Habitat - Indoor :: New mom, turtles left with me, what filter to get?

[felmel]

I had a friend leave town and she asked me to watch her turtles until she could come back and get them. There are two of them, red eared sliders. They were in this tiny little plastic thingy that was way too small for them. Their shells were starting to curve up on the sides from trying to get around the circle in which they didn't fit anymore. I had a 10 gal aquarium so I put them in there.

So sad, they didn't know how to swim. My DH thought they were going to drown so we slowly increased the water level. We also bought a dock and light. Didn't want to spend too much because I thought she would come and get them.

Well, this set-up is not lasting. I told her I was going to keep them since we are about to spend some more money on them. They are 3 inches so I know they need a 60 gal tank. I am job hunting so can't afford that right now. I went to freecycle and someone gave me a 40 gallon tank so that will have to work until I get a job. I plan on making one of the docks with PVC pipe since they now sink the other.

They had a huge growth spurt when we put them in the 10 gal tank, is this normal. Their shells also straightened out and they love to swim now. Occasionally, we get feeder fish for them and it is great fun to watch.

In the future we plan on getting a 100 gal tank. In the meantime, what type of filter should we get? I can't afford a lot for this. We are thinking that when we move to 100 gal we will use this new filter and add a second one. I have done so much reading lately to the point that I am totally confused!

Also, we only have one light. It was for reptiles and gives the UV rays and is also very hot. Do we need something else as well?

[TexasJagsFan]

Something that is 2 or 3 times more then a regular aquarium. Like if you have a 10g, you should get one good for a 30g.

All though I have to admit, I have a 10g, with a filter recommended for a 10g, I've had it for over a month and the water has stayed cyrstal clear.

[steve]

sounds like you're off to a good start. if you get a good filter now, then you won't have to upgrade later. an xp3 will cost as low as $87 (xp1 about $53, and xp2 about $68 ).

you can look into an inexpensive internal filter, but it will require more frequent water changes.

a combination mercury vapor bulb will provide uvb and heat. but if that bulb does not say uvb, then you will likely need to find another source of uvb.