10 Best Filters for Turtle Tanks – Reviews & Guide

If you have a pet turtle, then you know that they need their tanks to be clean. While it’s true that turtles can go for quite some time without any water changes or filter replacements, this will cause the tank to become cloudy and smelly.

This is not only bad for your turtle’s health but also a terrible experience when trying to enjoy these little creatures up close.

It is important to keep in mind how large of an impact having a clean tank has on them as well as yourself.

To help maintain safe and healthy living conditions for both turtles and humans alike there are many different options available including setting up filters that reduce the amount of waste produced by turtles in order to maintain clear waters.

RELATED READ: The Best Turtle Tank Heater

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The Best Filters For Turtle Tanks

Here is the list of our top picked filters for turtle tanks, based on effectiveness and affordability:

1. Fluval 07 Series Performance Canister Filter for Aquariums

The all-new 07 series Fluval canister filters are the most powerful, reliable, and energy-efficient filters you can buy.

With single action dual locking clamps for quick release and attachment, redesigned systems that require fewer pumps to engage, and a new center handle that allows the main media stack to be removed, these filters are easier to use than ever before.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Product Dimensions: ‎ 7.09 x 7.48 x 16.54 inches; 3.31 Pounds	Provides constant pressure Near silent pump performance Designed for use in both freshwater and saltwater

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2. Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Filter

The Penn-Plax Cascade filter is a great choice for aquariums up to 200 gallons. It features a quick easy push-button self primer and independent 360-degree rotating valve caps.

Its sturdy tip-proof base makes it safe for everyone! The flow rate cut-off valves adjust water flow while the 360-degree rotating valve caps make cleaning a breeze.

This filter comes with everything you need to get started including 2 poly-fiber floss pads, 1 coarse bio-sponge, 1 bag of activated carbon.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Product Dimensions: 15 x 11.5 x 10 inches; 10 Pounds	Large capacity media baskets give aquarists the ability to customize filtration Two independent valve taps that rotate 360° Great for turtle habitats

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3. Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter

Looking for a reliable canister filter for your freshwater or saltwater aquarium? Look no further than the Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter.

This 3-stage filter is designed to provide superior filtration and ensure a clean aquatic environment. The easy-maintenance valve block makes it quick and easy to shut down water flow for quick, spill-free maintenance.

And with three sizes available, there’s sure to be a Marineland Canister Filter that’s perfect for your aquarium.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Product Dimensions: 14 x 11.02 x 18 inches; 19.25 Pounds	Available in four sizes from 30 gallons to 100 gallons Easy-to-remove lid for access to media baskets

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4. AquaClear, Hang on Back Tank Filter

Looking for a superior quality aquarium filter? AquaClear has you covered with its top-of-the-line filtration system.

This system offers quick and easy installation while providing optimal mechanical, chemical, and biological filtrations.

The AquaClear Foam, Activated Carbon Filter, and BioMax work together to keep your water quality at its best. For added peace of mind, the Cycle Guard ensures that your filter will stay running smoothly for years to come.

Plus, the energy-efficient pump lowers your operating costs. Make the switch to AquaClear and see the difference for yourself!

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Product Dimensions: 17.4 x 12.5 x 11 inches; 4.52 Pounds	Ideal for 60 to 110-gallon aquariums Preserves beneficial bacterial Unique waterfall design

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5. TetraFauna Decorative ReptoFilter

This TetraFauna Decorative ReptoFilter uses 3-stage Tetra filtration technology to keep the water clean and remove odors in turtle, newt, and frog terrariums.

It’s easy to set up and simple to clean, and it keeps reptiles out while doubling as a basking platform for your small aquatic animals.

The Decorative ReptoFilter is the perfect way to keep your terrarium clean and healthy.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Product Dimensions: 8.75 x 12.75 x 10.65 inches; 2 Pounds	Large intake holes prevent clogging Locking cover keeps animals out of the filtration area Provides an ideal basking area

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6. Penn-Plax Cascade 600 Fully Submersible Internal Filter

The Cascade 600 Submersible Filter quietly delivers crystal clear water throughout the aquarium. This filter cycles water at 175 Gallons per Hour (GPH) for tanks up to 50 Gallons in size.

