Turtles love to spend their time underwater as well as on dry land. Most of the time they love to spend in the water, but still, they need some time to bask in the sun or in the UV bulb light. The dry area should be completely dry as they love to stay that way when they are out of the water.
Tank setups are not much easy to manage, and sometimes the turtle owners do not have the adequate knowledge to arrange the required elements to set up the tank.
Turtle tanks are places where you can keep your loved and admired pet turtles in your home. Most of the tile turtle tanks are filled with water, and thus you need to put a filter on the tank to keep the water healthy and safe for the turtle.
Contents
Why filters are necessary for the box turtles?
As water-filled tanks are the shelter for the box turtles, the water needs adequate cleaning and oxygenation. This also improves the health of the turtle. On the other hand, if there is no adequate system for cleaning the water, the turtle will fall sick.
How to choose the right filter for your box turtle?
Measuring the capacity of the filter is required to know how much power it should give to clean the tank of the box turtle. While saying this, you must keep in mind that most of the filters are for the fish tanks, and thus their capacity is slightly on the lower side. For the turtles, you need the filter double of power than the one needed for the same sized fish tank.
The Best Filter System For Box Turtles
Turtles can make the water dirty within a very short span of time. So you need to buy a filter for a 100-gallon tank which you can use on the 50-gallon tank of a box turtle.
So here we will be furnishing a few of the best quality filters that you can choose for your box turtle’s tank.
1. Weaverbird aquarium turtle filter:
This filter will work efficiently to manage the water quality of the tank. This is a 105 GPH tank that can clean a maximum of 400L water. The way it cleans the water is perfect as it leaves no trace of dirt or soil in the tank. It is perfect to provide this filter for your turtle’s tank as this one will keep the turtle healthy for a longer span of time. This tank is also much easy to install. You can hang this filter at the wall of the tank and it will remain fixed properly.
This is a good filter for the tank which holds 20 L water but do not use it on any larger tank, as it will be an overload for its capacity. This manufacturer also sells replacement sponges, so if you are using the filter for a long time and you need to change the sponge, the company will be able to serve you fast. You can also use tap water in the tank while using this filter as this one will easily keep the cleanliness of the water at a good pace and for the longest time possible.
This is a mini-sized filter that will work perfectly when it is needed. The size makes it suitable for the small tanks where you can keep the baby box turtles. First, you need to fill the tank with water and then you can switch on the filter, to avoid the harsh noise at the beginning. When it is filled and the filter is working properly, a soothing sound will come out, which will work miraculously on your stressed mind. Sealing tape can be used on the joints so the pipes do not leak and stick to their own places.
Pros:
- Nice and pocket friendly
- Easy to install
- Cleans tap water too
Cons:
- Cannot be used on big tanks
2. Tetra Fauna reptofilter 50 gallons:
This filter uses three-stage tetra filtration processes by which the water is purified and it guarantees a better living environment for your box turtle. The water stays super clean and the odor is thoroughly removed from the tank, you can feel the freshness of the water after using this filter in your box turtle’s tank.
This is a convenient way to keep the tank of your pet clean as it takes minimal time to get installed and it works fast. For shallow water, this filter will work most efficiently. You can even create a waterfall feature inside the tank of your turtle to create a beautiful ambiance for the room as well as for the pet. This filter can easily be used on the wide tanks so you can take a 50-gallon tank and fit this filter there, to make the box turtle happy and content in its shelter.
This filter can be used on the tanks of turtles of any age, as there is no age restriction in the use of this product. There is a 2 years guarantee available on this product from the manufacturer, which shows that this is also trusted by the company. The hanger available with the filter with two suction cups, that can be used to fit the filter to anywhere in the tank.
Pros:
- Smart three-stage technology
- Can be used for turtles of all ages
- Easy to fit with hangers and suction cups
Cons:
- Makes sound
3. Xeoguiya 280 L/H fish turtle tank filter:
Another pocket-friendly option for your box turtle, this product from xeoguiya brand is used to efficiently clean the water in the tank and keep the box turtle healthy for years. Healthy water is a prior part of a turtle’s lifestyle, which you can get by using the filter mentioned here. You can fit this filter to any tank that is around 30 gallons in size but does not use it on any wider or bigger tank as the outcome will be not as expected.
The filter will provide waterfall-type circulation so a smooth and gentle sound will be occurring which is soothing to the ears. Also, the oxygen level of the water will be maintained by the work of this filter. You should not immerse this filter in the tank water, rather you should keep it stuck to one of the walls of the tank and it will be working fine for days.
The running water from the pump rolls down through the tank and it creates a sound that is not often liked by the users who like solitude. For the little box turtle, this will be an ideal option to keep the tank free from dirt and oxygenated. Cleanliness and hygiene are maintained all the way by the manufacturer of this company.
Pros:
- Nice and smart work
- Keeps the water clean
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Not for large tanks
4. EmmaWu turtle filter small tank:
This filter works great for small tanks. This filter is small and compact, and it takes care of the 10-gallon tank efficiently. The manufacturers have used bio-filtration technology in this filter which ensures that all the large particles of dirt will be removed physically and will be degraded by biological process. Thus excrete of the turtle will not worry you anymore.
This filter allows the lowest water level to be 1 inch which provides breathing space for the turtle. This compact and small filter can be easily fitted to any part of the tank as it does not take much space. There is this waterfall system that ensures that the beauty of the tank will not be spoiled while the water cleaning will be happening simultaneously. The flow of the water is just perfect as it does not disturb the peace-loving box turtle.
