General Care Discussion :: Tank cleaning and filter questions

[johnney5]

So I've had 2 turtles for about 11 months, they've grown a lot and I've kept them in good condition, but i've been pretty busy working almost every day and cleaning the tank has become a weekly chore.

I have a 20 gallon tank, every week (6-7 days) the water would become so dirty it would be hard to see the turtles. It's a shame when this happens, but it seems like it happens too fast. I only give them enough food that they can eat so there is never leftovers.

I always have to take the turtles out of the tank, use a cup to get the dirty water into a pail, carry the tank to the bathroom so i clean it out in the bathtub (which then has to be cleaned with bleach), then carry the tank back and use a container to make a few trips of carrying water back to the tank in my room. The rocks make for a big hassle too, so I recently took the rocks out. I feel bad because the tank is boring without the rocks and decorative plants.

Can anyone suggest a filter I can use? I have a air pump, which only keeps water flowing through the tank. Thanks

[missibsu]

Rena makes 4 models of canister filters, xp1-xp4...they are based on the size tank that you have. Keep in mind that your filter should be rated for at least twice the tank size, preferably 3 times. They are an expensive filter, but I wouldn't trade mine for the world.

Also keep in mind that eventually you will need to upgrade from your 20 gallon tank, and it may already be too small for two turts...I know it would have been for mine after 11 months.

There is also a great tool that hooks up to your sink and can drain your tank and refill it. It's called a python. They are also a bit expensive, but from what I understand you can make your own a lot cheaper. I'm not much of a do it yourselfer, so I splurged.

Taking the rocks out is a good idea if they were small. You can always use a couple of large rocks for decoration, and they are easier to clean around.

[urbancleopatra]

Do yourself another wonderful favor and use a carbon and a sponge media for the filter.

[SpotsMama]

Your cleaning regimine makes me feel exhausted! Especially when I recall doing pretty much the same thing as you're doing before I got my good filter and python!

With 2 turtles nearly a year old you're probably due for an upgrade in tank size. One reason the water gets so dirty so fast is that the turtles have outgrown the tank. No matter what filter you get it's not going to be able to keep the tank clean with those growing turtles in that small tank.

Depending on how large your turtles are you probably already need at least a 55 gallon tank - maybe bigger - and your turtles are just going to grow. Also, as your turtles grow you'll have to keep a close eye out for fighting. Especially in a small tank turtles often get aggressive with one another and have to be separated.

Your life - and your turtles' lives - will improve 100% when you get a right-sized tank and a good filter. The Rena's mentioned above are excellent. Exactly what you wind up with will depend on where you want to go with the two turtles - do you want to think about setting up two medium sized tanks now - one for each turtle - or do you want to stick with one really big tank?

[marisa]

Welcome to the forum. How big are your two turtles (shell lengths without the curves)? If they're about a year old, they're too big for that 20-gallon tank. If it were me, I'd get a bigger tank/container first and then get a good canister filter.

Even a better filter in the tank you have now is not going to do as good a job as it could. Getting a bigger tank (and having more water) and better filter to go with it will make your life much easier and keep your turtles much healthier.

[johnney5]

Thanks, the advice is appreciated. I haven't even thought about getting a bigger tank. I quickly measured them, they are about 3 inches wide and 4 inches long. I'd say they still have plenty of room in the tank, but if it's getting dirty for them quickly that is part of the reason.

I'm gonna look at the filters named. I can't get the python thing because my room is far from the sink. I actually got a water siphon thing, which worked pretty good until I think a rock got caught in the motor. It's not worth the hassle I really need a filter.

[marisa]

If they're each 4 inches long, they ideally should be in an 80-gallon tank/container (a general guide that's frequently cited for tank size: 10 gallons of tank per inch of shell length, for two turtles you could get away with about 60 gallons, but bigger would be better). I'd say they first need an upgrade. Then a good canister filter.

[PetriTheTurtle]

I would recommend a good filter to start.

I have a 40 gallon tank and use a Fuval 304 and it keeps that water nice in clear. I add a little water each week to make up for evaporation, and then do half water changes every 1-2 months (not because it looks dirty, but because I read some where its a good idea). I only have to change my filter media once every 3 months or so.

I have a python as well, which I used to use all the time, but we recently put a new sink in our bathroom and it doesn't drain fast enough to use the python anymore. It causes the sink to overflow, but if you've got a good sink close enough to the tank you're all set!