Filtration for my turtle tank

[calcnerd]

I'm moving my RES into a 40 breeder. I currently have him in a 29 gallon with a HOB whisper filter. HOB filters obviously aren't great for turtles. I have a spare Fluval 405 in the garage that I was thinking about putting into the 40 breeder, however I found a killer deal on a FX5 & would love to put that bad boy on there to have crazy filtration since he makes a mess. How much will the FX5 wreck my 40 breeder? Water flow (GPH) shouldn't really be an issue for a turtle tank. The FX5 with media does around 600gph. This would mean my water would be cycled once every 2 minutes (assuming the tank is around half full due to rocks, basking areas, etc). Is this WAY too much filtration? If so, I'll probably just throw the 405 on it.

Thanks!

 

[packer43064]

Unless your RES likes whirlpools it will be too much IMO. Let some others chime in though, I'm no expert on FX5's yet.

 

[frasertheking]

if you set it up so the return flow is spread out like a reverse under gravel filter then you should be ok. at worst you could add a ball valve to the outlet and tone the flow back it will be just like adding head hight to the pump.

 

[epond83]

seems like if it was diverted enough it could work, worse case you save the fx5 for the next upgrade.

As a side note i would lookinto building an abouve tank basking platform. I built one and it's great cause you can use the full the tank depth which helps to put off the upgrade for a little bit.

 

[calcnerd]

Neat idea. Do you have any pics?

 

[epond83]

This is the first one i did, worked well till she decided see needed to lay eggs.

This is the current set up so that she can lay eggs.

 

[Deaths Sting]

A FX5 would be just fine! go for it and make sure to post pics.

 

[m1ste2tea]

sounds ideal, do it and dont doubt yourself, you know those RES have big sinking poops, nothing like some current to take care of it.