The Great Filter Discussion

Ok, I’ve been through undergravel filters – ugh, yuck! I’ve been through box filters, sponge filters, canister filters. And now all of my tanks are setup with Aquaclear 500’s. They work pretty good, but I think it can be better. The water still doesn’t stay as clean as I would like it and it takes too much time to clean them out. So, I’m considering putting drains in all my tanks and setting up a drip system (tap water) with an over flow. I was concerned about chlorine on the turtles. I use straight tap now for water changes without any apparent harm except for irritated eyes for a short time. I’ve been told that people keep tropical fish on a drip system with straight tap water without harm, and I would think that if tropical fish can take it, turtles definitely can. I’ve seen a few setups like that for fish wholesalers, with turtles kept in some of the tanks. I’m also concerned about the water bill (my wife is ready to kill me now), but I think it would be offset by the savings in electricity for all the filters and the cost of replacing them and parts. I also use quite a bit of water anyway on landscaping in the rest of the yard – so I could use that naturally fertilized water anyway. So, whatdayathink? -Rick