Equipment Review and Discussion :: Filters

[Deon]

Hi, what is the problem with internal filters does anyone know? I mean it goes through foam and some things inside, before going out. Why is a hanging filter and canister filter s much better?

[mikee]

Deon -- Generally speaking, the canister will pump more in the larger sizes. The canister is much easier to clean and can be put out of the way. I can disconnect my canisters and clean them in about 20 minutes and I don't disturbe the tank. The more room you have in a tank the better it is for your turtles.

[Deon]

so mikey, if i have a internal filter with a 40 gallon tank, that should be no problem right? as canisters are for the larger sizes. By the way, how many volts and watts should an internal filter have for a 40 gallon tank?

[Chrisbarnett]

I had one in a 30 for a while. trust me, your going to be disappointed with it.

another benefit of canisters is that you can position the outlfow towards the intake to push the waste into the filter. With an internal, you can't do that.

[steve]

Internal filters take up room in the tank and don't offer many options for biological media. I've seen a few internal filters try to accommodate bio media, but there is clearly a small limit.

[mikee]

Deon - What you have to take into consideration is the gph. You will need to exchange the water volume at least 5 times per hour. For a 40 gallon I would suggest at least 300 or 350 per hour. I tend to over do the 5 times per hour with mine. With turtles a little more is better than a little too little. I just prefer the canister as it is easy to clean and has plenty of room, in most cases, for media. There several good ones on the market. M.

[TheComputerGremlin]

I have a canister filter on a 40 gallon tank, and I will just say that I would never want another filter for it. The water is CRYSTAL clear, always, the filter is easy to maintain and clean, and my turtle has the whole tank for swimming and enjoying.

It may seem like canister filters cost so much more, but they are worth every penny!

[Deon]

i have another question. What does it mean when the water goes cloudy? i remember reding something about it somewhere but i cant find it. so, can anyone tell me how to get rid of it?

[Chrisbarnett]

Which type of cloudy? Like dirty water cloudy? Or New Tank syndrome cloudy?

Dirty water type of cloudy water can be easily fixed by a water change.

New tank syndrome type of cloudy, typically whiteish, is a result of the nitrifying bacteria starting to grow and take hold. This will run its own course and should be done within a few days. 20-50% water changes can be done everyday to keep the cloudiness down.

[Deon]

like whitish cloudy. Its kind of smelly too. Do you know why?. Also, whats new tank syndrome cloudy o.O?

[Deon]

hi i have another question :O. Im going away for a week but i cant leave the lights and filter on all the time - it would be kinda costly, and the light are usually turned off at night. Is it okay for the turtle to go through this, without at filters and stuff for a week? I have a food dispenser though

[TheComputerGremlin]

Okay, first question's answer: New tank syndrome is when the bacteria haven't fully grown into the tank and filter yet, so the water becomes cloudy. It's not dangerous for the turtle, and takes a week or two to resolve itself. You can try to help by doing 25% water changes every few days.

The water shouldn't be stinky, that sounds like your carbon pouch has run its life out.

Second question's answer: No, the turtle should not go without lights and filter for a week. Go to a store and purchase a timer. They seriously cost not a lot. You may need a plug splitter to hook up multiple ones on one timer or plug in your power strip to it. If the filter is off for a whole week, you are looking at basically a whole complete water change and scrubbing of the tank. YUCK!

[mikee]

Deon - You will need to get the water situation worked out before you leave for a week. What you probably have is "new tank syndrome". You will have to put up with that until you get the filter working properly. What is the gph of you filter? Until you get that filter working you will have to make 50% water changes until it is up to speed. -- Good Luck!!

[Azfar]

Owhh.. now I know why my water become whity cloudy after three days using the new filter. But I already change the water. How long does this situation will take?

Em can I turn off the filter for two days? Basically I'm not at home on saturday and sunday.

[marisa]

Don't turn the filter off. Do partial water changes (aboaut 30%) until the water clears.