Equipment Review and Discussion :: Filter and money problems

[viront]

I have a fluval 2 plus but thats only mechanical filtration so I was wondering if there are any cheap 20 gallon(double my gallon size from ten to 20) fliters that do all three filtrations. Mechanical, biological, and chemical. If not could you just list some good deals on better filters for the future.

[Starchick]

Are you using the charcoal pads that they make for the fluvals? Kristin suggested buying charcoal in large quantities then getting a little nylon filter media bag (they usually have them near the fish filter stuff) and making your own. I've been doing that for a few months and it's worked really well. I think the materials cost me about 8 bucks and I'm only about a third of the way through the charcoal. That would definitely help until you can get something better (but I'll let others make those suggestions, my only experience is with the fluvals)

[megcornell]

If your turtle is only in a ten gallon tank, I'd advise you to keep the filter you have, save the money you'd set aside for the new filter and instead save it for a tank upgrade. When you have a larger tank that's when you can worry about bio filter and all that. You're going to find that the 10 gal won't last long so it's not really worth adding upgrades to. I started out with a 10gal for my hatchling and it was great for a month or two but I soon needed an upgrade, so you may as well save your money for the expenses that are soon to come

[viront]

k thanks everyone

[viront]

I read about the charcoal pads, ill get em and see if they work.

[steve]

In addition to what was said, you don't need charcoal unless you have water quality issues. Charcoal needs to be replaced monthly and you probably don't need it if you do regular water changes.

[grey goose]

I came across this filter a little while ago:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/23234/product.web

It looks like a small cannister filter. Dont know much about it but for the price, you may want to give it a try.....

[xsavingsaturdayx]

If your on a budget i suggest using one of the whisper power filters - one rated for 60 gallons is only about 30$. I've used one for a while, i liked it..

[viront]

I got the charcoal pads anyways cause of water clarity problems and it turns out that the mechanical filtration was working because when I checked some of the fluvals pads they were full.

Overall, the charcoal pads have solved some of my problems(water clarity) and the filter just had to be powered (pushed the thing so it could go faster).

I also just gave the water a good old fashioned water change!

Thanks for the help everyone!

[DavidY]

Yup, nothing like a good ol' fashion water change! Glad you got everything working.