stocking over the filters inlet.if pre-washed then u shouldn't need the pre-filter.

thank you!!!