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I'm quite new to this turtle raising thing, and since i didn't know much about filters, i got a Fluval 1plus filter. As i have read, this is by far one of the worst filters... Either way, i tried returning it, but they wouldn't let me because i used it already, so now i'm stuck with this crappy filter.. I was wondering if there is a way to get cleaner water without getting a new filter???.

I guess my water is pretty clean now, but lately, if i look at the reflection of the water with a light, i see oil spots all over the place. (you know, you see a clear-whitish kind of cover on the top of the water, does that make sense) what could this oil-like thing be caused from?? I have a floating cork bark, but i submerged that so that the water color didn't change. I dont have much else in the tank.. Could this oil-like surface of the water be caused by the turtles themselves??

Summary: Is there another way to clean the tank without me buying another filter. and what is the oil-like surface of the water caused by??

I'm not sure if there is a way to rig your filter to do a better job itself, but I'd say until you do get a better one you will need to be sure to do frequent full/partial water changes to insure the quality of the water remains high. Maybe someone else will have a suggestion on making the filter itself work better.

Where did you get the filter? Even if you didn't buy it at Petsmart, they used to take back items even if the item wasn't purchased there (especially if you buy something else). This policy may have changed, but it wouldn't hurt to try IF you have the receipt, original box, all parts and the filter is clean and in good condition.

If you can't return it, you could add another, better filter (yours just isn't powerful enough by itself).

Do you feed your turtle out of the tank in a separate container of water? An oily film on top of the water is usually caused by the remnants of food and debris in the water. Agitating the top of the water would likely make the film disappear, and a better filter would help in this regard. Can you position the outlet on your filter so that it agitates the water surface more? Feeding your turtle outside the tank (if you don't now) would at least help keep the water cleaner.

thanks, yes, i feed my turtles inside the tank. I try to agitate the water as much as i can, but a lot of the oil is still there...

wash ur hands before you go into the tank?

yep

I think you need a better filter...

There is no substitute for a good filter. If you are just staring out, then consider upgrading sooner than later.