It’s great for Freshwater and Saltwater aquariums, along with a variety of Terrarium setups. The Cascade 600 utilizes 2 filter media chambers and comes with filter media: 1 refillable Carbon Cartridge and 1 Bio-Sponge.

In addition to optimizing the colonization of anaerobic bacteria, this filter traps floating debris and eliminates odors. The Penn-Plax Cascade 600 is perfect for Turtles.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Product Dimensions: 12 x 5 x 3 inches; 2.23 Pounds	3 stage filtration Refillable filter media Versatile outflow options

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7. Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter

The Marineland Penguin Power Filter is a biological filter that provides mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration to maintain a clean aquatic environment.

The Bio-Wheel technology of the Marineland Penguin Power Filter has been proven to be one of the best in the industry.

The Marineland Penguin Power Filter comes with three different sized cartridges (see an individual filter for sizing recommendations) which are easily replaceable.

With this power filter, you can use any cartridge that fits your needs. This is a must-have for freshwater aquariums!

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.25 x 8 inches; 2.3 Pounds	Easy and effective filtration Revolutionary and patented BIO-Wheel 3-stage aquarium filtration without the hassle of air pumps, valves, and tubing or air stones

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8. AQQA Aquarium Sponge Filter

The biofilter sponge is made of food-grade materials and is very safe for fish. It can be used as a secondary filter, or as the main filter in a small tank. The biofilter sponge can also be used to grow plants.

It has 9 layer ribbing shape, which makes it more efficient than other conventional sponges. It works great without noise and provides your fish with clean water.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Product Dimensions: 8.15 x 6.97 x 3.11 inches; 1.17 Pounds	9-layer removable sponge Ceramic biofilter balls 360° rotatable outlet

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9. Penn-Plax Clear-Free Premium Under Gravel Aquarium Filter

Penn-Plax Clear-Free Premium Under Gravel Aquarium Filter is a high-quality under gravel filter system that is perfect for most 40 and 55-gallon aquariums.

The extra-large 1-inch adjustable lift tubes make it easy to install, while the included clips ensure a secure fit. The 2 carbon filter cartridges remove odors and water discoloration, making your aquarium look great.

This premium under gravel filter is safe for use in both freshwater and saltwater tanks and is easy to maintain.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 2.5 x 11.5 inches; 2.02 Pounds	Includes filter plates, air stones, adjustable lift tubes, and filter cartridges Available for 5, 10, 15/20H, 20L/29, 40 / 55 gallon aquariums Provides powerful biological and chemical filtration

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10. Jebao CBF-4000 Bio Pressurized Filter with 13-Watt UV

Looking for a reliable pond filter? The Jebao CBF-4000 Bio Pressurized Filter with 13-Watt UV is perfect for powering streams and cascades and can be installed either above water level or recessed into the ground beside the pond up to the filter lid.

This easy-clean technology filter is designed for a pond of up to 1000 gallons and includes a 13-watt UV clarifier to keep your pond water crystal clear. Water pump and pond tubing are sold separately.

Specifications 🏷️	Features ✔️
Product Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 16 inches	Best filter for turtle ponds Easy to clean

RELATED READ: How to Set Up a Turtle Tank

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Do Turtle Tanks Need a Filter?

Turtles are much messier than fish, and without a filter, you would be looking at doing complete water changes every 3-5 days or so depending on how much water you have in the tank.

Turtles also tend to poop and pee a lot and they will spend the majority of their time in the water. They basically do everything in the water from eating to swimming and for that, they need to have really clean water.

Dirty water will only cause illness for your turtle.

What is the Nitrogen Cycle?

Understanding the basics of the nitrogen cycle will make filtration make a lot more sense when you are setting everything up.

The nitrogen cycle is the process that recycles nitrogen from the environment into usable forms for plants and animals.

The cycle is made up of five steps: nitrogen fixation, ammonification, nitrification, denitrification, and return to the environment.

• Nitrogen fixation is the process where nitrogen is converted into a usable form. This can be done through natural means, such as lightning strikes.
• Ammonification is the process where nitrogen is converted into ammonium. This can be done through natural means, such as the decomposition of organic matter.
• Nitrification is the process where ammonium is converted into nitrate. This can be done through natural means, such as the action of bacteria, or through human intervention.
• Denitrification is the process where nitrate is converted back into nitrogen gas. This can be done through natural means, such as the action of bacteria.
• Return to the environment is the process where nitrogen is returned to the environment in a usable form. This can be done through natural means, such as absorption by plants.

