redearslider.com

I am going to purchase a Fluval 305 filter for my tank. From the specs, 185 GPM and good for tanks up to 70 gals. My current tank is around 40 gals with only ~27 gals of water in it. I think it will be a good match for it.

My question is the position or placement of the canister itself with the tank. From reading some setup guidelines, the canister should be below the tank. Currently my tank is not really elevated much to permit that and the canister would be almost on the same level as the tank. I do not know if this would be a problem with the water flow or not. As it is almost on the same level, I do not suspect there would be a major draw on the filter pump. I do have a stand I can place the tank on, but I am not certain if where the tank is will be the permanent location yet. Also once the snow thaws and spring comes I was planning on building a larger setup for them, and likely get larger filters as well.

Really the Fluval 305 is a better solution to the water filtration until the larger setup is complete and in place.

It might not work if its not lower than the tank. Also, I would buy a bigger filter so you don't have to buy another filter when you build your larger setup.

Then I can just get a stand out and set it up.

I can always use the filter later for a fish tank or such, or for situations when I may need to use this tank again temporarily.

I tried to use my fx5 even with my tank but ended up raising a 300 gallon stock tank 10" to make the filter work.

It'll work but you will have a hard time priming it.

Yep, seems to circulate fine. Not sure if it was any more difficult or not to prime as I just filled it before putting the lid on and then filled the intake hose, raised it a bit to further fill the canister, and made sure it was mostly filled again before turning it on.

Decided to use some filter fiber for another layer of finer filter in the bottom tray, and then placed some carbon in the same tray. the middle tray is some ammonia reducing agent, and I will be getting some peat to put in the same tray as I have very hardwater and the pH is high. The tray is all ceramic discs.

You shouldn't have any ammonia to remove unless your tank is cycling.

What is your ph? Turtles are much less sensitive to that than fish. My tap runs between 7.8 and 8.2. The tank is usually around 7.8, but I haven't tested in ages.

I don't worry about pH too much. I'm sure its high because I have limestone in the tank. Like ljapa said its not really that important with turtles. More so with sensitive species of fish.