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I'm pretty new to this turtle stuff...but I love these guys...I need to get a new tank...probably 30 gal or so...I have two RES in a 10 gal tank now, about 3/4 full which is getting small for the bigger turtle...But...I am changing the whole tank every week because the water looks dirty and I'm getting some algae. I know I won't be able to change a big tank that often, so I need advice on what I need to keep it clean. I have 2 of the 'whisper' filters...which I like...I tried one of the recommended filters with the carbon, but I didn't like it...should I use the algae remover stuff? Is it safe for my turtles? Any other cleaning suggestions? Also, my big turtle has what seems to be algae on the back of his shell...is that normal? Also, he seems to be shedding skin on his legs...is that normal? I would appreciate any help!!!! Thanks!!

First off, I don't reccomend getting a 30 gallon, in the long run it'll be a waste of money. Get the largest tank you can accomodate and afford. Everyone on this board reccomends Rena's line of XP canister filters. They range from XP1-XP3, for a 30 gallon go w/ the XP2 or XP3 and supplement them w/ the Whisper fillters.

It's up to you whether to use those extra chemicals, I prefer to add the least amount of chemicals to my tank as I can (just water conditioner). As for it being safe for your turtles, it probably is ,but I can't confirm that. The algae is normal, try taking a cloth or soft tooth brush and gently working it away. Shedding is perfectly normal everywhere, even the shell will lose some scutes.

thanks! I guess I was just afraid to get a tank too big...I'm cleaning every week now, and I can't imagine cleaning a big tank that often...I guess with the right filters maybe I won't have to...do many people here feed their turtles in a seperate area?? I thought about trying that...

I feed my turtles in a seperate container and it realy works,it helps keep the tank clean.It makes a HUGE difference.And the smaller the tank the more cleaning you have to do,and with good filteration you would only have to fully clean a big tank once a month.

Don't be afraid to get a larger tank, you don't have to clean a larger tank as frequently. Since there will be more water, the waste will have a larger area to break down in. Feeding your turtles in a seperate container does keep the tank cleaner longer and a many people do it. For large tanks some people use the Python siphon system.

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the help!!

*cough* Rena FilStar xP4 *cough*

you like the xP4?

The XP4 is one of the filters in Rena's XP line of canister filters. It's rated for 275 gallon (I think) which would be too powerful for a 30 gallon. I don't think it should be used on anything less than a 75 or probably a 100 gallon aquarium...