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I need to move my RES tank and set up a new filter system- thinking canister, but have no experience with them. It's a 40g tank with about 30g of water. I'm planning to save about 10g of current tank water. So, here are my plans/questions- thanks in advance!
New water- I have hard water, what is best to use for conditioning?
Filter- I've done so much reading on filters I think I'm more unsure than before! I have no experience with canisters and a limited budget- would like to start with a middle price range, and not terribly complicated to learn. I was thinking a 125g filter as there will be 30-35g of water.
Lighting- I am using a halogen for basking and a UVB/UVA coil with Ivy under it to "dapple" the light. I have the original hood light from when I used it as a fish tank. Are there UVB/UVA tubes that are 24in long, if there are is that too much for my juvenile RES?
I have a basking are where the RES can get completely out of the water, temp around 90f.

*I've had RES for 10+ years, all rescue/surrendered. The ones in the tank currently are a yr old and will be moving out to the pond next spring. This tank will be maintained for more rescues.

Thanks so much for answering my questions- I have done so much research lately I just need some clarification!

Here's a chart of just a few canister's : http://www.redearslider.com/filter_chart.html

Remember flow rates listed are for fish gallons and a turtle needs 2-4x's flow. So 30 gallons water for a turtle would need (60-120 flow) Some say for large adults one needs 5x's flow !

I got lucky and got a $150 canister filter on Craigslist for 50 bucks (used for 1 yr). Especially if you aren't in a huge rush, it could be worthwhile checking Craigslist out.

Thanks to you both! Any suggestions on my lighting and what to use to "clean" my tap water (hard water)? I've gotten all the water out and moved. Next is cleaning it and interior design ..then the canister purchase! I'm searching for good deals.

Lighting I recommend two separate fixtures being most UVA bulbs and UVB bulbs call for different placement. Down the road when you study up more on all the different types then a double fixture can be used with the bulbs balanced. Or higher priced bulbs that do both in one bulb.

You can add driftwood in the tank ( after removing the Tannins) and will help that hard water. RES's really don't care about the PH they are hardy. If you going to keep fish too ( future turtle food ) yes driftwood the easiest and looks good to !

Media placement filters recommend are for fish Not turtles look here for best setup :
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30145

I truly believe in Purigen and carbon !

Ok now, should I be using the 10 gallons I saved or just put fresh tap water in? Reptisafe? The tank will have about 30g of water in it.

I would go with all new water and drops. The filter only clean any sponges and do not touch any bio media that may have good bacteria built-up in it , use that to help cycle tank. If a new filter transfer old bio media to new filter. Make sure you use carbon.

Next question- I would like to put the heater and and airline with a stone towards the middle of the tank, I'd like to run the cord/tubing under the sand at the back of the tank to the corner so I don't see them in the middle of the tank. I can't get them to stay under the sand. A friend suggested using sinkers (weights for fishing) and I'm just curious if any of you have ideas. Thanks for all the help so far, my tank is looking great!

Most think turtles my number one hobby but it fishing. They stopped making fishing weights out of lead years ago so I would say its ok. That's in small amounts , they use lead... weights for plants to help keep them rooted. You will find you may have to use more than I would like to keep them down. How about some creative placement of rocks , driftwood or any decorations.

I also stopped using air stones , got tired every 5-6 months taking them out an boiling them to clean them ! Even noticed how bubbles get less ? Even the best sold "clog free one's " gets clogged. I use the open end and still get surface movement. Open end will put less back pressure on air pump making it last longer too. Air stones are more for fish to give more oxygen. Say you have a few fish that would need oxygen , any live plant can do that for the fish . Most fish will be a turtle treat anyway. Yes the plants to. That goes with turtle keeping. I watched Piggley catch a goldfish 4" bigger than he was , that was funny to me not the goldfish.

I would not bury the heater itself , cord yes , not heater. You would be better off placing where you have the most water flow , then be creative to hide it.
Don't want to see certain things than it's time to get "real creative". That can be done and look great ! Some people hide things so well I can't even find them , I ask do they have... and they say look here. Great camouflage.

Leapin , see you pulled post on priming , so I deleted my suggestion. Found the problem?