Reptile & Amphibian Forums

and how much would it cost around??

depends what size tank and what kind of filter you're looking for. probably expect 50-150 bucks or so. you should be able to get a decent one for that price.

I have a 55 gallon tank for my baby alligator snapping turtle, fish, ghost shrimp, and other live food.

I noticed how the cost of filters skyrocketed the more gph (gallons per hour) they put out. After looking at so many of them, I finally decided to make my own.

I bought a 250 gph Pondmaster brand pond pump and I made a filter out of parts from Home Depot/Petsmart.
* 4" diameter, 8" long ABS pipe
* 1/2" and 3/4" tubing
* various connectors
* various fitration media (blue spongy stuff, ceramic medium, charcoal, etc.)

I only have it on 12 hours a day, but the water is crystal clear.
I'm guessing this pump will last me a long time and there are no expensive/proprietary filters to buy---just the activated charcoal. Plus, I can always lengthen the filter or add another filter onto the pump when I go with a bigger tank.

I figured that recurring costs of filtration will be $1-$2 a month.

i happen to have a fluval 304 canister filter. it keeps clean for about 4 weeks and then needs to be clean. the water is clear too.