General Care Discussion :: I think porkchop needs a new filter but damn me...

[Porkchoptheturtle]

I could resist guys! i could NOT I spend money setting up a 55 gallon for an oscar cichlid and the tank is being cycled currently
Porkchop is actually pretty healthy, im not overfeeding i feed him pellets that would fit his hollow head, but 1 at a time and ill have you know he has got quite calm with me i let him take pellets from my hand but sometimes he gets so greedy and actually chases my hand for it anyway the water is cloudy i use water conditioner but the algae and cloudy water is rapidly rising!
i cleaned his tank and made him a nice little cave with black paper on the the tank covering where you can see the turtle in the cave, i dont think you would like to be watched sleeping would you?
I am using an aquaclear 20 a crappy filter from petco that i regret buying dont get me wrong aquaclear makes good filters but this filter is not doing the job! now the water is clear but i cannot stand all of the food leftovers\

[octpusgirl8]

what size is your tank?

[Porkchoptheturtle]

like a 12 gallon but hes like 1 inches 1 inch and a half at the most here is what im using
Esu reptile uvb tube light
zoomed lamp with regular household bulb basking area stays about 90 degrees
various rocks
zoomed turtle dock does the job
aquatic gardens 50 watt water heater
water level is about 8 or 9 inches but not enough to escape!

[octpusgirl8]

Well there are lots of filters that would work, a bigger aquaclear would do the job, or you could buy another of the same size and run them both. Zoomed makes a turtle or reptile cannister filter, it sucks for bigger tanks but it is pretty good for a smaller tank. It's always good to think about future tank upgrades too, looks like you're about due for one. It's always a shame to buy a new filter and then a month or two later getting a bigger tank and needing another new filter. Trust me, i've done it way too many times! Maybe you should wait untill you get a bigger tank to get a new filter, in the mean time try and do more frequent partial water changes. Another thing to try would be feeding him in a container outside of the tank. Hope this helped a bit

[Porkchoptheturtle]

i have a 55 gallon designer with the tubes and all but its been laying outside for about 5 years and i dont think i can afford the filtration that is appropriate
for that sized tank, so i guess he will have to stay in the 12 gallon for now, but maybe i can make a homemade filter! im broke but stuff laying around the house that could work, i have a water pump bowl thing but i dont know what that is

[megcornell]

I'm not sure I understand your post. You have a 55 gallon tank but because you cannot get a filter for it your turtle is in a 12 gallon tank? If you're having trouble keeping the water clean it sounds like your turtle is producing too much waste for the filter to handle. With a tank that small you have to be careful not to put too large of a filter in it because it will take up valuable swimming space and the current can get strong in such a small area.
I'd start saving for a better set up.

[ZombieTurtle]

i had the same aqua clear filter in my tank, i agree that its not good for turtles, probably does the job fine for fish though. you should just get a xp canister filter for your 55 gallon tank, and can be used on your 12 gallon with the flow turned down (anything above xp1 prob will create a river in your 12 gallon, and xp1 is to small for your 55). i doubt your going to beable to make a filter thats better then the aqua clear you have no out of random stuff you have laying around btw.

[marisa]

AquaClears are good filters, but you need to get one that's powerful enough for the size turtle and tank you have. The Aquaclear 50 is the smallest size I'd get---and that's for a 10-gallon tank.

[2wicky]

hahah Porkchop. awesome name

[untsmurf]

I say put the turt in the 55 gallon tank and start saving for the filter. Xp3's are only $89 online.

[Bascomb]

Porkchoptheturtle -- whatever filter pump I would suggest that you get one that will turn the water in you tank at least 5 times per hour. Marineland has a 350 Magnum, which pumps 350 gph. Fluval 405 pumps around 300 gph and they are easy to clean. These are canister filters and will do fine. There are other canisters filters that put out just as much, some of the others can help you with that. B.

[mikee]

Porkchoptheturtle -- You may want to consider a canister filter/pump. I would suggest getting one that exchanges you water at least 5 time per hour. I use Marineland Magnum 350 and a Fulval 405. Marineland makes a new 360 which I have no experience with. Canister filters are easier to clean.

[Vtolds]

does the Marineland Magnum 350 include all the piping like the comparable Rena filters? or do I need to buy all the piping? I am trying to determine which one is more financially doable at this current time.

[mikee]

Vtolds -- You will have to check this out on the internet. However, I think that the 350 Magnum "deluxe" has all the piping. They also include the necessary valve-ing so you can change it out without spilling any water. It has been some time since I have purchased one as they last so long. When priming one, you will have to get rid of all the air that gets trapped in the top of the unit. I put a little amino chips in with the carbon. Good Pump!