The turtle waste and urine combine to form ammonia in your aquarium, which needs to be transformed into nitrite before being converted into nitrates.

Now what makes ammonia, nitrite, nitrate happen is the biological filtration in your filter.

That’s going to be your ceramic rings, your sintered glass, and your carbon. How it breaks down ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate is that the good bacteria colonies will grow on all of those surfaces and they will consume the ammonia and turn it into nitrite.

The nitrite will then be consumed by other bacteria colonies and turned into nitrates. So if you’re going to have a successful aquarium, you need to have good biological filtration.

RELATED READ: The Best Tanks for Red-Eared Sliders

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What Makes A Great Filter?

A great filter needs some mechanical filtration, lots of room for biological filtration to do that nitrogen cycle as we mentioned, and a lot of flow rate.

The more flow rate you have in your filter, the better it will be at keeping your water clean.

Now you might be asking yourself, what is the best filter for my turtle? That answer is going to vary depending on the size of your tank, the type of filter you’re using, and how often you’re changing your filter media.

So it’s really tough to give a one-size-fits-all answer to that question. But a good rule of thumb is to get a filter that’s rated for at least twice the size of your tank.

So if you have a 55-gallon tank, get a filter that’s rated for at least 110 gallons.

There is no such thing as too much filtration. When it comes to water filters, go for the biggest choice available.

You can’t go too crazy, so don’t worry about it. Turtles produce a lot more waste in one day than a fish does over a week, so make sure whatever you pick will accommodate your turtle’s daily activities.

RELATED READ: How to Choose the Best Live Plants for Turtle Tanks

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How to Choose the Best Turtle Filter For Your Tank

When it comes to choosing the best turtle filter for your tank, there are a few factors you need to consider.

Size and Gallons Per Hour

If you only had fish in your aquarium, a somewhat underpowered filtration system might still enable you to create a healthy living environment.

Turtles, on the other hand, are larger and generate more waste, so if the water isn’t circulating regularly through the filter, bad things can happen fast.

If you have more than one turtle in a tank or if you have additional fish and plants, it’s doubly important to have a strong filtering system.

Most canister filters are built to handle fish, so you’ll have to scale up when selecting a filter for a turtle tank. In general, you should get a filter with at least two and as many as three times the filtration capacity of your tank.

So, if you have a 50-gallon turtle tank, for example, you should buy one that has at least 100 gallons of filtering ability and ideally more than 150 gallons. You just need a sufficient amount of filtering area regardless of whether you use a filter designed specifically for pet turtles.

Another thing to consider is the flow rate of your filtration system, which is usually measured in gallons per hour (GPH).

Your filter should be able to clean the entirety of your tank at least once every hour.

If you purchase a filter with twice as much capacity as your turtle tank and use it according to the guidelines above, flow rate won’t be an issue.

Mechanical, Biological, and Chemical Filtration

A turtle tank requires at least mechanical and biological filtration stages, as well as a chemical filtering stage.

These various filtering stages each perform different functions, and it takes all of them to guarantee that you’re not only removing waste from the tank but also keeping water chemistry stable.

The Three Types of Filtration:

Biological Filtration – Removes the harmful nitrogenous waste from water (ammonia, nitrites) and converts to nitrates.

The nitrification process, in which aerobic (nitrifying) bacteria oxidize the poisonous ammonia to the less harmful nitrate (which is only slightly less toxic than ammonia), is known as biological filtration.

This process is known as nitrification, and it occurs in aquatic settings and soils where ammonia and adequate oxygen are present in nature.

Mechanical Filtration – removes free-floating particles from your water

The physical removal of particles from water is known as mechanical filtration. This is done by putting in a mechanical barrier in the water flow that captures particles of a specific size based on the filter material used.

A mechanical filter, on the other hand, is only effective if it is maintained on a regular basis. When bacteria settle in and begin processing the accumulated filth, they create an additional bio-filter and release nutrients into the water as well as causing increased nitrate levels.

