Best Power Filter Options For 20-Gallon Turtle Tanks

Choosing a filter for your 20-gallon turtle tank can be a daunting task, especially with the variety of options available in the market. The most important thing to consider is the flow rate, which should be 6-8 times the amount of water in the tank per hour. Canister filters are generally considered the best option for turtle tanks as they have a large capacity for filter media and are easy to maintain. Here are some recommended filters for a 20-gallon turtle tank:

- Eheim Classic Canister Filter 2211: This filter is suitable if your turtle tank is half-filled with water. It has a maximum water turnover rate of around 60 gallons per hour and runs quietly, making it a good long-term option.

- Penn Plax Cascade 700 Series: If your 20-gallon turtle tank is filled to the top, this filter provides a water turnover of up to 185 gallons per hour, ensuring effective filtration. It is durable, easy to install, and offers customization options.

- Turtle Tank Filter 20 Gallon by CAVACHEW: This filter has a flow rate of up to 92.5 GPH and includes a basking platform with a realistic rock design. It helps keep the water clean by filtering out uneaten food, waste, and other floating particles.

- TetraFauna ReptoFilter: This filter is designed specifically for turtles, frogs, and newts. It provides three-stage filtration and is suitable for tanks up to 60 gallons, making it a good option for a 20-gallon turtle tank.

Canister filters are the best for turtle tanks

Canister filters are the best type of filter for turtle tanks. They are installed outside the tank, which saves space and are easy to maintain. Canister filters have large reservoirs with lots of room for filter media, which is important as turtles produce a lot of waste. The filters work by pumping water from the tank into a sealed bucket/reservoir (canister) via an intake tube. The water then passes through filter media such as sponges, ceramic rings, or carbon before being pumped back into the tank. This process collects waste and converts ammonia to nitrites and nitrites to nitrates, keeping the water clean and healthy for turtles.

The flow rate of a turtle tank filter should be 6-8 times the amount of water in the tank per hour. For example, a 20-gallon turtle tank should have a filter with a flow rate of at least 120 GPH. Canister filters typically have higher flow rates than other types of filters, making them more suitable for turtle tanks.

In addition to flow rate, it is important to consider the size and type of the turtle tank when choosing a filter. If the tank has a basking area and is only half-full of water, the filter only needs to be able to handle half the volume of water. For example, a 40-gallon tank with a basking area may only have 20 gallons of water, so a filter with a flow rate of around 160 GPH would be sufficient.

Another factor to consider is the ease of maintenance. Canister filters typically require less frequent cleaning than other types of filters as they have more space for filter media. Cleaning a turtle tank filter should ideally be done once a month, but this may vary depending on the number of turtles and other factors.

When choosing a canister filter for a turtle tank, it is important to consider the pump output, the amount of space for filter media, the ease of priming and disassembly, the noise level, and the durability of the filter. Some recommended canister filters for turtle tanks include the Fluval FX6, Eheim 2262, and Penn Plax Cascade series.

Flow rate should be 6-8 times the tank volume per hour

The flow rate of a turtle tank filter should be 6-8 times the amount of water in the tank per hour. This is because turtles are extremely messy creatures and their aquarium water demands a severe level of care. The "x8 Rule" states that a turtle tank filter should turn the available quantity of water in the tank at least 8 times per hour. In the fishkeeping world, the rule is set at around 6 water cycles per hour, but for overstocked tanks or turtle-inhabited tanks, it rises to 8 times per hour (sometimes more).

The gallon capacity of the tank should be considered when choosing a filter. Different aquarium filters have different water cycling power. For example, a 20-gallon turtle tank should have a water turnover of between 6 and 8 times per hour, which means a proper filtration unit should be able to maintain at least 120 GPH of flow rate.

There are several types of filters that can be used for turtle tanks, including internal filters, hang-on-back (HOB) filters, and canister filters. Canister filters are generally considered to be the best type of filter for turtle tanks because they typically have large reservoirs with lots of room for filter media and are installed outside of the tank, saving space. Hang-on-back filters are not optimal for turtle aquariums because they have limited space for filter media and are noisy if the water level is low. Internal filters are only practical for small tanks because they take up space in the tank, reducing the space available for the turtle.

When choosing a filter, it is important to consider the flow rate, tank dimensions, and other factors. It is also important to clean the filter regularly and perform partial water changes in the turtle tank to maintain water quality.

Hang-on-back and internal filters are not optimal for turtle tanks

Turtles are extremely messy creatures and demand a severe level of care for their aquarium water. They are not like fish. They can't really get sucked in or blown away by a stronger filtering system.

