Habitat - Indoor :: $200 budget can it be done?

[jenaero]

good decision! Turtles do just fine by themselves. I got 2 because I was one of those people who took what the guy at the pet store said as fact. He said they didnt get very big. Went home, jumped on the computer, found out I just wasted $200 on crap, went out the next day and got them a new, proper setup for $300. I love my guys, but if I only had one, I wouldnt have to upgrade AGAIN this summer

[tissigirl]

It's great that you are doing a lot of research instead of getting a turtle on an impulse.

I was at Wal-Mart today and went by the pet area. Some of their stuff is cheaper then if you get it at a pet store. You may want to check it out if you have one in your area. They had tanks, stands (which looked really nice!), filters (I saw Whisper but not Fluval), and other accesories such as food, heaters, etc.

Oh, and while I was there I bought a $4.50 infant pool to take my turtle out on my balcony! I think it will be perfect size, and you can't beat the price! Thanks to soopermum for the idea!!

[soopermum62]

The reason I chose the XP3 for pricing for BigCT is because they are one of the best rated for turtles. The Fluvals are very good, but a pain in the butt to prime. Their handles also have a tendency to break easily. I personally use pond filters on my 2 big tanks(90 & 150 gallons) and used a Magnum Pro on my 55 gallon (which did a very good job) But if I had it to do all over I think I would go with a XP3 or an Eheim for a tank under 100 gallons. The reason I chose a 55 gallon tank is that they are readily available and easy to buy stands, tank covers, and other accessories for. They can be cheaper than breeder tanks (which are only 40 gallons) if you go to the right store. I have seen 55 gallon tanks for as cheap as $30.00 brand new. With their length they also provide a lot of "swim room"
Also, with turtles it is better to spend a couple of extra bucks now and save yourself a whole lot more down the road when you find what you bought is really not working. I swear by Whisper filters for FISH tanks, but they are just not powerful enough to cope with the waste a turtle puts out. I had the Whisper 6 (60) AND a Whisper 2(20) on a 55 gallon tank and it was barely adequate.

[BigCT]

It is done... Almost

I picked up a 40 gallon Breeder. The 55 gallon was longer but only 13in Wide. The breeder is 36x16x18 alot more room to turn a round.

I aslo picked up a Visi-Therm Aquarium heater. The Sales rep said the unbreakable plastic was better than the cheaper glass one.

I also picked up a Penguin Power Sponge Filter. The box said "Perfect for Turtle/Amphibian Tanks"

I figured this should get me by until I can get either a fluval an xp3.

Any feedback is appreciated.

[steve]

i have both the xp3 and a fluval 304 and both are good. i really haven't given the xp3 a good test but here's my overall impression:

the 304 is quieter and is better constructed. the water tubes are more flexible, but much harder to clean. 304 also has a much better a water output nozzle. easier to disconnect when you need to clean or to temporarily stop the water flow. priming is harder, but once you figure out the best way for you to do it, its easy. mine also leaks alittle bit and i have to reseat the motor section (which is a pain if the filter is primed)

xp3 feels abit cheap, but has a nice clear case. huge media baskets and probably a better water flow design inside the filter. clear tubes also make it obvious when to clean. priming is brilliant. i do not like the water output nozzle/valve design at all. also seems to cycle less gallons than my 304

btw, i will probably move my message into the equipment board later. maybe a dedicated filter board...