Equipment Review and Discussion :: New Filter

[Gautreaux]

I recently got two baby red sliders from a friend who couldn't have them any longer. I'm taking great care of them by setting up a tank and doing everything i read about and i love them to death! I currently have a filter which hangs over the outside of a my tank. I was looking into filters completely submerged under the water. I have a 10 gallon tank(small, i know). Any suggestions on what i should get? (By the way, i'm not looking to spend a large amount of money.)

[TheComputerGremlin]

Okay, 2 baby sliders cannot live in a 10 gallon tank, esp if you are going to take up additional room with a filter. Even the smallest hatchlings should have more than 10 gallons each. If you are looking for a temporary solution, get a large rubbermaid container and then you can get a submersible filter. Look on Craigslist or your local paper, it's spring cleaning time and many people are going to be getting rid of large aquariums and often sell their filters with them. Those turtles will get big, FAST. Within 6 months they should be 3 inches each, requiring at least a 60 gallon tank. Within 3 years, a 200 gallon tank.

[steve]

I second the rubbermaid container! I went from one of those stupid little carriers to a 10 gallon to 40 gallon rubbermaid to a 125 gallon tank.

Checking Craigslist is a good idea too as well as college campuses (once the semester's over). You will need to be prepared to spend some money, unless you or people you know are extremely creative and handy.

[mikee]

Gtraux -- The Grim is correct. Like the rest of us you will get caught in the up buying as soon as they grow a little. The size of tank should be at least 10 gallons per inch. The first thing that is usually is too small is the tank and filter. I would suggest at least a 55 to 60 gallon to start with and next a filter that will exchange the water at least 5 times per hour(gph) It does get a little expensive at first. I have been doing this for over 27 years and I would not change it for the world.