Turtles are messy pet. Every aquarium hobbyists know that. That’s why if you are planning to adopt this shelled creature, you need to have the best turtle filter.
Through this device, you will be able to maintain the cleanliness of the tank, despite the ruckus that the turtle can create.
Specifically, turtles tend to waste more than fish. We don’t want to be that specific, or else, this article would become repulsive.
Of course, you don’t want to clean these rubbish manually, unless you are diligent (and brave). But for the sake of innovation and convenience, you should use turtle filters.
There is a huge difference between turtle filters and conventional water filtration systems. One of this is the huge number of filtration media that a turtle filter has. It has to be many. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be able to handle the mess.
You can see a lot of turtle filters on the market today. But there are few names out there that are truly exceptional. Do you want to know them? Then you should read on!
More…
The Best Turtle Filters
Image | Products | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Tetra 25905 Decorative Reptile Filter |
| |
 |
| ||
 |
| ||
 |
| ||
 |
|
Turtle Filter Buying Guide
A turtle filter is a piece of science. It is a systematic device that follows specific processes for it to function adequately.
Therefore, there are important aspects of it that you should pay attention. In this way, you’ll get a filter that can serve your needs and preferences. Here are they:
Aquarium Size
Before the filter, you should think about your aquarium first. Specifically, you need to gauge its size.
Through this, you will determine if you will need an external or internal filter. Obviously, an external screen is for large setups. But a large aquarium can house an internal filter as well!
Filtration Mechanism
There are three types of filtration that a turtle filter can provide to you. Here are they:
Mechanical Filtration
This process involves straining solid dirt like food leftovers. A filter that uses this technique comes with a filter floss or a sponge that takes out these stuff by screening them.
Biological Filtration
Biological filters optimize nitrogen cycle through the use various media that boosts oxygen generation.
As a result, the aquarium becomes a comfortable place for your turtles and other marine creature. The proliferation of healthy bacteria is also a by-product of biological filters.
Chemical Filtration
Filters like this are using the power of absorption to expel any harmful compounds and chemicals that are not seen by the naked eye. Media like activated carbon are often utilized here to cleanse the water.
Specifically, activated carbons have porous properties, making them efficient in the absorption of chemical residues.
External or Internal Filter?
We all know that external filters (e.g. canister filters) have powerful performance. But at the same time, they are quite expensive as well.
Meanwhile, it is undeniable that internal filters are cost-efficient. As its name suggest, you can install an internal filter inside the water tank. Alternatively, you could also mount it to the side panels.
You can use both of these filters on a turtle tank. Just take note of the size of your aquarium. If it is big, then you should go for external filters. You could also use external filters that can operate on low water levels as well!
Aside from these considerations, you should also consider your budget and preferences. Choose a unit that is acceptable to means and needs. In this way, you can get a functioning filter that wouldn’t give you a headache.
And if you are looking for quality filters for your turtle tanks, then you should check out these following products.
5 of the Best Turtle Filters
1. Tetra 25905 Decorative Reptile Filter
One of the best filter for turtle tanks today is definitely that Tetra 25905. This system is an impressive combination of filtration and aquarium aesthetics.
It is not a filter that becomes a form of distraction because of its extraordinary and mundane appearance. Instead, it blends perfectly with your tank!
The Tetra 25905 is an internal waterfall system. It can also act as basking place for your turtles and other reptile pets.
When it comes to filtration, this one is pretty innovative. Specifically, it uses a whisper filtration that can maintain the clarity and neatness of your water.
Pros:
- It is large intake holes that stop clogging
- Whisper filtration kills the aquarium odor
- Can operate even to 60-gallon aquariums
- Can serve as decoration and a basking spot for your turtles
- It is not noisy
Cons:
- It is hard to clean (because it has a lot of nooks)
- This filter needs a height improvement (you cannot increase your water level because it is short)
2. Exo Terra Flo 250
The Exo Terra Flo 250 is a submersible filter that can work on reptile terrariums.
