10 Best Water Filters For Turtle Tanks And Their Reviews For 2022
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We all love our sea turtles, but most of us have difficulties choosing the best water filter for turtle tanks.
While turtles can move both inland and sea, they spend most of their time in sea waters and range in sizes from very small to very large.
One of the most important aspects of keeping turtles at home is to keep the water (whether it be freshwater or saltwater) in their tanks clean so they can live healthy lives.
If you ever think about having turtles at home, you should have an idea about the best water filter for turtle tank that you can use to purify the water.
Over time, filters have changed rapidly in their working mechanisms and a lot of new techniques and technologies have been developed such as LCD data monitoring, multi-staged filtration, external and internal filters, etc.
One could easily get confused regarding the type of filter that he should buy based on the size, specs, internal/external type, weight, aesthetics, etc.
Contents
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR FAVORITE PICKS…
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | AquaTop CF500 Canister Filter UV Replacement Quartz Tube | $21.88 $19.99 | View on Amazon | |
 | EHEIM Classic 2215 External Canister Filter with Media for up to 92 US Gallons | 1,677 Reviews | $167.77 $158.88 | View on Amazon |
 | Tetra Decorative ReptoFilter, Terrarium Filtration, Keeps Water Clear | $35.56 $26.62 | View on Amazon |
Last update on 2023-12-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Water Filters For Turtle Tanks Reviewed
Listed below are the 10 best water filter for turtle tank that you can buy in 2021.
1. Aquatop CF500UV Canister Filter
At the top of the list is one of the leading canister filters produced in the USA, and used for both fish and turtles and is famous among turtle owners.
It is an upgrade of the previous versions of the same tank with more capabilities and a better design that the customers welcomed.
The Ecuador C 500 UV canister filter has been highly rated by its users due is its features of improved performance and cost savings.
This filter is suitable for Sea as well as freshwater Aquarium and can handle up to 175 gallons.
Keeps water healthy and crystal clear with its advanced system for purification which uses four fine filtered pads and a sponge removing almost all types of dirt inside the tanks.
Less energy consumption while higher efficiency purification is achieved with this filter making it a good choice while also being light weighted.
Additional purification add-ons; activated carbons, ceramic rings, and bio-balls make it only one of the few systems making use of such features.
500 UV takes the canister filters to new levels of purification which is the only technology of this sort available with all these specifications.
It comes with a 9W motor, weighs 16 pounds, and 4+1 filtration pads for advanced filtration.
Pros & Benefits:
- Uses the latest technology to perform water purification
- Used multi-stage filtration techniques
- Customizable design to fit your turtle’s tank
- High volume capacity to suit different tank sizes
- Works for both saltwater and freshwater
- A popular choice among customers
2. EHEIM Classic 350 Filter
If you’re looking for a filter that is suitable for a compact design tank and would like a filter that will save some extra space, then this is the right choice.
The EHEIM has been in the industry for a long time and has been a successful product.
Over time, the efficiency of this filter has been increased and uses a tried and tested technology in which purification is achieved in a single process with constant water circulation and simultaneous oxygen enrichment.
It provides easy and safe cleaning at low energy consumption levels.
This compact filter flits externally and provides the necessary cleaning of the tank.
It can be used with filter pads or filler media which makes it a popular filter among customers.
It provides great value for money while being able to fit small sized tanks.
Smaller size allows it to be fitted in compact aquariums.
It can hold up to 92 gallons of water which makes it suitable for mid-sized water tanks.
Light-weighted at 6 pounds and comes with an inlet of 12/116 mm and an outlet of the same size.
Pros & Benefits:
- Compact size suitable for light-weight applications
- Quiet
- Easy to fit in tanks
- Variety of sizes to choose from
- Easy Installation
3. Tetra Decorative Tank Filter
As the name suggests, the tetra decoration filtration system is great in an appealing sense while filtering the water, making it a good choice near customers.
Includes a waterfall and basking area for turtles which is in the shape of the mountain.
These kinds of tank filters are becoming popular among customers and have been in the industry for a long particularly for being very lightweight and being suitable for various sized tanks.
It comes with a medium capacity filter but does the job for which it has been designed for.
This filter has a mechanism built within the structure while it is shaped like a small mountain which increases the quality of the aquarium as well as makes a good home for turtles.
The hidden filter provides a better view but can become difficult sometimes to clean the filter since you don’t have direct access to the filter and might have to remove the entire filter.
A drawback is that it is difficult to maintain because of a complex working system.
Weighs around 2 pounds and use a waterfall system so the turtles can enjoy their home.
Pros & Benefits:
- Decorative
- Cheaper as compared to others
- Clogging free
- Fits in any aquarium
- Quiet
4. Aqueon QuietFlow Filter
With good ratings on the internet, this filter is the preferred choice for those looking to get scheduled alarms.
