Habitat - Indoor :: Filter for under $40

[JonH]

I am trying to decide what filter to Get for my 40gal tank that is filled with 30gal of water. I am looking at the 501 Turtle Canister Filter (external Filter) or the Hagen Fluval 3 Plus (Internal Filter) Any ideas on which filter would better serve my turtle would be greatly appreciated.

[jenaero]

canisters are generally better, rated for more gallons.. you'd be hard pressed to find one for that price though.

I had a fluval 4plus in my 40gal and i had to do 100% water changes every week.

[JonH]

Thanks, I think I will go with the fluval 4 until I upgrade to a bigger tank.

[BullDog]

I have not heard good things about the "turtle filters". Though, I've never used one myself.
The Fluval internal filters are pretty good. I had a Fluval 1+ that's at least 10 years old (not in use for all that time, but in use for at least 5 years), and started it up after several years of storage, and it worked just fine!

You also might want to look on hang on tank (h.o.t.) or waterfall filters. With these, you have a bit more room for media (including biomedia). You may be able to find a good sized one for under $40.

Finally, check craigslist, kijiji, and the like, since sometimes you'll come across a great deal on a used filter.

[papoopeepoo]

the 501 Turtle filter worked well on my 10 gallon tank when Alvin was mini. I had to buy replacement parts for my old Magnum 200 when I moved him to the 30 gallon, and I'll have to get a 2nd filter when I upgrade again. Anyways, the filter did work really well and it's easy to take apart and clean. I would recommend it. Yet, it will have a hard time keeping 30 gallons clean.

I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum from BullDog, I've never used a Fluval (yet!)

regardless, I would save for as long as you can and get the most powerful filter you can get...this will save you money in the long run too.

[Rubicon]

I've got the 501 and a 4 plus in my 55 gallon (filled to 50). It gets the job done, but I will soon be upgrade to a XP3 or 405.

You can run different media in the 501, just not much. I've got fluval biomax and a 501 active carbon bag in mine.