Equipment Review and Discussion :: I need a new filter, recommendations?

[BSC]

I upgraded to a big 4ft tank, and i'll probably post pictures later.

For my old tank (which was about 15 gallon) I used a Fluval 4plus internal filter, and it's pretty knackered.

I don't have another filter so i'm having to put up with the Fluval in the 4ft tank.

I don't know much about filters either, whatever I buy it needs to be cheap if I want it soon and it also needs to reasonably quiet since the tank is my room. The Fluval 4plus is quite noisy, but i've adjusted to it so it doesn't bother me when i'm sleeping.

What would you guys recommend?

P.S I'm from the UK, so if you guys/girls give me any prices, if they could be in ££s it would be appreciated.

[mikee]

BS You will have to determine the gallons you have in the tank and get a filter pump that exchanges the water at least 5 times per hour. The key word is "at least". Filters is where most keepers fall short when it comes to husbandry of turtles.

[BSC]

At the moment there's 22 gallons in the tank, that's a little on the shallow side, mainly because the tank doesn't have the right support at the moment, and the right basking area.

Once i've got two things sorted I'll be bringing it up to full capacity, which is about 45 gallons.

[DocShay]

Rena XP 2 or XP 3

Not sure on UK prices, look at flea bay or pet stores online in UK or local.

[BullDog]

My personal recommendation is the Fluval FX5. I run one in my 75 and 90g, and I love them. Right now they run from about $250-$300 CAD.

They're fairly quiet - my two are in my bedroom.

The cheapest place to find one is probably on ebay. Sometimes you see them in local classifieds too. You can probably find a RENA XP3 or XP4 on ebay for a good price too.

[Midas420]

Sounds like your plans include a future upgrade. In which case I'd go large to save expense in future upgrades. When money permits I'll be trying an FX5, but for now I run a Rena XP3 and previous to that an xp1.

The XP3 has a ton of room for mechanical and bio media and whatever chem media you try to run. It works well with their smartheater as it can integrate, though I think it'll integrate with most canister filters. It's really quiet and I have no problem recommending to others.

Ebay as mentioned had the best price on the xp3 ~80 GBP.

[bradmeisel]

on ebay you can get the FX5 for 189-- new with warranty I have a FX5 and highly reccommend it.

[jozzep]

If you have a 4ft tank, it should be 55 or 75 gallons depending on the width.
In either case you will be needing a canister filter.
I recommend a fluval 405 or a cascade 1000 or bigger.

[BSC]

Thanks for helping me out everyone.

I've had a look, and the Fluval 405 interests me, I remember when I took my work experience they had quite a few Fluvals, and the pricing isn't too bad.

What are these canister filters like to clean out? Also does anyone have a Fluval 405 and would be able to comment on the noise?

Thanks again.

[mikee]

BS - The Fluval is a stretch for that size tank. I have one and know of what I speak. They are quiet but only pumps about 300 gph. I would get a larger one.