Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I was just wondering which kind of filter would be best for turtles, an underwater filter or one that hangs over the side and creates a little waterfall? Also, what is a good reliable brand? Thanks!

Of course, it depends on the size of your setup, how many turtles you're supporting and so on... But I would recommend staying away from undergravel filters all together and use a combination of filtration. I, for example, have two Reptofilters, which sit inside the aquarium and do create a "waterfall" effect, and an Eheim cansister filter. The advantage of having several different types of filtration is that you can use each for different purposes. For instance, I use the Reptofilters to mainain a biological balance (it has a filter medium insert) and they move water fairly well. The canister filter I use to run carbon.

I hope this wasn't too long of an answer. But whatever you do, remember that just because you have filtration, it does not mean your tank is always clean. Don't forget water changes; 30% biweekly is a good rule of thumb if you have a messy turtle or several turtles, and keeping the bottom free of gravel or substrate will help you save headaches in the longrun. That's my two cents anyways.