Habitat - Indoor :: Should I get a new filter?

[fryman86]

I'm currently using the filter that came with my 55 gallon tank. It sits on the lip of the tank and pumps the water up into the filter and then deposits it back into the tank. Being that the tank is not completely filled with water, so that my turt is able to have a basking area, the water has to "fall" back into the tank. This creates what looks like two waterfalls comming out of the filter. So the question is, if the water looks really clear, I'm having no health problems with my turt, and the only thing that accumulates in the tank is algae, do I really need a new filter?

Thanks,
Fryman86

[octpusgirl8]

Get a water test kit, test for things like ammonia and nitrites. That will tell you if you filter is adequate.

[steve]

How often are you doing water changes? Clear water doesn't necessarily mean clean water.

[fryman86]

Complete water change at least every three weeks with a partial water change/cleaning weekly.

[mikee]

Fry-6 --- If that set up is fine with you and it is pumping at least 5 times the water volume all should be well with the tank. Your test kit will tell, very quickly. I prefer the canister as the water level is not as critical and it is stored underneath. It is much easier to clean and is much quieter.

[fryman86]

Yeah my "waterfalls" are quite noisy. I feel like I'm sleeping in a river lol. Could anyone give me some quick info about canister filters? Such as where they go in the tank, what to look for in a good filter, where to get it, good price range? Thanks!