what size filter and heater

[mrpink]

Hi, ive posted this in the turtle section aswell, but seen as people here would know alot about tanks ill ask here aswell. If double posting is not allowed you can delete this thread.

Anyway,

Im buying a 200l tank fo my turtles which should last them until they go into the pond im building for them. It is almost 4ft long. What would be the best filter i could use in this tank. Also should i use a heater, i was thinking not to so they will get use to cold water(for when they go to the pond all year round). If i should use a heater what one should i use. A link to the filter/heater would be great or the make and model name. Thanks.

[pam b]

i cant advise on the heating as i dont know turtles, but as they are going to be outdoor animals would have assumed it wouldnt be an issue, that said, i really dont know turtles, but i do know some arnt good outdoor animals and even need basking areas, it depends on breed.
As for filtration, i would go with any Eheim external filter for that size of tank or larger.Larger always better, better over than under.
External's always work better and Ehiems are one of the best.

[mrpink]

thanks. Is there a certain size i would need.

[mrpink]

AQUA PRO/AQUAPRO 3 - EXTERNAL AQUARIUM/FISHTANK FILTER on eBay Filtration Heating, Fish, Pet Supplies, Home Garden (item 160149453963 end time 23-Aug-07 21:30:00 BST)

This seems very simalar to the make you mentioned but its cheaper. I doubt it is as good but would you think it should be ok.

[pam b]

even the smallest of this would do, not cheap i may add.

Aquatics Warehouse UK EHEIM ECCO FILTERS

EDIT,
sorry i meant the 50 gallon plus one.

[pam b]

Originally Posted by mrpink

AQUA PRO/AQUAPRO 3 - EXTERNAL AQUARIUM/FISHTANK FILTER on eBay Filtration Heating, Fish, Pet Supplies, Home Garden (item 160149453963 end time 23-Aug-07 21:30:00 BST)

This seems very simalar to the make you mentioned but its cheaper. I doubt it is as good but would you think it should be ok.

yeah that would do it.

[Graham]

Turtles are very different to fish, they produce more and heavier waste, and whilst aquarium filters work very well with turts they need to be much more powerful with bigger media capacity.
The rating (in litres per hour) quoted for aquarium filters assumes that they will be used for fish, for use with turts you need a filter rated at least 2-3 times the water volume.
Bigger tanks with more water can sometimes get away with a filter rated twice the volume, especially if they don't have the maximum number of turts in them, larger volumes are just easier to keep clean.
But smaller volumes, and 200 litres is quite small in turt terms, need more filtration to keep them clean so I would recommend a filter rated at least 600 litres, preferably more, it's impossible to have too much filtration for turts!
The AquaPro 3 is only rated for aquariums up to 500 litres so isn't really going to be adequate, it would really be struggling to cope with two turts in 200 litres of water, you'll find it clogs quickly and needs frequent cleaning, and you'll need to do regular partial water changes to maintain water quality, you need to look for something bigger than this.

See my reply to your duplicate post for recommended brands and model ranges.

[Art_Gecko101]

Graham... whats the turtle on the far right of your sig?!!! its bugging me cause i dont know and its gorgeous!

[Graham]

Sorry I don't know, I didn't make up the sig, it's not one that I'm familiar with and it might not even be real! I'll see if I can find out.

[Art_Gecko101]

haha no worries! its just really unusual looking! the black and white is stunning!