I need a filter nerds help!

[joshraines]

Hi all,

Just kidding about the nerd part, but before I go spending money on yet another filter, I want to make sure its the best for what I need. I am in the process of buying a 50 long tank for my painted turtle. He (or she) is about 5 inches long now and needs the extra room. I plan on using the same basic setup that I have in the 40 gallon which is slate tile in the bottom, an aquatic plant or two, and a ramp/basking platform. What is the best filter I can buy for that type of set up? Cleaning power and long life are my main concerns, I have killed two filters in the last year. Thanks!

[mike]

Joshraines – I would like to know what you “killed” in regards to filters. As I have stated previously, I like the canister filters best because of the ease of cleaning and I use the 300 gph to 350gph.  As you have had turtles, you know that they are messy and the filters that may work for fish will not do as good a job as larger water flow pumps. (My opinion) I will be glad to give you brand names if you wish. Good Luck!

[FL.AlligatorSnapperMan]

Fluval 405 is the one for you bro. Tuff, dependable, warranty, easy to clean,setup, use, and move. Completely worth the bucks. I had one once in the evolution of my hobby/study . I abused the heck out of it and it never missed a beat.

[bascomb]

           The 405s are a good choice and so are the marineland 350 and the new marineland 360. I don't have a new 360, but it looks like a good unit. The 360 gph is a good water exchange and appears to have a large filter area. It is made in. china, but so is most of my electrical equipment. I believe the more water exchange the better.

[mike]

bascomb -- I tend to agree that the more water flow is better providing everything is up to snuff. I have a Marineland Magnum 350 on a 29 gallon and there is a bit of a swerl at one end is all. Does anyone use the new Marineland 360? I woiuld like a little feed back?

[MsTurtle]

I use an FX5, but you should still be able to controll the flow.

http://www.turtlesale.com/home/index.php?page=filters-refills-page-3