The "x8 Rule" states that if you own an aquatic turtle pet, the aquarium filter that you set up should turn the available quantity of water in the tank at least 8 times per hour. This is because turtles produce a lot of waste.

Hang-on-back filters are big with respect to their location and noisy if the water level is low, which it typically is for turtle tanks. They also do not fit well with a wire mesh screen top. They have a limited amount of space for filter media because the filter hangs onto the tank, limiting them in size and weight. Additionally, since they return water via a waterfall into the tank, the tank needs to be filled almost completely to avoid loud filter operation.

Internal filters, on the other hand, take up space in the tank, which is shared with the turtle and therefore reduces the space available for the turtle. They are more practical for smaller tanks.

Canister filters are the best filters for aquariums with turtles. They are placed outside the tank, saving room, and are easy to maintain. They have large reservoirs with lots of room for filter media. They are also quiet because everything is done via tubing and there is no "air time" for the incoming water stream.

Turtle tanks need to be cleaned at least once a month

Turtles are extremely messy creatures and their tanks require a lot of maintenance. A good filter is the most important feature of your turtle tank. Your turtle poops, pees, eats, and repeats in their aquarium. With an adequately sized filter, maintaining a healthy habitat for your turtle will be much easier.

The general consensus is that you should clean your turtle tank at least once a month. This includes cleaning the filter, removing all the decorations, and vacuuming the substrate. You should also do a partial water change every week and test the pH level of your turtle's swimming water every couple of days. It is also important to spot clean by picking up feces on a regular basis.

In addition to regular cleaning, it is recommended to do a deep cleaning of your turtle tank every two to three months. This involves draining the tank, scrubbing everything, and replacing all the substrate. It is important to note that you should never use soap or detergent to clean your turtle tank, as even a trace left behind can harm your pet. Instead, use a cleaner made specifically for turtle tanks.

When cleaning your turtle tank, it is important to move your pet to a separate container that is only used for this purpose. Do not use a food container! Always wash your hands after handling or cleaning up after your turtle.

• Use a small net to remove any droppings or uneaten food every day.
• Keep your turtle's swimming water filtered by using a canister filter or power filter. The more powerful the filter, the better for your turtles, unless they seem to be fighting the current.
• Replace some of the water in the tank with clean water at least once a week.
• Check the water quality regularly, including ammonia and nitrite levels.
• Keep the temperature of the water between seven and eight on a scale of 1-14.

The Fluval FX series is the best filter on the market for turtle tanks

Power

The Fluval FX series is incredibly powerful, with a flow rate that can be adjusted to suit your needs. The FX6, for example, has a flow rate of 538 gallons per hour, making it one of the strongest canister filters on the market. This is especially important for turtle tanks, as turtles are messy creatures and require a high level of filtration to keep their water clean and healthy.

Space for Filter Media

The Fluval FX series has a ton of space for filter media, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy turtle tank. The more filter media a filter can hold, the better it will be at removing waste and keeping the water clean. The FX6, in particular, has six stages of filtration, providing more than enough biological filtration to prevent ammonia and nitrite spikes.

Efficiency

The Fluval FX series is designed to be extremely efficient, with features such as a Smart Pump that automatically primes the filter every 12 hours and a self-protecting mechanism that deactivates the filter if it detects a potential leak. This means less maintenance and a longer lifespan for your filter.

Quiet Operation

The Fluval FX series operates quietly, thanks to its sound-dampening technology. This is an important feature, especially for those who keep their turtle tanks in their bedrooms or living rooms. A quiet filter means you can enjoy your turtles without the constant hum of a filter in the background.

Ease of Maintenance

The Fluval FX series is easy to maintain, with quick-release hosing, self-priming, and bend-proof tubing. The large capacity of the filter also means that you won't have to clean it as often as you would with smaller filters. Cleaning a filter can be a tedious and time-consuming task, so having a filter that requires less frequent cleaning is definitely a plus.

Longevity

The Fluval FX series is built to last, with high-quality parts that ensure the filter's longevity. Investing in a durable and reliable filter will save you money in the long run, as you won't have to replace it as often as you would with a cheaper, lower-quality filter.

In conclusion, the Fluval FX series is an excellent choice for turtle tanks, offering superior performance, efficiency, and durability. While it may be on the expensive side, the benefits it provides make it well worth the investment, especially if you value your time and want to spend less time cleaning your turtle tank.

Frequently asked questions