I once took a ten day cruise all around the Caribbean. A relaxing, stress-free ten days turned into an anxiety-ridden week upon my return home. After entering my house, an unbearably foul smell radiated throughout the air. My turtle tank was literally black from feces and debris. My filter had failed me for ten days, leaving the health of my turtles in jeopardy. Fully expecting to go on more vacations in my life, I knew that this filtration system simply would not suffice.
I needed to find myself an adequate turtle tank filter. I feared that my 55 gallon fish tank would require an intricate filtration system costing hundreds of dollars. After all, any turtle owner knows that turtles produce a lot of waste, so I set out to find the best bang for my buck. First off, when you visit your local pet store, skip the substrate. Small pebbles and other rocks only complicate matters when it comes to filtration and cleaning your tank. Although it might be aesthetically pleasing, only large rocks upon which your turtle may rest are acceptable in this sense.
I purchased an A-160 Fluval 1 "Plus" Underwater Filter, and was generally content with the results. The filter, which cost about $20, is compact and effective, allowing for maximum swimming space while at the same time filtering the water. The filter is very quiet, and not bothersome at all. Pad replacements are generally about $3-$4 each, a relatively cheap filtration system. However, I was left wanting more. Any good aquarium filter has a process that involves activated carbon filtering the water in conjunction with a special sponge. As such, I sought to find the most economically priced and effective filter containing both.
Hagen, the manufacturer of the aforementioned filter, is the preeminent name in affordable aquarium filtration equipment. I purchased the AquaClear 300 External Power Filter for $40, and I've never been happier. The filter has a siphon which sucks up the water, which is ideal for turtle tanks with a relatively low water level. Water is suctioned through the siphon and forced through a foam filter insert that traps particles suspended in the water. The second stage of filtration involves a carbon inset, which is used to absorb hard-to-remove and invisible wastes in the water.
There is also an optional third filtration stage, which removes excess ammonia. The filter provides an aesthetically pleasing waterfall effect as the clean water is returned into the tank. A trip to the pet store to replace all of the filter cartridges mentioned will cost about $20. The best part of the system, however, is that your tank remains clean for about 2 months. With these two cost-effective filters running, your turtles will enjoy swimming around in crystal clear water. Remember, this is the water that your turtles drink - you want it to be as clean as possible.
