Equipment Review and Discussion :: My filter can't seem to handle my turtle's waste anymore....

[CrossKnight]

I've been using an Aqua Clear 110 in my 55 Gallon tank for about a year now, ever since my turtles were about in inch big (two of them). Now they are about 3 inches (getting there), and their waste seems pretty big compared to what it was like before. So their waste tends to stay in one place for a very long time, unlike before when a current would push it or it would be magically gone later.
I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on which new filter to buy.
I would like something like this:
-Under $200
-Powerful
-I wouldn't have to replace if my turtles grew
-Reliable (wouldn't break down)
-Easy to install and clean
-Not too much noise from the motor, water fall is ok though

Thanks for any input ^_^

[Nettle]

The one that seems to fit your description is a Rena Filstar XP3. It's a canister (out-of-water) filter and runs around $180-190. If you go to bigalsonline.com it's about $150 with shipping.

Here's the link if your interested:
http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCatalo ... na&offset=

Hope it helps!

[SenorProgrammer]

I have the XP3. Great filter. Just be sure to put the intake and outflow as far apart as possible to maximize water movement in the tank. Too close together and you get dead spots where waste collects.

[TheComputerGremlin]

XP3 or XP4. Right now they are $140 or $200 at Big Al's. For the next three days, they have free shipping still. I have the XP3 and I love it, it's amazingly easy to use and clean.

[CrossKnight]

ooooo, the XP3 does look nice and easier to clean than my hang filter, but I think I can afford the XP4, should I just get the XP4 instead of the XP3? or is that just a waste of money for my size tank?

[Nettle]

I'm getting an XP4 because down the line I'm eventually going to get a bigger tank, which will need a bigger filter and why waste money?

[TheComputerGremlin]

Well, it's a conundrum because on one hand, if you are planning on upgrading at some point, you would need a bigger filter. On the other hand, since you have multiple turtles, you may need to split them up and one could remain in the 55 gallon, leaving the XP3 needed. (Honestly, if I were in your situation, I'd buy the XP3 and if you need to upgrade and there is no turtle fighting, I'd just buy a second XP3 for a larger tank. But many may disagree and say, my turtles will be fine and go for the XP4.) But then again, if all goes well and they are happy, you might need to get into the pond filter range with the size tank you'll be needing!

[steve]

The nice thing about a canister is that is can circulate the water better, sending more debris into the inlet. You might want to consider adding a powerhead or an air pump to your tank.

[SenorProgrammer]

In a 55 I'd hazard a guess that an XP3 is just fine (mine's been doing a great job in a 75, but I also have a number of fish in there to help with waste food clean-up and some plants to convert stray nutrients and such).

I agree with Steve: adding an air pump that you run every now and then might also be a good idea, if only to aid in water circulation and help with the smell. Again, in my case I need one primarily to oxygenate the water for the fish but Herc seems to like biting the bubbles (or he hates them... either way it gives him something to do).

[CrossKnight]

Thanks a lot guys, I think I"m going to get an XP4 since I will probably upgrade my tank later on, right now I have two turtles but my sister will be taking one of them so I'll just have one too.

[Bumby's Mom]

If you get one of the XP3's make sure to read all of the posts on them because you need to silicone some parts together so your turtle doesn't get stuck in it and drown.

[mikee]

I would alway suggest a canister. Whatever you get make sure you purchase one that will circulate the water at least 5 times the water volume that is in the tank. There are several that will do the job.

[KameKo]

Does anyone have a good suggestion on which website to buy an XP4 off of? I haven't seen one of these in any of the local petstores and it seems to be highly recommended.

[Nettle]

This place has the lowest price (that I could find). $200
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/10562/product.web

[TheComputerGremlin]

You can look at the pet sellers on ebay. That's where I got mine at. It was brand new.