Although the natural presence of nitrifying bacteria in an aquatic setting is essential, it’s also possible for them to flourish on any suitable filtering media. Once a biological filter medium has been established, it should be disturbed as little as possible because the bacteria colony maintains its level of activity according to the bio-load present in the system.

Note: Many sponges used in mechanical filtration may also grow bacteria on the sponge, as well as on the media intended for that purpose.

Chemical Filtration – It cleanses the water by removing impurities and to a certain extent polishes it. There are chemicals for eliminating discoloration, scum, nitrates, phosphates, copper, hardness, and other pollutants.

Active carbon, for example, is a chemical that absorbs organic material including oxidation products of proteins, fish medication residues, and organic toxicants. It’s also capable of removing ozonated sea water’s (slight quantities of chlorine and bromine) oxidation byproducts.

Because activated carbon becomes saturated over time, and because bacteria accumulate on it, it will eventually function as a biological filter. It should be replaced on a regular basis to maintain its effectiveness.

Ease of Maintenance

At some point, you’ll need to clean or replace the filter media in your turtle tank’s filter. You’ll thank yourself for choosing a filtration system that makes it simple to maintain when that time arises.

The best indication of a filtering system that is easy to maintain is one with a straightforward cabinet design for filtering media. This way, you may simply remove and toss out the old media before replacing it with fresh stuff.

Replace the filter, wash it off if necessary, or remove and replace it if you’re using a mechanical filtration system. Ideally, replacing the filter should not require taking apart the entire filtering system, nor should doing so necessitate rummaging around in the pump area.

Another thing to consider is whether two filters are better than one when it comes to maintenance. If you have two filters, you may clean and replace them while the other is running.

This isn’t essential, but it can aid in the prevention of ammonia accumulation during tank filter cleaning. If you decide on two filters, make sure their combined capacity equals the total filtration capacity required by your aquarium.

Can I Turn My Turtle Tank Filter Off At Night?

That depends on the type of filter you’re using and how much bio-load your tank contains.

If you’re using a mechanical filtration system, you can turn it off at night. This will allow the bacteria colonies to die off, and when you restart the filter, the bacteria will repopulate.

If you’re using an active carbon filter, however, you should not turn it off at night because the active carbon will lose its effectiveness.

It’s also a good idea to keep your turtle tank filter running all the time if you have a high bio-load (lots of turtles and a lot of waste). In that case, you’ll need to clean or replace the filter media more often.

RELATED READ: How to Clean a Turtle Tank

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Type Of Filters

There are many types of filters on the market but the most used and talked about you will hear are the canister filters.

Here’s a list of types of filters:

Canister Filters	In turtle aquariums, canister filters are the most frequent kind of filtration system. In tanks with a diameter of more than 50 inches, they work well. You may conceal them by attaching them to the bottom of the tank if a stand or cabinet is not available. Canister filters are multi-stage filtering systems that utilize several stages of filtering media to clean the water. The first stage is a coarse pre-filter that catches large particles, such as turtle waste and uneaten food. The second stage is a denser filter that removes smaller particles. The third and final stage is an activated carbon filter that eliminates any remaining odors.
Internal Filters	Filters can also be used in aquariums with external walls. Internal filters, sometimes known as submersible filters, may be placed within the tank. Suction cups are frequently used to keep internal filters attached to the sides of your aquarium. Internal filtration systems are tiny and are only useful for smaller aquariums. Internal filtration systems can have multiple stages, but because of their small size, they can only have a limited number of stages.
Hang On Back Filters	A filter at the rear of a tank is connected to the back of it. Because this type of filter is built particularly for aquariums, you must be more cautious if you want to use one in your turtle tank. You’ll need a filter cutout to fit a hang-on back filter if your turtle tank isn’t full to capacity, as is the case with fish tanks. Another thing to consider with this filter is that you’ll need a model suitable for a larger aquarium than the one you’re currently using. This is due to the fact that turtles generate more waste than fish, thus tank-based size measurements aren’t accurate.
Under Gravel Filter	Filters are fitted beneath the gravel, just as the name implies. Many turtle keepers are hesitant to employ these, but some users report success with them. Water first reaches the primary filter after going through the gravel, which is part of the filtering system. There are many different kinds of under-gravel filters available, but they all work in the same way. It may be tough to use since turtles like to dig.
Sponge Filter	Sponge filters are the simplest type of filter and are very easy to use. A porous sponge is wetted and inserted into the filter tube. The sponge filter will do its job by trapping debris and dissolving organic matter. This leaves clean, healthy water for your turtles.
Pond Filter	Pond filters are not often used in turtle tanks, but they can be utilized if the water is changed often. Pond filters work well when there is a large amount of debris in the water.

RELATED READ: How to Care For a Red-Eared Slider Turtle

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How To Setup A Turtle Canister Filter

Setting up a canister filter for your turtle tank is not as difficult as you may think. The most important thing to remember is that the filter must be the correct size for your tank. A filter that is too small will not be able to do its job, while a filter that is too large may cause problems.

The filter must also be the correct type for your tank. If you have a glass tank, you will need an external filter. If you have an acrylic tank, you can use either an internal or external filter.

Once you have selected the correct filter, it is time to set it up:

1. The first step is to remove the packaging and read the instructions. Once you have done that, you will be ready to start assembling the filter.
2. The next step is to attach the hoses. Make sure that the hoses are attached tightly and that there are no leaks. Once the hoses are attached, it is time to add the filter media.
3. The final step is to add water to the filter. Be sure to add enough water so that the impeller is completely covered. Once the filter is filled with water, it is time to turn it on.

The filter should be running for a few hours before you add your turtles. This will allow the filter to get up to speed and will help to keep your turtles healthy.

Is One Type of Bio Media Better Than Another?

Yes and no. All types of media will do a good job in adequate quantities.

How Do I Organise My Filter?

One way you could arrange your media in the filter is as follows (in the order in which the water passes through the filter):

Pre-filter (ceramic noodles) -> Mechanical (coarse sponge) -> Biological (Eheim Substrat Pro) -> Mechanical (fine filter sponge) -> Chemical (if required, at present I don’t run any chemical filtration).

Note – This is not the only method to set up your media, and you do not have to utilize a pre-filter. I strongly advise that free-floating particles be trapped prior to biological media in order to keep your bio media cleaner. For example, by utilizing a pre-filter or a coarse sponge first.

I understand that this sort of arrangement is not always feasible in some filters.

Do Turtles Need An Air Pump?

Turtles do not need an air pump, but it is a good idea to have one. An air pump will help to keep the water in your tank clean and healthy.

It will also help to keep your turtles interested and happy.

RELATED READ: How to Take Care of a Baby Turtle

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Product Table for Turtle Filters

Image	Product	Shop
	Fluval 07 Series Performance Canister Filter for Aquariums	Check on Amazon
	Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Filter for Large Aquariums	Check on Amazon
	Marineland Magniflow Canister Filter for Aquariums	Check on Amazon
	AquaClear Tank Filter	Check on Amazon
	TetraFauna Decorative ReptoFilter for Turtles	Check on Amazon
	Penn-Plax Cascade 600 Fully Submersible Internal Filter	Check on Amazon
	Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter	Check on Amazon
	AQQA Aquarium Sponge Filter	Check on Amazon
	Penn-Plax Clear-Free Premium Under Gravel Aquarium Filter (UGF)	Check on Amazon
	Jebao CBF-4000 Bio Pressurized Filter with 13-Watt UV	Check on Amazon

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Deciding on Your Turtle Filter

Choosing the best filter for your turtle tank comes down to filtration capacity, your desired filtration structure, and your budget.

Canister filters such as Fluval and Penn-Plax offer a highly configurable filtering setup that may be used for mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration and adapt to fit the demands of your aquarium over time.

Canister filters, on the other hand, are more expensive and need more care than internal filters like the AquaClear. High-tech solutions such as the Fluval Advanced aquarium filtration system can provide convenience and sophisticated monitoring capabilities, but there’s no reason to spend a lot of money on a high-quality filtration system if that’s all you need.

Regardless of the filtration system you choose, be sure it has enough filtration capacity for your turtle tank. With the appropriate filtration system in place, your turtle can live a long and happy life while also providing you with pleasure from a clean turtle tank.