Most of the users agreed that their box turtles have loved this product. For a large tank, you may need to order an additional filter to accompany it and boost the working ability, but still, this is one of the most favorite choices for many box turtle owners. However, there is no switching off button so you need to unplug it directly to stop its work.
Pros:
- Soothing waterfall effect
- Serene Flow of water
- Pocket-friendly option
Cons:
- Not to be used on bigger tanks
5. Free Sea internal aquarium power filter
This filter is made with high-quality materials and thus it will be a good investment for your box turtle’s tanks. The filter works efficiently and checks the cleanliness of the water level. So your pet will enjoy the fresh and clean water around it all the time. The filter works in a power-saving process so it does not cost you much regarding the electricity bill.
This is an internal aquarium filter that works smoothly with a high-quality motor. This also ensures that there is not much sound emitted when the filter is working. In fact, this filter works so silently that you can keep the tank of your turtle to your bedroom, and yet there will be no disturbance. There are multiple media for filtration which take care of the solid discharges. The sponges, as well as biochemical products used in this filter, will make sure that all the dirt and odor are removed from the water successfully.
The filter also ensures the heavy flow of the water which can sometimes disturb the peace-loving box turtle. But also this heavy flow sweeps away the debris, any kind of residues and feces which can stay on the floor of the tank if not pushed. The filter can be cleaned easily. You will be amazed to find how easy it can be detached when you plan to clean it once in six months.
Pros:
- Smart technology
- Sponge and biochemical matters to dissolve the solid waste
- Calm work
Cons:
- The rush of water flow can be disturbing to turtle
6. Londafish turtle filter water submersible filter for turtle tank:
When you are seeking the right option for the box turtle’s tank, you will lay your hand on the Londafish turtle filter. This one works with the lowest level of water so the turtle does not have any problem to breathe and yet it can easily stay inside the water in submerged condition. There is a manual process for increasing and decreasing the water level which ensures that you can keep it flooded or keep it to the minimum. The filter can be replaced easily by the same brand.
This filter provides waterfall-like circulatory movement which keeps the water fresh for a long time. This way the amount of oxygen always stays at a high as the air gets mixed with the water at a great level. The mute design of this filter offers a soundless working process which means you do not have to bother about the continuous buzzing or harassing sound. This filter can be accommodated with the low-density feeding cylinders and you will be happy to make the filter a part of your turtle’s tank.
The special kind of sponge that the manufacturer uses on this filter comes in the perfect size, so you should not try to fit in any other sized sponge with this one. This filter, however efficient it is, only suits the small tanks of around 10 gallons.
Do not use it on a wider tank as the water will not be cleaned and that can be harmful to the aquatic creatures living in there. This filter is efficient to work on even the cloudiest waters as the turtles often make within the tank. The stinky dirty water will vanish when you will install this filter in the tank of your pet box turtle.
Pros:
- Efficient working system
- Soundless design
- Water level can be decreased or increased
Cons:
- Not for use on the large tanks.
Common Faqs
What kind of filter is needed for the box turtles?
Mostly the owners of the box turtles use a canister filter in the tank of their box turtle. These filters are suitable for turtle shelters as they are fitted under the tank. This is a safe option that will not damage the health of your favorite turtle; neither will it let the water on the tank become soiled. Also, the filtration technique of the canister filters works best and most efficiently, and thus this is the choice for most turtle owners.
Can the turtle filter be turned off at night?
No, it is not a good idea to keep the turtle filter switched off at night. The amount of good bacterial getting killed at that time period will make the water poor and that way it will be affecting the turtles. Ammonia or nitrite present in the water is not good for the turtles. If you think sometimes the filter should be switched off, then do it in the afternoon. Also, keep it off for one or two hours and then again switch it on. This way the filter will be running smoothly and the turtle will be happy in its shelter.
How often should you change the filter in the box turtle’s tanks?
As the filter in the turtle’s tank needs to work harder than the one used in the fish tank, you should change the filter of the turtle’s tank oftener than the fish ones. Before changing or replacing, you need to do the minimal cleaning of the filter to keep it going for a long.
How can you clean the filter?
Cleaning should be done once every three weeks when you will check the filter media and the sponge of the filter. Also, you need to scrub the walls of the tank as well as all the equipment present inside the tank. To clean the filter you should not use any soap or detergent, only some acidic solution those are available in pet shops should be used.
Can the turtle live without a filter?
No, the chance of surviving a box turtle without the filter is nil. The water will turn stagnant, and it will become sluggish. This way the turtle will be in danger of getting infected by various kinds of germs and bad bacteria. This is because turtles are quite messy in nature, so they soil the water of the tank much easier and within hours. So without an efficient filter, the tank of the turtle will be unmanageable.
Conclusion:
Anyone would love to have a cute adorable turtle for their pet, but what is important is that you should always take good care of the pet. If you are unable to dedicate a good amount of time to your turtle and it’s looking after, then do not adopt it. Do not think that turtles are as easy to maintain as fishes, though both are creatures of water.
Always you should choose the best equipment for keeping the shelter of the turtle clean. Never bother to invest in good equipment when it comes to the turtle’s shelter. The filter is an inevitable part of the turtle tank and thus, the higher is the quality, the better.
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