Reptile & Amphibian Forums

SO I have decided that my current filter sucks monkey balls and decided to invest in a Fluval 404. The smell from the tank after feeding time is like being hit in the face with a 2x4 when you open the door. My cheeks are really chapped at the idea that I may have to spend the next 20 years cleaning the tank once a week, and the turtle growing=pinching bigger logs= the smell of a rotting corpse in my house if I don't get a bigger filter.

My question for you is what media should I buy to go with it? What kind of maintainance should I do on it? And is there such thing as over filtering? If the tank is only 20 gallons, will it harm the turtles?

Thanks.
...Anne
2 RES Theresa and John Kerry
1 Anklebiter-17 months

Get a bigger tank while your at it, a 20 gallon tank is only good for tiny hatchlings. A 55 gallon tank with a fluval 404 would last you quite awhile. You can't over filter the water, as long as the current isn't too strong. It will come with the media you need to set it up, usually carbon, bio tubes and floss mesh.
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Thanks! I just have to let you know that my turtles are tiny hatchlings. Can't really afford to upgrade the tank just yet, but I am planning to do so just as soon as I get some extra loot in my bank account.
...Anne

i just wanted to let you know that you can also take them out and feed them in a seperate container, possible a tuberware container... this would also cut down on "rotting food in water" amd poop smell! i have also heard that if you leave them in this other container long enough, they also poop, which is a double plus! haha... well i just thought i'd mention that... hope it helps!
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~ Evie

Pets:
German Shephard {Dusty}
German Shephard/Collie mix {Shadoe}
2 RES turtles {Booger and Snot}
African Clawed Frog {Bingo}
Snail {Gary}