Re: Digest Number 63
Todd, Yes, newstand issues are dated the same. The Jan. issue of Reptiles had wood turtles on their cover. Trickle filters are marketed as filters only or package deals (filter, pump, hoses, etc.). They are not cheap but are the best biological filter next to fluidized beds and not as problematic. When compared to canisters, you’re really comparing apples and oranges. Canisters are mainly efficient at mechanical and chemical filtration (i.e. solid wastes, odors and dyes) with limited biological capability (toxic ammonia, nitrites and nitrates). With trickle filters, you’re getting a ton of biological filtration plus the capacity for mechanical and chemical filtration as well. They have considerably more surface area and higher concentrations of oxygen that enable nitrifying bacteria to breakdown ammonia and nitrites more effectively. Comparing flow rates is important as long as the biological capacity is the same. Otherwise, higher performing canister filters may not even do half as good of a job in filtering if their biological capacity is severely restricted. Trickle filter use in sensitive saltwater fish and reef tanks seem to attest to their efficiency, I believe. In any event, biological filtration should always be prioritized above mechanical and chemical filtration since high levels of ammonia and nitrite are usually the causative agents in lowering a turtle’s immunity system. Mechanical and chemical filtration do little for the health of a turtle but are mostly for aesthetics. Few aquarium keepers can steer away from visions of crystal clear, odorless tanks that seem to imply cleanliness and health… If I’m not mistken, I believe Scott has a trickle filter in his system. Happy shopping, Chun — In diamondbackterrapins@egroups.com, Todd Stockwell