Keeping a turtle is not always an easy task as compared to maintaining fish in an aquarium. For instance, turtles require a different filtering system since they could emit waste material differently as compared to fish. They are also larger in a tank than most fish would be and they also require a different water level to thrive.
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Much like with fish tank filters, there are many kinds of filters that can be attached to a turtle tank, such as a canister filter for turtle tank. In line with this, you may want to look for the best filter for turtle tank. You are in luck because, in this article, we reviewed some products if you are interested in a filter for turtle aquarium.
Top 5 Best Turtle Tank Filters
Here are our top picks for the best filter for turtle tank:
NO.17 Submersible Aquarium Internal Filter
This can be a filter for 40 gallon turtle tank since it has 8 watts of power that is just fine for 10-50 gallon large aquariums.
As an internal filter, this one has a max flow rate of 200 GPH (gallons per hour). It also operates quietly so it won’t make a lot of noise for your turtle. It has two nozzles that you can choose as well.
This filter can also be backed up with a carbon filter as well. When putting horizontally, it measures about 7 x 2 inches and it can be placed at the bottom of the tank.
Things We Liked
- Good for medium-sized aquariums
- 2 nozzles of choice
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Easy to clean
- Reusable filter media
Things We Didn’t Like
- The surface is too small for beneficial bacteria to grow
Polar Aurora Free Media 3-Stage External Aquarium Filter
This one would be a great choice for those who need a filter for 55 gallon turtle tank.
It can have up to 264 GPH for its power and you can also attach 3 different filter media with its included trays.
The spray bar on the filter is also adjustable so you don’t have to create too much turbulence.
The pump included is self-priming to make it easy to set up. As a canister filter, this one may be for you if you have a large turtle tank.
Things We Liked
- Powerful filter
- Great for large tanks
- Self-priming feature
- Adjustable spray bar
- 3 different filter media trays
Things We Didn’t Like
- The price can be a bit more expensive than other filters
Marina S10 Power Filter
This filter for aquatic animals like turtles and fish can also make a great filter for 20 gallon turtle tank if you choose the 20-gallon option.
It uses Bio-Guard filtration as its method and it is also powered by a technology called Ceramitek for a mess-free filter changing and maintenance without compromising the quality.
The system starts immediately so you don’t have to prime it.
The flow control is also adjustable for your turtle to feel at ease while in the water. It also runs quietly so it’s not jarring for your turtle’s ears.
Things We Liked
- Has filter media included
- Mess-free filter changing
- Adjustable flow control
- Runs quietly
Things We Didn’t Like
- Some plastic parts on the sponge but can be removed
Tetra ReptoFilter Filter Cartridges
Pre-assembled when you order them, this one is a set of disposable cartridges that you can use as filter media for a turtle or reptile tank.
Ultra-Activated carbon is used for each of these cartridges which can also help with discolored tanks or smelly ones.
If you already have the ReptoFilter 90GPH, you can just use this as filter media for it.
This cartridge set can be adjusted even for those who need a filter for a large turtle tank due to the different sizes that are available.
Things We Liked
- Fully-assembled and ready to use
- Activated carbon
- Whisper-quiet
- Compatible with existing ReptoFilter systems
- Available in medium and large sizes
Things We Didn’t Like
- May not fit all existing filter systems
Aquatic Experts Classic Bonded Aquarium Filter Pad
With different sizes to choose from, it is usually 3/4-inch thick and you can cut it so that it fits well onto your tank bottom.
It works by reducing floating particles that can be present in your tank.
This can be a good supplemental filter for freshwater or saltwater tanks and of course, turtle tanks.
If you just want a simple filter pad, this one may be for you. It has an open weave and is made with polyester material.
Things We Liked
- Easy to fit into most tanks
- Has the right thickness
- Can be a supporting filter system
- Does not dye your water
Things We Didn’t Like
- Needs a primary filter system to work properly
Things to Consider
After our water filter for turtle tank reviews, here is our buying guide to help you in deciding:
How do I choose the best turtle tank filter?
In choosing the ideal filter system for your turtle, you may want to consider the following:
- What brand is it? Tetra, Marina, and Polar Aurora are just some of the best brands to try if you are looking for a turtle tank filter. Sometimes, trusted brand names can be better than most generic brands because you have a warranty period with them.
- What is your tank size? The tank size can dictate how much you need for the voltage of your turtle tank filter. Usually, this wattage can mean a difference between products and some of them may be appropriate for your tank size and the amount of water that you put in there.
- What is the flow rate? The flow rate is measured in GPH or gallons per hour, and it dictates how much water is processed by your filter per hour. A higher GPH can be better if your turtle likes to dirty your water too much but make sure it doesn’t create too much turbulence in the water.
