Habitat - Indoor :: New Filter and Decoration Questions

[fryman86]

Okay,
I think I've decided on a Rena XP4 Canister filter. Though this is more than adequate for my 55 gallon tank. I'm going to go ahead and get something that will work in a few years when I need to get a larger tank. My only question is, being that it is a stronger filter, is there any chance that the suction will be too great and cause my RES to not be able to float in one place? Any XP4 owners?

Secondly, I want to get some decoration for my bare bones tank. I remember seeing one post (can't find it now) that showed a type of "plant mat" that you just put on the bottom of the tank that has fake plants attached to it. Does anyone know what this is called and where I could find them? Is this safe for my turt? Also I want some spiffy coral/wood looking decorations or something like that to sit on the bottom, but something that won't float, any suggestions on type of decoration and buying location?

Thanks,
Fryman1986

[TheComputerGremlin]

I've got a Rena XP3 for my 40 gallon breeder. It's probably 2/3rds full, so I'm well below the recommended levels. At first, the turtle had to adjust to the currents, but now, he's fine, he can wade in place without a problem.

As for plants, I've seen a lot of people take those lunch containers and fill them with river rocks and anchor the plants in there. I really like that idea, I might do that eventually. Check out the fish section of the pet stores for ideas on decorations.

[mikee]

fry-86 -- If your filter will pump at least 5 times the volume that you have in your tank you will be ok. The pet stores will tell you to double what is recommended for a fish tank. That is not so. You need more.

[erinemcgreevy]

The plant mats that you are referring to are buy fancy plants, they are awesome! I don't have the mats but I have the plant clusters with suction cups to attach them, and the large floating plants. With the large floating plants you can detach the base and allow the plants strands to float, it looks great. I have a large and heavy piece of drift wood in my tank it looks great and the turtle loves it. You can find all of the fancy plant products at bigalsonline.com and they also have driftwood. Happy shopping!

[grey goose]

If you are eventually going to go to a larger tank, the XP4 would be your best bet. As long as the intake has a strainer securely attached, it will not have enough suction to trap your turt.