I need help choosing a filter for my 3 red eared sliders. Thery are in a 30G tank and are about 1.5-2 inches . I have read that there are three types of filtration that they need(mechanical, chemical, biological) What is a good filter to use or combination of filters that will cover all these areas. Please be as specific as possible. Thanks!
2006-10-16 08:47:59 · 4 answers · asked by thatsme 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Use any internal power filter that has a carbon filter and a sponge filter. It must be capable of circulating all the water in your tank about once every 15 to 30 minutes.
The chemical filtration is provided by the carbon to remove as much ammonia as possible and the mechanical and biological filtration is provided by the sponge to mecanicaly remove the detritus, biological filtration happens when microbes that live on the sponge consume ammonia and excrete nitrites and nitrates. These can then be removed with regular partial water changes.
The sponge needs to be cleaned every week at least in a jug of tank water, don't use chlorinated tap water as this kills the nitrifying bacteria.
2006-10-16 08:56:54 · answer #1 · answered by stevehart53 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. Get a bigger tank. With about 6" total of turtles, you should have a 60 gallon pond- about a 100 gallon tank partially filled. Most of us use plastic tubs or kiddie pools for this size.
The right size of pond is a big help in offering clean water!
2. What you need the most is strong mechanical filtration- remove and strain out the poo. You DO NOT need the same water quality as a fish does. A good article about this is http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/waterquality.htm
2006-10-16 16:27:09 · answer #2 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Steve-art is right. All I have to add is be careful and wash your hands extreamly well after touching anything the turtles have touched or them. It is illegal to sell red eared slider smaller than 4 inches in the united state do to them carrying saminella. This can be very dangerous. So please be careful and if you have kids do not let them handle them or clean their tank.
2006-10-17 15:22:56 · answer #3 · answered by Animal lover 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get a lot of filters that will cover all 3... I recommend either a canister filter or a larger Fluval (fluval 404 I think???)
2006-10-16 09:10:57 · answer #4 · answered by snake_girl85 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