It comes with a three-stage filtration system (mechanical, biological, and chemical) to make sure that your water tank is always clean and odor-free! This filter also allows you to adjust its water flow and airflow at the same time.
One of the best features of Exo Terra Flo 250 is its user-friendly setup. Installing this device on your aquarium is not as pesky as other filter brands. Moreover, it is easy to maintain as well.
Therefore, using it is an easy-breezy thing to do. Overall, this filter is an excellent partner for aqua-terrariums and terrariums.
Pros:
- Comprehensive filtration system
- Works on various setups and applications
- Airflow and water flow are adjustable
- Easy to maintain and install
- Energy efficient
Cons:
- It is easy to maintain, but it has to be regular
- It is not a suitable choice for large tanks
3. Zoo Med Turtle Clean 318 Submersible Filter
The Zoo Med Turtle Clean 318 Submersible Filter is an excellent choice for turtle aquariums. Just like the Exo Terra Flo 250, this one also uses a three-stage filtration system. It is a warranty that your aquarium water will always be clean!
The Turtle Clean 318 also stays faithful to its words, as you can submerge it entirely to your turtle tank! Moreover, the filter cartridges are easy to remove as well!
The Zoo Med comes with dual intake ports to prevent the clogging of debris. It is an ideal filter for 30-gallon tanks or lesser. Other than that, you have to opt for more powerful filters.
Pros:
- Clog-free filtration
- Guarantees a clean and odor-free water
- Three-stage filtration system
- Includes biological sponges and activated carbon
- Fully submersible
Cons:
- It is insufficient for large turtle tanks
- Needs regular cleaning
4. Tetra 25931 TetraFauna Viquarium
Just like the first Tetra filter here, the Tetra 25931 is a two-in-one system. First, it acts as your seamless filter. Second, it will serve as the best turtle decoration you have ever seen!
It also uses the three-stage Whisper filtration as its main arsenal. But this time, the Tetra 25931 comes with ReptoFilter cartridges.
Therefore, its cleaning efficiency has been doubled! As long as you have this filter, you can provide the optimal living environment for your turtles.
Pros:
- 80 gallon per hour flow rate
- Three-stage filtration system
- Ideal for 20 up to 55 gallons aquariums
- Filter intakes prevent clogging
- Adds to the aesthetics of your aquarium
Cons:
- Requires high maintenance
- Too big for small turtle tanks
5. Fluval U4 Underwater Filter
Fluval is a favorite brand for aquarium accessories and filters, especially their canisters. On the side of turtle filters, they take pride to their U4 Underwater Filter. This one is an excellent stand-alone water filter.
It can effectively take out debris while delivering the best possible biological filtration. Because it can operate silently and smoothly, this water filter won’t ever disturb your aquatic pets. It will just do its job while your turtles are having a good time!
Pros:
- Easy maintenance and installation
- Smooth and silent operation
- Available in various models
- It has an adjustable flow control and output
- Comes with BioMax, foam pads, and carbon cartridges
Cons:
- It is quite bulky
- Mounting brackets are seemingly flimsy
Final Verdict
A water filter is necessary for aquariums and fish tanks. Regardless of your preferences, you will need these filters to secure the cleanliness and safeness of your aquarium water.
If you don’t get them, you will have to do the rigorous tasks of a regular manual cleaning. Moreover, there is a good chance that your aquatic pets will get sick and die.
Among these systems we featured, we deem the Tetra 25905 Decorative Reptile Filter as the best turtle filter. Aside from being a filter, it also serves as resting place for your turtles.
It is a unique decorative screen that flaunts impressive filtration capabilities. Therefore, with this item, you can make your tank conducive enough for turtles to live in.
Did you learn from this article? What are your thoughts about these turtle tank filters? Tell us your answers in the comment section below! Also, don’t forget to hit, like, and share this article!
>>> Read More:
Related Posts:
