Filter for DBT 75 gallon tank?

GotTort

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I want to house a DBT in a 75 gallon aquarium. What would be the best filter to get? Thanks!
 

Yvonne G

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I don't keep water turtles anymore, but when I did, I really liked the canister type filters. The water is siphoned out to a canister where it goes through the filter medium, then pumped back up into the tank. Fairly easy to clean. I don't remember any brand names, but remember, you get what you pay for. @Berkeley would be a good one to ask.
 

crimson_lotus

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I like my fluval 306, which filters up to 70 gallons. I have a 40 gallon tank, and was told because turtles are so dirty you would want to double the amount of output. I'm no expert - I've only had my little turtle for about 6 months, but what I have so far I like, and I wanted it to last.

It's a bit pricey, though, so it really depends on how much you want to spend.
 

Sara G.

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I have a Fluval 406 and I love it. The only issue with mine is that it needs a new O ring or something because it is almost impossible to open. But it works amazingly on keeping my 65 gallon RES tank clean.
 

ZEROPILOT

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Having to pry open a Fluval is not uncommon.
Just use care when doing so.
Look up Aquatop or Sun Sun filters. They are Chinese copies with lots of cool features like UV sterilizers built in.
I have converted my fish tanks to use the cf400 model and like them a lot.
They are capable of handling a 100 gallon fish aquarium and can be purchased very inexpensively.
I bought six at $89 each.
 

ZEROPILOT

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It seems to be the levers that disconnect the hoses.
In the closed position it leaves a vacuum that can be relieved by opening the valves before trying to open the lid.
Also,
I placed Vaseline on the O ring and it helps a bit.
 

GotTort

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Thanks for the replies. With such filtration, how often do you need to do water changes?
 

Sara G.

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It seems to be the levers that disconnect the hoses.
In the closed position it leaves a vacuum that can be relieved by opening the valves before trying to open the lid.
Also,
I placed Vaseline on the O ring and it helps a bit.

Oh! I never even thought about opening the valve like that. That's brilliant. I'd tried the Vaseline and that seemed to help a little but I'll definitely try that too. Thank you!
 

Sara G.

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Thanks for the replies. With such filtration, how often do you need to do water changes?

Water changed still should be done fairly frequently because the animal living in there eats/drinks/poops in the same water.
But I usually do a full, like entire exchange of water every 2 months, maybe longer if I do more water changes. But that's just me. My tank is crowded with 2 six year old RES's so I try to do semi-frequent good water changes as often as possible.
My gals need an upgrade, but that's another story.
 

ZEROPILOT

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It seems to be the levers that disconnect the hoses.
In the closed position it leaves a vacuum that can be relieved by opening the valves before trying to open the lid.
Also,
I placed Vaseline on the O ring and it helps a bit.
Thanks for the replies. With such filtration, how often do you need to do water changes?
I'd change about 50% once a week or at least every two weeks. Maybe a little less once the filter gets "cycled".
 

Berkeley

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I agree with the advice given. A nice powerful filter like a Fluval or an Eheim is good (Interesting tip about the knock-off filters, Zeropilot- I hadn't heard of those. I'll have to check into them!). You want to move that water. Also, as mentioned, keep doing weekly water changes. 50% is usually fine.

And another tip, feed your turtle in another container (not the tank). That helps to prolong the quality of the water too.

Let's see some pics! I love diamondbacks!

--Berkeley
 

GotTort

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Let's see some pics! I love diamondbacks!

--Berkeley

Thanks for the replies. I don't yet have a turtle - gathering info before I take the plunge. Didn't realize I'd have to do such frequent water exchanges.
 

Sara G.

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Honestly, while I love my turtles, I don't really recommend them. Tanks only get you so far when dealing with the environment an aquatic turtle should have (much like having a tort that isn't able to spend any time outside).
I have two RES's and they're delightful, don't get me wrong. But they've already outgrown their 65 gallon tank and I simply don't have room for another upgrade yet. Ponds are perfect for aquatic turtles, especially when dealing with the species that get large (like sliders) and if you can't provide that (in a year my two will be getting their very own pond:D) then I don't really recommend them. Because for one female full-grown RES, I think the usual recommended size is roughly 200 gallons. 200 gallons for one turtle! Plus if you get multiples and theres territorial issues (can happen due to small tank size but can also depend on the temperaments of the turtles) then you have to separate them with big tanks filled with water.
They're challenging in the way that torts are challenging but, for me, they seem like they could even be more so. But that's just me.

Of course don't let me completely dissuade you from it! After all you have a Russian, so you understand the need for a smaller animal to have lots of room to move around in. But aquatic turtles are just a little different in what they require. Plus, I love my sliders and wouldn't give them up for anything!

Also! If you still want a turtle, even after my rant;), please consider adoption! There are SO SO SO many RES's that need good homes because people don't realize that they get as large as they do and just abandon them :(:(:(.
 

crimson_lotus

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I never recommend turtles or tortoises to anyone, as they are a lot of work and a lot of money to set up to do it correctly and I know a lot of people don't have the time, money or interest for it. Plus both my turtle and tortoise were "rejects" that other owners didn't want.

On the plus side, my ouichita map turtle (i had to ID him myself, this is my guess) is fully grown at 5 inches so I can get away with a 55g tank. Poop patrol is also awful in water.
 

Markw84

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On the plus side, my ouichita map turtle (i had to ID him myself, this is my guess) is fully grown at 5 inches so I can get away with a 55g tank.
My ouachita map males are fully grown at 4" but my females are 9". So unless you have a larger male, your turtle may have some pretty good growing yet to do!
 

Markw84

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I want to house a DBT in a 75 gallon aquarium. What would be the best filter to get? Thanks!
DBTs are not beginner turtles. They really need brackish water. I know lots of people will say they can adjust to fresh water but my experience is that you will always be fighting skin and she'll infections if you keep them in fresh water. You are setting yourself up Formica more work than simple filtration with a DBT.
 

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