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Ok, I was looking to upgrade my filter. Not that its not working but just thought maybe it wasn't the right size. I did some research and I guess either I'm just not getting it or something.

I currently have an Aquaclear 110(500) in a 75 gallon tank. I checked the rating for it and it says, that its for up to 150 gallon tank.. and it filters at its max setting (which I always have it on) 500gph.

Then I checked the ratings on what seem to be the 2 favorite canister filters.. the fluval 404 and the filstar XP3. Both seem to be rated the same or less than the Aquaclear.

Fluval 404 : up to 100 gal tank, 340 gph $99.99 at big al's

XP3: 175 gal; 350 gph. $99.99 at big al's.

The aquaclear is only $34.99. Can someone help clarify this for me.. and if there's another filter that would be better for my size tank.. please let me know which one

Are their as many media's for the Aquaclear, as there are for xP3 or Fluval? That's the only thing I can think of.

The XP3 is on sale for $86 at drsfostersmith.com

The guideline is 3x the filter strength for a turtle tank... so a filter made for a 225 gallon tank is what you want - or something close to it.

The main plus for a canister filter is that you have a lot more options and a better ability to colonize beneficial bacteria.

Steve: That's exactly the problem. None of the ones mentioned cover 225 gallon tank which is my dilema in picking another out.

As for the filter media for an Aquaclear, I do believe there are many media choices. You can mix and match to your hearts content.

I've been using an xp3 in a 125 gallon tank that has about 75 gallons of water. It works fine and just recently I added a second filter, a Fluval 304 to it and I can't tell if it makes any difference.

I'd get a canister for the media options and if you do regular water changes you'll be OK. Obviously feeding outside the tank would help, is your tank filled to the top?

My tank is nearly full.. and will be soon as I'm in the process of putting their basking area outside the tank so that I can fill the tank. What media options do canisters have that the aquaclear doesn't?

I also can't find any filter that would work for 225 gallon tank, which is the reason I posted. I'm assuming the only filters would be something you'd use for an outdoor pond.

My Aquaclear works very well.. with the exception of picking up some of the floating pieces from the greens, but I just use a net and scoop those out daily. My water is crystal clear and moves rather well.

As I said, from the specs of the 3 filters, I can't see any significant advantage to the Fluval or XP3, but obvsiously I'm not familiar with their media choices, that's why I'm asking for info

Rena - the company that makes the XP3, has a full line of media. The website is under aquarium pharmaceuticals.com - Im not sure of the exact syntax but the website explains each filter media and its uses.

cam722, I think the specs you mentioned are for fish (and we all know turtles need much more ) For turtles, I've seen the AquaClear 110 rated for a 30-gallon tank (the 110, for a max of 110 gallon tank is for fish). I've got one in a 40-gallon stock tank, and would go up to 50-gallons but not higher as the only filter.

Of course, a lot depends on size, no. of turtles, etc. in the tank.

The AquaClear 110 is really good for a very reasonable amount of money (and the 500 GPH compared to the XP3's 350 GPH, for example, is, to me, impressive).

I think the big difference between a canister and the Aquaclear is the amount of biomedia that can be stored in the canister (and some canisters have more room than others for this). The Hagen people wised up in including the Bio-max with the AquaClear (the older version didn't include it and to increase the biomedia you had to add an extra sponge). And, of course there's the noise factor (I've just got a second AquaClear 110 and am going to experiment with the plexiglass before I put it in the tank).

If you do get a canister, the AquaClear would work very well as a supplementary filter. (Quite a few people seem to use it for this purpose.)

ok, so the ratings that they show for these filters aren't all for fish??

The Aquaclear 110 is rated for a 150 gallon tank according to their specs... and a 500gph. The others are rated for 100 gallon (fluval) 175 (filstar).. are these not rated for fish tanks also?? See, this is why I'm confused.. LOL I just figure I want my money's worth.

I was comparing spec for spec figuring they were all based on fish tanks. Is there any such filter made for a 225 gallon tank??

Thanks Marisa

Here are the specs for the Aquaclear 110 I found...

AquaClear "500" Power Filter - Maximum Output: 500 U.S. Gal. (1892 l) per hour - Full Flow Control: 166 U.S. Gal. (630 l) per hour - Power Consumption: 14 W - Maximum Aquarium Capacity: 150 U.S. Gal. (567 l)

You're welcome. For a tank that big, I'd get a pond filter (I want to replace the XP3 and I've been "researching" pond filters for what seems to be forever, and still can't make up my mind--although Pondmasters are apparently popular).

Ok, so I was pretty much correct in that the canister filters aren't going to work for my tank.. that's what I needed to know. Guess I'll now start researching pond filters LOL. I mean I don't want to get one of the others just to find out I'm not better off than I am now. I mean the Aquaclear does a fantastic job on the tank, its always clear but well as you've said, 3X the size of the tank.. sooooo.. figured better do it now while I can.

Thanks again.

If you were to use a canister, I think you'd need to use more than one (and I'd also use the AquaClear). But I think a pond filter would be better.

ok, I've been researching the pond filters.. seems you need a filter and a pump. My head hurts .. 2xs this.. and 3x's that .. and god I hate math.

I think its going to be awhile before I end up deciding on what to get. Marisa, I can see why you've been researching this for awhile not to mention the monetary investment. So.. that being said.... haha.. I think I'm going to stick to my Aquaclear .. but add something else for the time being. Should I add another bio filter or just a mechanical filter?? I'm running out of room for anything going over the top of the tank, as I only have the front and one side and I have lamps clamped on there too..

For the 75-gallon you're using now, I'd get a canister filter.

well i have two fluval 3+ in a 55 gallon lion and they work just fine. I clean the filter and water once a week