Filtration for 40 gallon turtle tank.

TroyMIfishkeeper · Jan 18, 2016

I am setting up a 40 gallon breeder for some hatchling/yearling turtles I have coming in soon. Because of the heat lamps I am obviously using a screen lid instead of glass ones. Well, the problem with screen lids is they don't leave any room for an overhang filter to sit. So now I have to go out and buy a new filter.
So my question is, what is a good, powerful filter that can sit inside the tank, whether it's in the corner or just stuck to the side? I'd like it to be very strong, I plan to house some fish with the babies as well so there will likely be a large bioload. I don't need something state-of-the-art, just enough to keep the water clear.

Username. · Jan 19, 2016

You can cut a screen lid and make room for a hob, I've done this a long time ago

Homer Siped · Jan 22, 2016

I had a Tupperware thing that fit nicely inside of my 55 gallon tank and used an hob filter.
Lol I was actually using 2 filters in that pic

problem with turtles is having to have a basking area for them. I now have a 75 with a sump. I took a 20 gallon and cut bottom out and now that sits on top of 75 so water all the way to top

SandNukka15 · Jan 22, 2016

You could do the same thing with that Tupperware container but instead of filling the container with water fill it with gravel all the way up to the rim and use it as the basking spot for the turtle this way you can maximize the space as well as use your hob

Homer Siped · Jan 22, 2016

Ya I never thought of that, I had it filled with gravel so filter motor stayed dry, I think that would be cool, could build a dock over filter so turts aren't climbing on them. Mine destroys everything in tank, so can't keep much in that he can break lol he busted a heater and was always ripping the suction tubes off hob filters

TroyMIfishkeeper · Jan 22, 2016

Haha well I just traded in my screen lid for a hinged one today, so no worries

Homer Siped · Jan 22, 2016

What kinda turtles

TroyMIfishkeeper · Jan 22, 2016

Homer Siped said:
What kinda turtles

Alligator snapper and a southern painted turtle. Both close in size, but once the snapper gets bigger I'm separating them.

Homer Siped · Jan 23, 2016

Sweet, ast are awesome

TroyMIfishkeeper · Jan 23, 2016

Homer Siped said:
Sweet, ast are awesome

Haha yeah they are. I'm gonna add sand and more decorations (and maybe some live plants) to the tank but this is how it looks now. The water is a little high for the snapper but he's adjusting.