Habitat - Indoor :: New Ideas for Filtration??? ZooMed Turtle filter?

[bilti]

I have a 21 year old female RES in a 55 gallon tank. Over the years I have tried several different filters. For many years (when she was smaller) I used a fluval, then added a second fluval as she grew. The fluval(s) clogged often and I switched to the 40i Whisper. It does a decent job but I am looking for any other ideas. The water is always green literally 24-36 hours after a full cleaning.

Also, has anyone tried the new turle filter by ZooMed? Any feedback or new ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Dara
Bilti@aol.com
21 year old RES named Snoop

[BullDog]

I don't think "turtle filters" come highly recommended. Or anything with "turtle" in it's name (:lol:). For a 55 gallon, your best bet would be a canister filter. Something like a Fluval 405 or Rena XP3 would be great. If you want to go for the big guns, you could even go for a Fluval FX5 (I have two of them).

On the green water - is the tank near a window? Excess light or sunlight can cause an algae bloom.

[Abomb]

get an in tank uv sterilizer sounds like you have an alge problem

[bradmeisel]

i have a Fluval fx5 and highly recommend it.

[jozzep]

i have a Fluval fx5 and highly recommend it.

An FX5 might be a little overkill for a 55 gallon tank. A fluval 405 would def do the job. I run one on my 125 gallon tank and it keeps the water crystal clear and i clean it every month or even 2 sometimes. I know it's amazing! I hooked it up thinking i would need to buy an FX5 soon, but never needed to.

[heather822]

I was wondering about the new zoomed filter as well.It is rated at 160gph which is comparable to some of the other canister filters.I'm assuming you were talking about this one http://www.petsandponds.com/en/new-items/p17552847.html

[worldpeace]

It sounds like your problem is algae related. Filters don't really get rid of algae. Is your tank placed next o a window?

[Chrisbarnett]

Zoomed filters are pathetic. Get a Fluval 405 or a Rena XP3.

[krysten]

fluval 405 ftw.

[duck215]

I have a 150 gal tank and am working on getting a Rena XP-4. I have heard a lot of good things of that line of Rena filter.

[TurtleKeeper48]

Another vote for the Fluval 405 - I just got one and the power is amazing.

...and welcome to the forum.

I would also like to put in a request - would you please post pictures of your 21 year old turtle? I don't see enough pictures of adult turtles.

[duck215]

Turtlekeeper-I posted some of my Turtles today. Not 21 years old but rose is 14 yo. you might take a look

[Skids]

well i just ordered and ehiem classic canister filter that is for tanks up to 159 gallons i will let you know how it works out.

[VeipaCray]

Agreed that the green is an algae problem.

A few things to try:

1. Try reducing the length of time your water is exposed to lighting. Or... try to focus the light more directly on the basking area for now. You don't "need" to light the water.

2. In addition to cleaning your filters... try replacing all the media... any last bit of algae will re-spawn into another green algae bloom.

3. What are your water parameters? Have your water checked by a reputable LFS or buy a kit to do it yourself. Dip strips are worthless. You can do water changes using RO or distilled water to help resolve any water issues and clear up algae problems.

IF you decide to get another filter without resolving the algae problem... your new filter will just get gunked up with the same algae. I had an older "04" series fluval for many years...it clogged and made a mess. The newer "05" filters from fluval are much better. The Eheim canisters are incredible as well... although a bit harder to find locally than most and a bit more $$.