Hi, I have 2 Red Ear Sliders about 3 years old and 3 inches each approx. I have bought a whole setup?

Question

setup consists for 40 gallon wide tank, 200 watt heater, emperor 400 filter, and many other accessories.

unfortunately, due to my strict parents and their heavy pressure and criticism, I most likely have to let go of the 40 gallon tank (because its too big, how am i going to change the water, etc)
even though i know 40 gallons is still not enough for 2 RES's the size I have. In reality w/no limits, I should be having 80 gallons, for example.

So because i have to return the 40 gallon, I need to get another one still, my best option right now is to get a 29 gallon, even though i dont like that one because the botttom is not wide at all, it is much more of a fish tank. the 40 gallon i got right now is wide and it is perfect for plenty of room for the 2 turtles.

question is, is the emperor 400 too much for a 29 gallon? (it works up to 80 gallons) i origionally bought the emperor 280 (it works up to 50 gals). is more the better? meaning, 2x the easier the tank? 2x cleaner? thank you!!!

Answer 1

i myself have two turtles and have done tons of research on them (check out austins turtle page.....its great!) the filter will be fine because turtles are very messy.....you can get a filter 2 or even 3 times more more powerful and its just even better. sadly i have to say your parents are not well informed and have just done your turtles great stress by making you give up the 40 gallon tank! changing water is easy.....you dont have to change it all at once just half of it every couple of weeks. you can use buckets if you need to and the tanks stay cleaner if you scoop out unwanted food. please do some research on valuable sites and try to show your parents.......they might not know what the turtles need. but when your res are full grown the will need at a minimum a 90 gallon tank or a pond. tell them that this advice is from a 33 year old mom herself! good luck to you and happy turtling!!!
ps. it is also very important to have a uvb light! (along with the 200 watt heater)

Answer 2

your filter should always be at least twice the pump power that your tank is. at the age your turtles are your turtles should be the size of dinner plates by now. if the 40g is too much money may i suggest using Rubbermaid bins? they work fantastic, and come in large sizes, if your skilled in plumbing you can actually hook up a drain in them if you seal all the piping. i recommend you get some reptisun 10.0 UV lights and a good calcium supplement because of their incredibly small size. the Rubbermaid's are cheap, large, drill able(fulfilling your water draining needs if its on a stand), and easy to find.

Answer 3

Yeah, the filter will be fine. I use a very high powered filter for my tank that is made for much larger. Turtles are so dirty, it's preferred to keep a filter made for a bigger tank.

Answer 4

RES the size of dinner plates?

Answer 5

cool cool