Habitat - Outdoor :: Outdoor tank with 2 Fluval 306's

[rschreck]

Hi everyone. I've finally decided to put my 3 year old YBS in an outdoor pond type setting. Nothing huge, just a 125 gallon preformed pond. It will be an above ground pond. Would 2 Fluvial 306's be enough to keep the pond clean? I already own one 306 and was going to buy another because I know one won't be enough. I may even get a 406 if that will work better. So will a dual 306 or 306/406 combo work?

[ljapa]

You may have problems getting a high enough flow rate.

Canister filters are designed to be well below the water level. If the bottom of the pond and the bottom of the filter are on the same level, you may have issues.

Depending on where you are, you may need to worry about the temp. I know a preformed pond sitting on ground level where I am could get too hot.

Assuming both of those issues are fine, though, the 306 is rated at 105 aquarium gallons. The 406 at 155. Because turtles need excessive filtration, I'd be tempted to go with a 406.

[Kansasslider]

You may have problems getting a high enough flow rate.

Canister filters are designed to be well below the water level. If the bottom of the pond and the bottom of the filter are on the same level, you may have issues.

Depending on where you are, you may need to worry about the temp. I know a preformed pond sitting on ground level where I am could get too hot.

Assuming both of those issues are fine, though, the 306 is rated at 105 aquarium gallons. The 406 at 155. Because turtles need excessive filtration, I'd be tempted to go with a 406.

I agree with everything said and would add you could use a pond filter.

[rschreck]

I live in Dallas. My plan is to weld up a frame to support the pond liner above the ground and then put landscaping logs around the whole thing. I planned on making sure the filters were below the pond.

I was thinking about pond filters but know nothing about them at all.

[Kansasslider]

Pond filters are pretty simple really. But it sounds like your on the right track

[steve]

Is your YBS a male or female? I would also lean more towards a stock tank than a preformed pond for outdoors.

[rschreck]

Female.

So a 406/306 combo would work? As long as they are below the pond?

And why would you suggest a stock tank over a preformed pond? I'm open to suggestions.

[rschreck]

I'm thinking the canister filters because it's what I am familiar with.

[Jeremiah]

I think the canisters are feasible, so long as you set something up to protect them from the elements.

Stock tanks are generally less flimsy than preformed ponds, and therefore do better on stands (which accommodates your canisters). They offer more volume per dollar, too!

The 150 gallon one by Rubbermaid should suit your needs. Agricultural supply stores and Craigslist are good places to get one.

[steve]

Stock tanks have greater depths and you will have an easier time running a canister with if it's above ground. It's also easier to protect and you don't have to worry about rain runoff. Some even have a drain plug built in.

[Edit: Jeremiah beat me to it]

[rschreck]

Gotcha! Stock tank it is. I appreciate the help everyone and I'm sure I'll have a few more questions.

[rschreck]

Can anyone help me out with the pond filter thing? Are there pre made filters like a canister or do I have to make one on my own? My wife saw one of those galvanized stock ponds and she really likes those. Any word on those? Could that work?

[Jeremiah]

I don't like the galvanized ones, because they eventually rust and will need replacement. Rubbermaid, even Tuff Stuff, are the way to go. You can either make your own filter or buy one, like Tetra or Pondmaster. (I've never used those, so I don't know how good they are...)

I thought you wanted to use your canisters.

[rschreck]

I was a little skeptical about raising up the galvanized stock tank because it only has a 20 gauge (0.0396") bottom. I'm a welder and I knom 20 gauge sheet metal isn't exactly the strongest stuff.

[rschreck]

So with a pond filter I would need a filter and then a pump? I'm so lost. Haha.