Next on the list is this four-stage filtration system which means better filtration and less clogged dirt.
Using an LED signal to prevent clogging since a filter with different stages can be hard to manually examine.
Features an automatic startup system and starts/shuts itself in case there is an electricity showdown.
It comes with an internal pump which reduces noise, making it less noisy and thereby maintaining a comfortable environment in the room.
A drawback is that maintenance is difficult as it’s a 4-stage system that consumes higher electricity and requires frequent maintenance.
Available in various cartridge sizes to suit your tank size.
It’s easy to replace cartridges containing up to 25% more activated carbon that is the leading technology in effectively removing dissolved organic waste material and increasing the efficiency of the Aqueon Quiet Flow filtration system.
Usage of multiple staged cleaning and purification systems as well as an LED to prevent clogging this filter ranks up in the price list as compared to most other filters.
Very lightly weighted at 1.2 pounds and comes with a LED flash indicator.
Pros & Benefits:
- Higher filtration efficiency
- Various sizes available
- Quiet pumping with noise reduction
- LED indication system
- Multiple-staged purification
5. Penn-Plax Cascade Filter
This heavy-duty filter suits those looking who like their filter to be placed externally rather than on the inside, either it is for the tank being of small size or to allow more space for the turtles.
Able to work at high water flow rates while providing efficient purification.
The Penn-Plax cascade is suitable for aquariums of up to 100 gallons and provides a flow rate of up to 265 gallons per hour (GPH).
It uses mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration with the ability to operate in both freshwater and seawater.
Uses six pads to provide increased filtration removing all kinds of dirt such as animal waste, food leftover, sand grains, etc.
It is easier to clean as the filter can be slid out and replaced saving you time and cost of maintenance and cleaning.
While providing better purification, the use of six pads makes this filter quite noisy while at the same time requires frequent maintenance.
Easy to Install, comes with all necessary equipment with a simple design.
It the extremely lightweight being less than a pound and comes with adjustable flow knobs to reduce filtration when feeding.
Pros & Benefits:
- High flow rate
- Very lightweight
- Cheaper compared to similar filters
- Easy cleaning
- External fixing
- Equipped with six pads to ensure perfect purification
6. Fluval FX6 Filter
If you are looking for something suitable to accommodate large size turtles and at the same time all the advanced features, then this filter is your right choice.
This huge filter is suitable for aquariums i.e. for bigger sized turtles.
Improved motor technology provides better performance and consumes less electricity while at the same time reducing noise both inside the tank and in the room.
It uses a combination of three types of filler media; chemical, mechanical, and biological making it a high-efficiency filter.
Filtering material can be placed in a removable stack of media baskets which is the core of Fluval’s multistage filtration.
The basket can hold up to about 6 liters of media and can be stacked in the best combination of layers that suits you and your filter tank.
It is a very high capacity, however, consumes a good amount of space at the bottom of the tank.
While it’s used mostly in aquariums, it can be used in big sized tanks at home although it would be a bit expensive.
It comes with a digital monthly maintenance indicator reminding your dates of your previous maintenance.
The water flow in this filter can be controlled manually using the multi-directional output nozzle which makes this filter stand out from the rest.
Heavily weighted at around 20 pounds and comes with a self-starter motor system.
Pros & Benefits:
- Very high flow rates
- Easy maintenance
- Suitable for large tanks
- Self-starting capability
- Suitable for bigger sized turtles
7. Fluval Underwater Filter
If you have space issues and/or own a small size tank then this internal filter system might be for you.
This Small tank filter is a favorite choice for small tank owners allowing them to save some space either inside the tank or in the room.
It can be used with freshwater or saltwater while providing a multistage filtration process for higher purification.
Sometimes used as secondary filters for large-sized aquariums while mostly as a primary filter for smaller aquariums
As the name describes, it sits at the bottom of the tank and is a very good option for those tanks where fitting an external filter is not possible.
Uses foam media to provide mechanical and biological filtration providing improved purification.
This filter can handle water up to 75 gallons while being lightweight.
It can be fitted and cleaned easily while placed vertically or horizontally inside the tank.
Weighted at 2.7 pounds and comes with a 3-way control flow and adjustable output.
Pros & Benefits:
- Compact design
- Quiet
- Can be placed in various ways inside the tank
- A good alternative to external filters
- Light-weighted
8. Zoo Med 511 Canister Filter
For those looking for very compact sized tanks, with externally placed filters, this option is for you.
A compact design filter suitable for reptiles and particularly for turtles using a canister design while being lightweight.
