General Care Discussion :: Green flies around turtle tank

[mets3214]

I noticed a green fly the other day by the basking area and didn't think it was really anything until I picked up the florescent tube today and a bunch flew out at me. It seems that there actually many of these around the tank.I'm planning on doing a thorough cleaning in a day or two.I have a 125 gallon tank and sand as a substrate. I want to do a 100% water change and clean the filters and replace media, whats the best way to get rid of these flies and ensure that they don't come back?

[steve]

What's the basking area made of? Any garbage cans nearby?

[mets3214]

The basking area is made of tile with shelf liner on top of it and plexi glass all around. There is a garbage can a couple of feet away but the door to there is closed most of the time

[steve]

I'd move it further away, especially if you put turtle related waste nearby.

[mets3214]

I cleaned the tank and there is no trace of flies anymore, hope it stays that way. I've also moved the garbage can farther away from the tank. I also want to upgrade to a canister filter, I currently have a Aquaclear 110 and a Aqueon 55/75 for my 125 gallon tank. What do you recommend?

[steve]

FX5 is recommended but Eheim 2080, 2260 and 2262 are also good but it depends on the current prices.

[mets3214]

Is there anything good enough for a 125 gallon tank that is $200 and under?

[steve]

For a new in the box filter, probably xp4 or a sunsun filter.

[puppylovejewelry]

I have the FX5. I am not experienced with other filters besides the cheaply made (but costly) terrible zoo med turtle I had at first that was a huge failure. Then I spent the close to $300 for the FX5 and OH MY GOSH! considering how incredibly dirty turtle waste is, I am stunned at the ability of this filter to keep the water crystal crystal clear, like bottled drinking water.....even when I take longer than 4 weeks to change out the canister components, it still keeps the water crystal clear (there is just a whole bunch of junk to clean up inside the filter if you wait too long and that's a dirty job). Inside it I put pre filter media, a coarse filter, bio (probiotic) media, carbon bags and a water polishing pad. the water is just gorgeous all the time. It was so worth the money. I can imagine how huge an effect on turtle's health having clean water all the time must make. Getting a good filter is the best thing I could have ever done for her- and its the first thing I bought in a series of getting her properly set up, once I got experienced advice from Steve and others here.