Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a Fluval 104 filter. I was curious if I really needed those ceramic disk things. It reads that it provides large particle filtering at lower sections and healthly bacteria at higher sections.

Do I really need that bacteria stuff for RES? I clean the filter pads and replace the activated carbon monthly to purify the water. Is there anything I should be using as well in the Fluval?

well the beneficial bacteria is for removing ammonia. everyone seems to say it is essential. i don't think it is that necessary however, as long as you change the water fairly often. ammonia is a serious killer of fish but turtles are much more resilient to it.

thanks. Also you can get the Zeo-carb which says it removes ammonia as well. I also read the turtles are less sensitive to ammonia and pH. Hmm. I wonder if there is anything else to put in the filter then besides the foam inserts and the carbon.

Maybe some cotton padding I see in the dish store?