Handles up to 3 gallons of the tank and is very suitable to be used with compact-sized tanks since space might be an issue making it a famous space-saving device.
It features a removable hose making it easier to maintain and clean at regular intervals at almost no extra cost.
Uses a combination of mechanical, chemical, and biological filters to provide improved levels of purification inside your water tank.
The compact design allows it to be placed anywhere outside or beneath the tank and is specially used by those who are low on space.
Features adjustable water flow controlling system based on the requirements and allowing to reduce flow during feedings and cleaning operations.
Weighted at 4.6 pounds and features a compact design.
Pros & Benefits:
- Compact design
- Easy to clean
- Cheap
- Easy to fix and maintain
- Quieter than other similar options
9. Marineland PCML530 Filter
If you prefer a compact design filter to be placed externally then go on reading since this might be your choice.
A small but very powerful tank filter holding up to 150 Gallons.
Uses 3 stages high-efficiency filtration with all three filters placed parallelly.
The 3 stage system uses biological balls and it has been proven to be a successful purification technique particularly at removing toxic ammonia and nitrides.
Forces water to pass through the filters instead of around them to provide more improved filtration inside the tank.
Yet another filter with a combination of chemical, biological, and mechanical foam filters.
Suitable for both fresh and seawater with a high powered motor causing more electricity usage.
Features a water-tight canister light for easy filter removal and cleaning which not only saves time but also maintenance and replacement costs.
These specs make use of the expensive filter for home use.
It comes with 3 filters and a heavyweight of around 30 pounds.
Pros & Benefits:
- Fast flow rate
- Improved technology
- High capacity
- Three-stage filtrations
- High-quality filtration
10. Fluval Advanced Aquarium Filtration System For Turtle Tanks
With gaining great customer reviews no doubt, we can say that this is the most technically advanced water filtration system available in the market.
It is a unique combination of technology, aesthetics, and advanced performance features suitable for those looking to pay a bit extra to get special features.
The advanced technology is used to monitor this system at different stages of filtration providing all the details such as maintenance schedules, flow rate, water purity, etc.
Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater.
It comes with an LCD displaying all the data which might be important.
It uses a quick-release system that allows filters to be cleaned and replaced easily which features a pre-filter chemical cartridge saving time and effort for a fast and simple maintenance experience.
Like most other filters, it uses a three-stage filtration process using chemical, mechanical, and biological filters to provide improved purification.
The maintenance schedules can be maintained easily using LCD screen warnings.
All these features make it an expensive filtration system.
Easy to use, technologically advanced, and weighted at around 19 pounds.
Pros & Benefits:
- Uses the latest technology
- Quiet
- Equipped with easy maintenance cartridges
- Easy to use
- Easy to maintain and clean
- Attractive display panels
The Future Of Water Tanks
You must now have good information on the types of water filtration tanks available and the one which suits your tank whether it be an external or internal filter.
From the list, we can see that all these filters use different kinds of technologies to fulfill her purification job, such as multi-stage filtration, use of sensors, easy access to filters, etc.
Let’s now talk about the future of water purification systems and what to expect in the upcoming days regarding the technological aspects of water filtration systems.
It’s not a long time ago when we used to have separate filters for freshwater and saltwater.
But today we have technically advanced water filtration systems that are compact and with the ability to be placed internally or externally have made our lives easier.
Moreover, if we compare today’s systems with the older ones, one of the most prominent features we find is that of newer filter pads which are not easy to be cleaned/replaced but also reduce the cost and time required for maintenance.
Furthermore, we also see filters that are great in an aesthetic sense such as the tetra decorative filter which makes it look like a small home for turtles rather than a filter.
It’s not very far that new technology will take over the water filtration industry and features.
Like those of the Fluval advanced aquarium system will become common making the filters more advanced, cheaper, and more compact in design.
What technology we see in the future is yet to be known but we can imagine something smart will enter the market soon.
No doubt that we would see sensors connect to the app on our smartphones reminding us of maintenance schedules as well as showing the purity of the water.
It is just a matter of time, so let’s wait and watch what the future reveals.
Final Thoughts
The water filter for the turtle tank you choose depends completely on what your likes and dislikes are, your budget, the size, and location of your water tank, the size of your turtles, how much quietness you prefer, etc.
If you would like to go along with the flow, the aqua top canister filter might be a very good option.
Being a high quality, mid-priced system and featuring some of the best technologies, this might be your preferred choice.
But, what about if the budget is less or you prefer an internally placed and aesthetically designed filter and some things that are easier to clean?
A lot of people out there are confused about choosing a suitable filtration system for their tanks.
That’s the reason we prepared this list and help you choose the best water filters for your turtle tank.
Lastly, we would like to thank you for taking interest in reading this article and we hope that you benefited from it.
