Habitat - Indoor :: ? regarding Fluval 305

[Oliver'smom]

I was watching the instruction DVD and it says the water level can't be any lower than 7 inches from the top of the tank. Well, this is a turtle tank...approx. 38 gallons according to the tank formula I found, and it's lower in the front. Also, the built in basking area is more than 7 inches down. The basking area is a hollow cliff like set up. Normally, they (in Italy) use a pump and put all the filter media in the hollow area, but I figured I would just use it for the intake hose. At the side where I would put that hose the water level would be 12 inches down. I could put the other hose in front and that would only be 7 inches below the top of the tank. The tank dimensions are 37 inches long...17 wide...the top of the back of the tank to bottom is 19 1/2 inches...the front of the tank down to the bottom is 13 1/2 inches. I plan on filling the water up to the edge of the basking area which would put it at about 7 inches of water in there for two 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inch YBS. I got a little side tracked...my question is why do they say the water can only be a max of 7 inches below the rim of the tank? And, will it work if the water is lower? Thanks in advance.

[meltedspork]

It might still work but I'm not sure what kind of wear and tear that would put on the filter motor. That tank is really barely big enough for your two turtles, you will need to upgrade in the near future. If you calculate 37 inches long, 17 inches wide, 7 inches tall (of actual water) that is only 19 gallons of water.

[Oliver'smom]

If I had known what I know now I wouldn't have bought this type of aquarium. It is slanted from the back to the front, and has a built in basking area. It's fine for now, but when these little guys start growing I will need something bigger. I can up the water and put in an adjustable basking area, but with them being so small I didn't want it too deep. I'm learning as I go and appreciate all the help I'm getting. It should be against the law for people to sell these little guys to kids saying all they need is the plastic bowl they come with, and some shrimp. If I were in the States it would be sooooo much easier getting things set up for them. Here in Italy I wasn't finding what I needed, but slowly things are coming together. Thanks for the response. Maybe I will just put the intake/output in the front where the rim is lower...not attractive, but functional...lol.