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I am thinking about getting a filter for the babies tank (those who don't know, I have 2 painted hatchlings that are almost 2 weeks old) which is 10 gallons. I don't want a huge filter or anything that will cause a current as they are so tiny right now. I was thinking of maybe using one of those undergravel filters by itself, does anyone think that could work? I know they are supposed to be used along with a regular filter but since the tank is only 10 gallons and the babies are super tiny I figured it might work by itself.

undergravel filters dont work very well... u should try this filter called Aqua Clear 30 it work well in those 20 gallon tanks with that cut in the side to put it in.

I used one of those undergravel filters. It worked pretty well and Mikey was about an inch long when we bought him. The only problem with using one, is you have to take it completely out of the tank to clean it, that means emptying the whole tank. We had to clean it every 2 weeks or so. I'd say as long as you don't mind taking everything apart like that, it should be okay until they get just a little bigger.

Thanks untsmurf. I don't mind cleaning everything every 2 weeks, its better than every few days lol. I just want something that is going to help me out a bit. They don't make a current right?

They have arms that come up the sides that make bubbles. Nothing horrible. It's equivalent to a baby air stone. I remember because Mikey used to sleep on it,

Ok good. As long as there is barely a current I think they will be fine, also its good for the water to get some air in it.

I know this is a little OT, but when are you getting the Red Tail Boa? I have always wanted a Ball Python but I just don't have the room and I am not "allowed" to have any more animals.

Technically I'm not allowed either, but I complained to Will till he said I could get one. I'm currently in a contest for a free one (I'll find out if I get that one on 9/11) if I don't get that one, I'll get one from the herp show on 9/15.

I got the cage today and it's all set up. I can't wait!!!

I've used one of those Whisper filters when I had to keep my RES in shallow water. It'll pick up tiny debris like food crumbs and adds a bit of circulation.

i have also used the Whisper filters and it works pretty good. like steve mentioned it adds a bit of circulation. i think that a current is ok. it would mean more excise for the hatchlings. but not too strong of a current because you dont want to wear them out.

Undergravel filters don't mechanically clean the tank..as in all the waste stays in the tank and it's hard to clean. A reptofilter is small, cheap, and will work for now. I had one in a ten gallon and it was good..you can rinse the cartridges maybe twice before replacing too.

I will look into the Whisper filters and the undergravel and then decide. Thanks everyone for the suggestions.
And untsmurf- congratulations on your soon to be snake (I'm jealous!lol).

P.S.- The babies are now basking on their own. I raised the temperature by adding a heat lamp plus the UVB lamp. I read they were supposed to have a basking area of 86, and thats what the UVB kept it around but i guess it wasn't warm enough for them. They both love it now, they will bask for a few hours then swim around a bit and bask some more.

I read where one breeder used one of the smaller internal filters...

and layed it sideways at the bottom of the tank. He then said he would put enough gravel (large enough not to be swallowed) in the bottom to adjust the water depth according to the size of the hatchlings. That way he could have more water volume and the filter would have enough water to work properly but the baby could still reach the surface easily. This method would also allow you to bury a heater in the gravel and be submerged underwater. It will require more vacuuming/cleaning of the gravel but will allow you to run a filter and heater without making the water too deep.

Thanks I'll make sure and post pics once I get him... That should help with your jealousy issue lol:

And it's good to hear that they are basking!! These little guys are getting great care!

I think I am going to go to the pet store today and check out the filters.

Can't wait to see the pictures!

I have a question about Gimli's "Belly Button" but I am going to post that over in General care.

Well I got one of the Whispers and I don't like it. Its loudand that vibrating thing that creates the air keeps vibrating off of the desk. I could only get one for 3 gallons because all PetSmart had was a 3 gallon or a 30 gallon and i figured the 30 gallon one would have a huge current. I probably should have got a Fluval 1 and just set the current to the minimum. And I bought the babies these pellets that are supposed to taste like shrimp and they won't eat them. They only want the real shrimps or "gammarus" is the proper name.

I just now realized that picture was clickable (DavidY) lol, I wish I would have realized that sooner. Oh well I guess it will have to work for now.