Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have always kept my turtles in small ponds. I have to
do 1/2 water changes 2X/week

Due to problems with my shoulder I am looking at buying
aquariums for them. I need to somehow buy a filter that
does not require me to do so many water changes as carrying
buckets are getting very difficult.

I understand that many use the Fluval 404 cannister. Please
give me some feedback on their drawbacks as well as any
drawbacks to having aquariums. I am looking at a 125 gallon
for my 2 Painted turtles. They are about 4-5" in size. Does
this seem like a good size and would a Fluval 404 be adequate?

Also, what size would I need for my 2 RES? They are 5 years old
and are 5" and weigh 400 grams. I think they will get much
larger as their heads are large compared to their bodies.

Also, would one of these filters work with a pond?

All opinions please
Linda

Well either the Fluval 404 or Rena Filstar XP3 would be good choices. Have heard that the Filstar is a little easier to use less quirks. 125 gallon aquarium should be ok for the Painteds especially if u have a way of filling the tank all the way up without the turtles leaving. Like a canopy hood Iturnrocks has posted pictures of his and im in the process of building one on his concept. The canister filters are designed for indoors only. One suggestion on the water changes that I've done is to find a hose connect for your kitchen faucet and use a water hose to fill it up so water can be warm especially if you can use a siphon hose to drain water out a window. Eliminates the bucket. I had elbow surgery a couple of years ago so I know the feeling
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0.0.2 Res
0.0.1 False map Turtle
1.1.2 Leopard Geckos
0.0.1 Bearded Dragon

Oh and as far as tank size the magic number seems to be 10 gallons of water per inch of turtles. Painteds being smaller aren't to bad in an aquarium but RES especially females can require much larger tank. So if u had somewhere to use it and didn't mind the aesthetics a plastic stock tank would work rubbermaid makes them up to 350 gallons, and can generally be found at tractor/farm supplies stores
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0.0.2 Res
0.0.1 False map Turtle
1.1.2 Leopard Geckos
0.0.1 Bearded Dragon

I suggest a Python www.pythonproducts.com/ and if you are going to have a 125 gal tank for the painteds I would suggest two 404 filters. I don't know how to answer any of your other questions.

Hi Linda -

I have used every canister on the market and my favorite for ease of use is the Filstar. It is fantastic. Also for ease of water changes (as Ladybug104c recommends) invest in that Python. You will not lift an ounce of water with it. It is a thing of beauty!!!!! (the unfortunate thing for me is that ALL my faucets in the house cannot be adapted to use the Python -- be sure to check that point out before you purchase one) If you are good to go get one!! You will NOT regret it.

Steve