Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, I've never actually asked any turtle owner this. What filter media does everyone use in their filters? and in what order.. Not 100% sure if what I have in mine is a correct system for my RES.. I've got in my fluval the from the tank -filter foam, then filter wool, then charcoal, then ammonia remover, and finally the hollow ceramic stuff - back into the tank. Does this seem ok.. or should I change something / order of it all? Thanks

That sounds about right, you want the mechanical filtration- floss, foam, before the rest. this way the large particles are taken out so your biological and chemical filtration doesnt get saturated with waste. I would think biological would be second and then chemical, since the chemical basically removes odors from the water, but im not sure about those last 2. Thats the way mine is set up anyway, but then, I built my own filter.
-----

I also have a Fluval....this is the order of my media. Since the water travels from the bottom up I'll give it to you in that order. After the foam, I then have ceramic pre-filter. (the hollow 6-sided ones) That is followed by a combo carbon and zeolite mix (so that I don't have to but them in separate trays.) Next is the Biomax, which is the hollow ceramic with the rough exterior. Lastly, I have a fine mesh partical filter media that looks like quilt batting.

I have been pretty happy with this order so far. Things that have helped is remembering large partical waste first then fine. Also, you can use the Biomax earlier in the stack, and it will act like a large partical filter and a bacteria builder. The