redearslider.com

My DH surprised me and came home with a 75 Gal tank for my turts today. I have decided to go with a Filstar XP3 filter. I went to buy one online and then all this different media options showed up....ahhhh more choices. What is the best media to go with?

What media comes with the filter? Check the box if you buy it in a store or with the vendor if you order it on-line (much cheaper). Most likely it will be two 30ppi and two 20ppi sponges, a bag of bio-chem zorb and a microfiltration pad. Find out if bio-media is included (ceramic rings or stars). When I bought mine, it was, but lately it hasn't been. You want to get it for sure if it's not included.

The sponges and ceramic rings last a long time--you rinse them in the tank water when you clean the filter. If you choose to keep using the bio-chem zorb or activated carbon (should be replaced monthy), it's good to stock up if you buy on-line (cheaper). Some people use microfiltration pads, some don't, it's up to you (I do, but I buy generic polyester from Petsmart and cut my own).

The sticky in Equipment Review has a link that will show you what each media does. I originally used what came with my Filstar and then ran some tests (ammonia, ph, nitrate, nitrite, hardness) and found that I needed the softener, nitrazorb, ceramic rings and the stars.

Thanks for the info, didn't know turts could be so much work!