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What is a good type of heater to get, as in what should I look for, and what should I look for in a filter. And what do all these kinds of media mean, I am a bit confused on that, I realize there are different kinds, but Ive only ever heard of people using charcoal.

Your filter needs will grow with your tank. The media is what is inside the filter that does the filtering. There are a number of brands of filters. Different folks like different ones just like anything else. Most filters will start with a foam/screening material of some sort to get out the big pieces. Then maybe some biological growth media (ceramic or plastic shapes) to allow good bacteria to grow in the filter and then maybe some charcoal or other types of packs for further cleaning of the water. We have a Rena XP3 that has section for all the media I mentioned. Look at the little sticky sections for more info on filters. bigalsonline.com is a good place to start checking out prices and then go to the manufacturers websites for more info. Rena's website describes each media and what it does fairly well. Any questions

Ok, so I got up super early this morning... I now understand the whole media thing, read lots of stuff online.

My question now is... I will most likely get the XP2 or 3... I am a college kid so money isnt exactly abundant but I am doing the best I can for my little RES's to be. What kind of media should I get to go along with the filter, cause I would rather just get everything at once and save on shipping and trying to find it all at local stores that most likely dont carry it. Also, can I put the XP2 or 3 in my tank, or does it need to be outside my tank.

Mike

The xp line sits outside the tank and comes with the attachment pieces as well as basic media. You can add additional media as you like. My only criticism of the xp is that the supply and discharge accessories are not as adaptable as i would like. Other than that I have been happy with my setup. Very easy to clean and then prime afterwards. Ours sits on the floor to the left of the tank.

RES Tampa, why don't you fill that tank way up? Your guys don't have much swimming room. Also, a light sitting over the water doesn't do much good. Both lights should be over the basking area.

I think I will stick with the XP2 for now, they are small and will be for a while I am guessing, at least a year which will give me time to save for the XP3.

Any suggestions on types of media to have in the filter?

RES Tampa, why don't you fill that tank way up? Your guys don't have much swimming room.

Wow I think my little guys have more swimming room than that.

Maybe I missed this somewhere, but how big is your tank? Whatever filter you get, make sure it's rated for at least 3X the size of your tank. Going bigger is definitely better if you can afford it (upgrading is a pain and winds up costing more in the long run). I have the XP3 as well, and it does a good job.

For a heater, look for a fully submersible one with a thermostat you can control (not a pre-set one). Ebo-jager and Tronic are two reliable brands. And although Ebo-jager's heater has a water line and the company says not to fully submerse the heater, it's OK to do so.

You may also want to get a heater guard. All these things can be found at www.bigalsoneline.com

okay okay - you are all right - I readjusted the supports for the basking area and the tank is 2/3 full now. I really do not want to put a screen on the top so I dont want to fill it any higher. i will be splitting their time between the tank and the 125 gal pond we installed outside this weekend. Am working on a filter system with Old Turtles help. BTW my second light is just for light.