Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 40 gallon tank, i fill it up about half way, i was just wondering which filter would be good for my tank?...i was thinking about the fluval 404...what do you guys think/suggest?

I ran an Eheim 2213 in a 29 gallon tank for 3 small turtles. It worked fine. I now have it on a 55 gallon tank with the same turtles. It still keeps the water clean. I also use a big type that hangs over the back like the waterfall styles, but I dont' run it constant due to the noise.

I think that if I was buying a filter for this 55 gallon now, I'd buy one a bit bigger.

However, I find the Eheim to be so quiet you have to touch it to tell if it's on. My bubble strips make the most noise. The filter is easy to clean also.

1)I shut off both valves, carry the filter to the sink
2)flip down tabs that secure the top to the canister, and pull top off
3) grab handle and pull out inner container that contains all the media.
4) rinse the canister to get rid of large sludge deposits in bottom
5) Open inner container and remobe fine media (cottony stuff)
6) replace cottony stuff...I guess it's poly stuff, since it's pillow stuffing material.
7) reassemble
8) put canister under tank and hook up quick connects
9) open valves and let canister fill with water (it will siphon)
10) plug in to wall outlet

easy!!

You may even consider a wet/dry, or maybe even a nice Via Aqua pump with power head as a suppliment to aid in circulation in the tank. My goal is always to provide very good circulation, as without it, even the best filter will not clean well. Some filters will provide great circulation, and others may need help of some other source.

My fish 55 gallon tank has a wet/dry with a Via Aqua pump that circulates over 600gph. I then use one of the bio-wheel type of filters that hangs over the tank in back. My water stays absolutely crystal clear. The tank is beautifully clean.

Keep in mind that with turtles, turtle poop is big. It probably won't float, and will go to the bottom of the tank. You have to either get circulation that will pick it up and allow it to get to the filter inlet, or get some kind of fish that will eat it. The fish method works well. I have Raphael catfish ...2 of them that do the job well. They hide all the time, so the turtles don't bother with them. Just provide them a hiding spot and they'll be fine.

I use the Fluval X04 series and in general I think they do a good job. I have a 104 that I used for my 10 gal and when I moved to a 20Long, it still works great. I was prepared to jump to a 204 or 304 if needed but it works fine.
The water is very clean and never gets cloudy.

They aren't real cheap but then, also not that expensive. Under $100 and the media is easy for me to find.
The only slightly annoying thing is that its a bit tricky to prime the pump and get it started. Now I am used to it so its easy but it took a few tries in the beginning.

Its very quiet as well.