Filter for 55 Gallon Tank

[KnD Hance]

KnD Hance

August 21, 2004 at 7:32 am #20118

Hi I have a spring and fall hatchling and am putting them in a 55 Gallon tank that I plan on filling half way and using a turtle dock. I was looking at Magnum 250 and 350 filters but was told they rely on siphoning(not enough water when filled halfway) so it was suggested by a store owner to use a Fluval 4. ANy suggestions. Thanks from Nummy and Homer

[Lisa Lee]

Lisa Lee

August 21, 2004 at 9:12 am #20119

I have a fluval 4 plus and I did try it in a 55 but it didn’t keep my water clean enough so I went to a fluval canister 304. Now my turtles were not hatchlings either and I filled the tank at least 3/4 full. It depends on how you feel about buying the appropriate size now then upgrading as they get bigger. In other words you may end up buying a stronger filter later. Terrapins need very clean water. Alot depends on if you feed in the water or not. If you feed in the water you will need the bigger fluval.I use jcaquatics@… or jcaquatics on ebay everything is new and fully warranted at a considerable discount.They have great prices on fluvals and Einheim(sorry spelling). I don’t use an undergravel but most do, I just use a very, very little coral substrate at the bottom of my tank. My terrapins keep things pretty stirred up at the bottom for now. More members will chime in whith their thoughts, this is just my 2 cents. Lisa

—– Original Message —–

[Stephen Chew]

Stephen Chew

August 21, 2004 at 6:58 pm #20122

Hi Nummy and Homer, All external filters basically rely on siphoning action so if your water level is too low, you will have no choice but to use submersible filters like the Fluval 4. However, there are certain hang on the back power filters like the Marineland Emperor that have long lift tubes that may be adequate to filter your 55 gallon half full. As long as the water level is above the intake screen, the filter is capable of doing its job, though minimally. The reason I bring this up as an option is because once the hatchlings have developed enough to swim well, this type of filter will work well and you would have only invested in 1 filter vs. buying a Fluval 4 and then upgrading to a Magnum. All the best. -Chun — In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, “KnD Hance”

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