- What type of filter system is it? There are many filter types out there, such as an under-gravel filter, external filter, submersible filter, or a rock filter. Choosing a filter can be difficult at first, but we’ve mentioned the different systems in the sections below.
- Is it durable? Turtle tank filters can be durable, provided they have proper maintenance and usage. However, some cheap kits could be not as long-lasting as the branded ones, so it’s best to go for a higher-priced one that has a good reputation.
- Is the motor noisy or quiet? Turtles may feel disturbed if they hear the motor too much. The solution is to get a turtle tank filter that’s not too noisy for them to bear. After all, motors that aren’t very noisy also create a peaceful environment in your home and also don’t overheat as much.
- Is it easy to maintain the filter? Consider if your filter system is easy to clean, maintain, and the like, especially if you tend to be lazy with this area. Look for a filter type that allows you to quickly clean it up or change the filter when necessary.
How do I set up a turtle tank filter?
Not all tank filters are the same – you have to read the instruction manual for it to be set up properly. For instance, an internal filter will need to be assembled differently from an external one. Make sure all of the mounting accessories stay put.
How often should I clean or maintain my filter for my turtle tank?
That depends on different factors:
- How much you need to use the filter. If your turtle makes a mess all the time or if you have more than one turtle in your tank, then you may need to use the filter much more often than you think. It is also a factor if you have other living creatures in your tank other than a turtle, such as snails and the like.
- The turtle(s) in question. Different species of turtles act differently and they also have different sizes. Your turtle’s behavior comes into question when you are choosing a filter and figuring out how much you need to clean it up on a regular basis. Turtles who have active diets and get hungry more often will definitely poop much more.
- The size of your tank. Larger tanks are harder to clean in general because of their size and space. Smaller tanks, on the other hand, are best for beginners but may not be ideal for turtles unless they are the smaller species. You may need to clean your tank more often if you house your turtles on a bigger tank, let’s say a 55-gallon one.
- The filter media. It depends on how many filter media you use. If you have 5 trays in your system then that requires a different kind of attention.
- Your manufacturer’s recommendations. Again, as we stated above, always refer to your user manual in order to know how to clean and how often to clean your tank filter in general.
How do I safely maintain my turtle tank filter?
- Make sure it’s unplugged before you change it. When it’s time to change the filter media, to avoid the moving parts or electric components from short-circuiting badly, consider unplugging it first and taking it out of the water. Always follow your user manual in doing so.
- Make sure your hands are dry. Always keep mind that when you are dealing with electrical equipment, make sure all of what you wear are dry to avoid electric shock and accidents. This may be common sense, but it is important when handling electric filters.
- Mind the kids when they are changing the filter. Always watch over your children if they are making changes to the turtle tank to avoid accidents from happening.
- Wash your hands before and after cleaning the tank. Turtle poop and other stuff can seep through your hands if you don’t wash them, which can lead to diseases. Make sure your hands are washed and don’t contaminate you or your turtle.
What are the types of filters for turtle tanks?
Here are most of them which you will encounter:
- Internal or submersible. They are great for smaller tanks and are the easiest to clean up.
- Canister filters. They tend to be the best for turtles since they are not spacious and can still have a lot of media trays at once.
- Hang-on back filter. While not a general solution for turtle tanks, it can still be used for larger tanks as a supplement filter system. Consider one that is rated 3 times larger than your tank size.
- Under-gravel filter. This one has mixed reviews between turtle keepers. They have advantages and disadvantages. They are less obtrusive but they do need to be cleaned in a more difficult way if you don’t get a reverse-flow under-gravel filter.
What are the different filter media used for a turtle tank filter?
If you are looking for filter media, the following are the most common ones:
- activated charcoal
- filter floss
- charcoal
- ceramic rings
- lava rock
- Bio balls
- sponges
- polyfill
- fiberfill floss
Is it possible to use a fish tank filter for a turtle tank?
Yes, you definitely can, but it depends on the manufacturer’s notes as well as the reviewers. Some manufacturers may say that it’s not for turtles but the reviewers say otherwise since it can fit on their turtle tank just fine.
Conclusion
Our top pick for the best underwater filter for turtle tank would be the NO.17 Submersible Aquarium Internal Filter due to its sufficient size for most aquariums, good flow rate, reusable filter media, two nozzles of choice, ease of cleaning, and whisper-quiet operation. While it is not that large for some bacteria to grow, it can still be a starter if you want a turtle tank filter that does the job well.
Most of our picks here are indeed meant for turtles and could be choices for you if you want other features for a tank filter. We hope you liked these reviews!