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hi guys, i have a 50 gallon tank (tank is filled about 3/4) with 1 adult female RES.

my current filter: Hagen AquaClear 70 Power Filter (formerly AquaClear "300")

http://www.animalworldnetwork.com/aq3pofi110v.html

i'm thinking about switching to this: Rena Smartfilter 55

# 250 GPH
# For tanks up to 55 gallons

http://www.aquariumguys.com/rena-smartf ... m=Shopping

i assume that 5x should be the least turnover rate & even if my tank is filled all the way, both filters would have enough turnover rate. the Aquaclear has a more turnover rate than the Rena, but Rena filters seem to have a better rating & quality than Aquaclears. it seems like this Rena filter is easier to clean than the Aquaclear too.

would you guys advise to to switch filters or should i stay with my Aquaclear?

Here's my recommendation: Since you've got a female, there's a very good chance you'll need to upgrade your 50 gallon tank in the future. I would say instead of spending $50 on a "mid range" filter, I would say save up a bit more and get a filter that will transfer over to a larger tank (so you don't have to buy ANOTHER filter in the future). Something like a Rena XP3 or Fluval 405 would work well in your current 50 gallon, and transfer nicely to a bigger tank as well.

BullDog wrote:Here's my recommendation: Since you've got a female, there's a very good chance you'll need to upgrade your 50 gallon tank in the future. I would say instead of spending $50 on a "mid range" filter, I would say save up a bit more and get a filter that will transfer over to a larger tank (so you don't have to buy ANOTHER filter in the future). Something like a Rena XP3 or Fluval 405 would work well in your current 50 gallon, and transfer nicely to a bigger tank as well.

thank you for your advice! will consider it

francinemarie wrote:

BullDog wrote:Here's my recommendation: Since you've got a female, there's a very good chance you'll need to upgrade your 50 gallon tank in the future. I would say instead of spending $50 on a "mid range" filter, I would say save up a bit more and get a filter that will transfer over to a larger tank (so you don't have to buy ANOTHER filter in the future). Something like a Rena XP3 or Fluval 405 would work well in your current 50 gallon, and transfer nicely to a bigger tank as well.

thank you for your advice! will consider it

I second that......Fluval 405 or, if you can afford it,FX5 is the way to go.
The FX5 might be a power house for a 55 gallon, but bigger is ALWAYS better when it comes to filtration.
Power filters are a joke for turtle keeping.Talking from experience.

jozzep wrote:

francinemarie wrote:

BullDog wrote:Here's my recommendation: Since you've got a female, there's a very good chance you'll need to upgrade your 50 gallon tank in the future. I would say instead of spending $50 on a "mid range" filter, I would say save up a bit more and get a filter that will transfer over to a larger tank (so you don't have to buy ANOTHER filter in the future). Something like a Rena XP3 or Fluval 405 would work well in your current 50 gallon, and transfer nicely to a bigger tank as well.

thank you for your advice! will consider it

I second that......Fluval 405 or, if you can afford it,FX5 is the way to go.
The FX5 might be a power house for a 55 gallon, but bigger is ALWAYS better when it comes to filtration.
Power filters are a joke for turtle keeping.Talking from experience.

haha yea bigger is better, but expensive . i'll have to do a lot of saving if i get a fluval or rena filter. even if they're cheaper on ebay, they're still expensive

then go with whatever you can afford

jozzep wrote:then go with whatever you can afford

ok thank you

fran-marie -- If the filter does the 250gph that should do it. I would suggest more but if all else is working properly is should keep your tank clean and filtered. The 55 rating is for fish. When they rate them does not take in account turtles. They eat a lot more and poo a lot more requiring more filtration.

mike hill wrote:fran-marie -- If the filter does the 250gph that should do it. I would suggest more but if all else is working properly is should keep your tank clean and filtered. The 55 rating is for fish. When they rate them does not take in account turtles. They eat a lot more and poo a lot more requiring more filtration.

oh ok, thank you for your help!