Habitat - Indoor :: New filter needed

[xewkija6]

Hello everyone,

I currently have a fluval U4 filter with two red eared silders in a 75 gallon tank; I already know I need a bigger tank but I cant get one right now cause of no room. However I do want a better filtering system.

So my question is; what is the best filtering system I can get without having to clean out the tank all the time? I don't care about the price but I do want it too be realistic, is it possible to set it up so I NEVER have too clean it or clean it like once every few months?

thanks

[VeipaCray]

Yeah Fluval FX5. See the link to my build thread in my signature.

The FX5 bang for the buck is one of the best filters you can get for a turtle. They are available online for $180-$200 USD and figure another $30 or so for media. I have a FX5 on my 75 gallon tank and while there's no mechanical filter that can go forever without cleaning, the FX5 can go for a few months if you set it up correctly.

How to setup a FX5: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30145
My build thread: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=28206

There are a few others on here with FX5's... PridgNYC has a FX5 on his 75G tank. Electricturtle has one too. If you search for FX5 on this forum, you'll come up with lots to read.

[VeipaCray]

Oh and welcome to the forum.

[xewkija6]

Thanks a lot VeipaCray I will definitely look into that and check it out on amazon or something; do the local pet stores carry them? also whats the biggest tank this filter can handle?

Nice setup as well

[steve]

Welcome to the site. It's rated for "...freshwater or marine aquariums up to 400 gallons", so using the "3x formula" it is suitable 150 gallons of turtle water. viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30145#p288910

Local stores will carry them but it will be way more expensive. Filters, heaters and media are usually much cheaper online.

[PridgNYC]

I can attest to the fact that the FX5 is an awesome filter for a 75 gallon. Mine has been running trouble free (without cleaning) since the end of August, almost 4 months now with no maintenance. Not really sure how you know when it is time to clean it, as it is still working perfectly, maybe I should just do it on a schedule (whether it needs it or not). I used VeipaCray's media recommendations in the filter thread.

[VeipaCray]

@PridgNYC - yeah if you used purigen, it's flow is still good, and your water parameters are still 0 ammoina, 0 nitrite... then you don't really need to clean it. If you used carbon, then you need to open the filter monthly to replace the carbon. I do mine monthly out of habit. It's a workhorse of a filter.