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hey everyone we just bought an 80 gallon tank and i would like some input on what type of filtration system to buy. As of right now we only have one RES but will be getting another very soon...Also we are going to be putting some bigger fish in there with them....so the system is going to have to be able to keep the tank as clean as it can...any help is great.

First off, before you get a second RES be prepared to buy a new 80 gallon enclosure. These turtles are solitary and will fight, almost all the time.

Next, big fish will eventually get eaten, so if you care about the fish, then don't put them with your turtle! If you still want to put fish with them make sure that they're cheap so it's not too much of a waste of money.

Basically everyone on this board reccomends the Rena Filstar XP series of canister filters. If you want it really clean then it's best to get a filter that's rated for 3x the size of your tank. Your looking at the XP3/XP4. Look under equipment review, there's a sticky that should help you out.

so i am good on the filtration system but if anyone wants to input on some cool things you can add to the tank i would love the input cause the tank is so big and my little girl needs some fun things in there....plus i want it to look cool. right now the only thing we have in there is the dock and a floating log...i've been looking through the site but i still like hearing what ppl think...pics are great.....i will take some at some point to put on here. thanks everyone

I sent you a PM on this. I'm sure some members could put in some of their input *cough* look at grey goose's post in the photo gallery *end cough*

Basically, you'll get a ton of ideas just browsing through the various set-ups in the photo gallery. I'll post mine once I've decorated it...

I just bought another one of these for a tank I'm working on:



It costs 6.99 at the pet store. It has a little suction cup on the back to attach it to the wall of the tank. My guys love crawling, climbing, hiding and sleeping on and inside it. I positioned it so some of it is sticking out of the water and cut it to the length to fit.

RESowner34, thanks for the plug, the check's in the mail.

As for a filter, it needs to be rated 3 times the tank size so you will need on rated for 240 gallons. I know a lot of members use the canister filters, it would be good to look into.

yeah we are getting the xp4...i think thats the one....my hubby is doing the research for that...hes on here as much as i am lol....i almost bought that same plant today at petco....lol

Some nice river rocks for the bottom are great - and the turtles like to play with them. Not too many, though, because they make it hard to clean. A colorful aquarium backing, maybe with a nice picture on it, looks good.

hope you guys like the pics...shermen moves a lot and the tank is a work in progress(sp). i am thinking about going to the craft store and buying the stuff i need to make my own plants for the tank...why spend 6-10 dollars on them at pet stores when you can make your own....if anyone sees why that may be a bad idea please let me know i would never do anything to hurt my baby.

Use materials that are non-toxic, even if it's safe for kids, it may not be safe for animals, reptiles, turtles, . I'm not sure which exactly, use your best judgement.

Don't use materials or adhesives/paints that seem to come off easy in water, this may relate to what I said above.

When putting things together, it may be wise to make sure everything is securely pasted or whatever, so no small parts can come off and maybe get impacted the same way gravel does to a turtle.

Sharp objects may hurt your turtle (if you didn't already know, ).

That's all I can think of at the moment.

I would definitely make full use of that beautiful tank, raise the light and ramp and fill'er up! Your little guy will thank you.....

I wouldn't put the tank in front of the window! The sunlight can heat the glass and the water inside to unsafe temperatures, besides you will probably have a problem with algae growing everywhere also.

thanks guys like i said everything is temp....once i get everything for the tank i will be filling it the plants i would like to use are going to be made from the same stuff the pet stores use and of course i will be doing more research as i go. i really like what grey goose did with the piping tunel (sp) i am going to be looking for a bigger one as you can see lots of room for fun things....i have want i want in my head its just getting it done lol...keep your fingers crossed....as for the tank next to the window....thats the only place it will fit for now....we are moving in six months....my hubby is in the army...so we will be looking for a place with lots of room

You really should try to find another spot for the tank. The sun can overheat the water and you don't want to end up with 90 gallons of turtle soup.

Don't buy too many things for the tank right away. I just have a few things to keep him entertained - he loves redecorating! Tanner didn't like having a lot of things in the tank; he prefers the swimming space.

i'm a stay at home mom so i keep a very close eye on shermen....the water is perfect....just right not to hot and not to cold...its winter time here so its not hot outside today was only 50....we keep all blinds closed i only opened that one up to let some light in so i could take the pic.