Habitat - Indoor :: Filter

[Disillusioned]

I have a fluval 1+ filter and according to everyone in this forum, it is a horrible filter. Not even considered a filter, more of a "water pusher". I still have a few days before i can't return it, so yeah, i need to make a decision. I've been looking around my area for places that sells filters, and i only found one.
Please tell me if this filter actually "filters" (absorbs the waste) and if it is better than the fluval 1+ or any other suggestions. Someone suggested to me that i look at EHEIM filters so here's the link to their product, i don't know if this is what i'm looking for because they have so many kinds but yeah, i am open to any suggestions. http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441808323&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030113&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1130375191645

Please help

[steve]

how big is your tank, how much water do you have in it and about how much do you want to spend

[Disillusioned]

the tank is about 42 liters, and currently it is filled up to 36 L. I plan to spend somewhere around $30 canadian. The filter at the link is probably the max that i would think about spending.

[flutterby]

42 liters is equal to 11.10 gallons (US)

How big is your turtle?

[marisa]

Eheim is a great name, but I don't know much about the model in your link. And I have to say that just about anything is better than the Fluval 1+ (an exception is probably the Duetto). I have a 2+, and it just pushes the water with more force than yours does.

If your turtle is bigger than an inch (shell length), s/he needs a bigger container. I'd return the 1+ and get a bigger container (storage containers come in 50-gallon sizes, for example) then get a filter appropraite for its size. You want a filter thats rated for about 3X the size of the tank/container to be effective.

[Disillusioned]

no my turtles are not bigger than an inch. but yeah, anyone have any suggestions on good filters for a tank my size? please look around this website http://www.petsmart.com/global/browse_category.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030059&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1130441732909
and advise me on which filter i should be looking for..

Please

[cam722]

do you have a Big Al's near you Disillusioned? They have really good prices. Are you going to order this online? Just curious if you'll have to deal with s/h too.

[staman]

Yeah Eheim is the best at canister filtration. The rena filstar is basically a blatant copy of it with poorer engineering. Quite a bit cheaper tho.They really makes canisters for bigger tanks:50 gallons plus. The Eheim 2215 Classic would be a good place to start. Saw a 2217 on ebay yesterday NIB for 99.00 US. A steal. I like Big AL's but theyre prices for Eheim stuff are a little crazy...

[staman]

You dont live in Toronto do ya? I have a fluval 3+ that ill sell ya for 10 bucks. (I payed 45).

[4SL]

Just a question about Fluvals. Are they all just water pushers? Because I just bought a 4+ for my tank. I'm new to turtles, and this is what was suggested at Superpet. I hope its a decent filter because I just paid $50.00 for it!

[marisa]

How big is your tank? How big are your turtles and how big are they? I used a 4+ with several very small EPTs for a while. It's better than nothing, but I didn't like the filter. And I hated cleaning it. It's sitting in a box now; I'm thinking of putting it in a tank of aquatic plants to push/circulate the water. A good canister puts the Plus series to shame. Depending on the size of your tank and the turtles you have, you could also consider using an Aquaclear for a while.(If you upgrade to a canister you can use it as a supplemental filter.)

[4SL]

at the moment, my tank is only 35 gallons. I realize this is way too small for a 7-inch RES, but as it was a very sudden adoption/rescue, I am still looking for a big enough tank that won't cost my class an arm and a leg. Any recommendations for a really good filter for about a 72 gallon tank? that is what we are looking at getting.

[marisa]

It was good of you to rescue your turtle. For canister filters, the Rena Filstar XP3 is very popular and easy to use (I have one in a 110-gallon stock tank that has about 75 gallons of water in it). If money is no object, look at Eheims. Magnums also have a strong following. A good place to get a filter (or even look at different kinds) is www.bigalsonline.com Whatever filter you get, have it rated for 3X the size of your tank.

[staman]

Well for a 75 gallon tank your looking at about 120 bucks. I like the wider but not as tall version of the 75 that big al's has. 48"x18"x20". The main big al's outlet is here in Toronto so Im lucky I just went in and bought it. There's one on 99th street in Edmonton right? Ideally for that tank you want an Eheim 2217 canister. Its what i use on my 75 gallon and you could drink the water. Dont buy it from big al's- they want 300.00 cdn for it--a total rip off. I got mine on sale in toronto from "The Pet Menagerie" for 189.00 cdn. Theres always ebay. NIB 2217 canister for 99.00 US. Its from a pet store as well..Check out the new "ecco" line from eheim. If money is tight go with the Rena Filstar XP3 like marissa suggested.

[4SL]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll know on Monday how much we have to spend on a filter as we are having our bake sale to raise the funds to get all the stuff Earl needs.