PROS:
Filter is Quiet.
Inexpensive.
Pre-Filters are available.
You can use reusable filter bags, a cheaper alternative.
Supplies are available at any given pet store.
CONS:
Filter will clog up, especially if you feed your turtle in the tank.
Expect to clean tank and replace filters about once a week.
Pre-Filter come in packs of three for about $8/ea can add up.
Cleaning out reusable filter bags, expect to be handling a significant amount of turtle goo.
I had my red ear slider since it was hatchling, about a year. I was broke and didn't much about turtle maintenance but judging by the name, ReptoFilter, and the fact that I found it in the Aquatic Turtle section, I bought it. Something is better than nothing. Turtles are deceptively messy. In the beginning, I has happy with the filter because it seemed to do the job right. As a plus, the filter is super quiet and the only time it made a noise is about the time it needs to be changed anyway. Although pre-filters are available, I found it cost-effective to clean out and refill reusable filter bags. I even fed my turtle in a separate tub to reduce the debris. In the beginning, everything was great.
As the turtle grew, so did the mess. And I found the filter having a hard time keeping up with my turtle. I had to unclog it a few times. Although, We'd make it a point every week to clean it, it took a significant amount of our time and energy to routinely to that. Ultimately, despite my efforts to try to maintain the filter as best as I could, the filter died on me. So, I got my funds together and got a three stage canister filter. I'm thankful for buying this filter, it got me by. Although canister filters come off pricey, there are better in the long run because you'll only be cleaning it out months at time.
I purchased this for a pair of painted turtles to be housed in a 10 gallon tank and I am overly pleased. I find it to be a lot more powerful than anticipated, and it's extremely quiet. We have the tank in the same room where we sleep and it doesn't bother me one bit. I am a very sensitive sleeper also. The slightest of disturbances will awake me from the deepest of sleep. Regardless of where you keep the water level, it's as tranquil as ever.
This filter is so powerful that it usually sucks 1 inch chunks of cucumber right to it's grate. It does not harm any of our fish and it doesn't bother the turtles either. The refills are very affordable, and if you perform water changes regularly, this filter will do an exceptional job. I have no issues with the heavy duty suction cups, other than sometimes they suck to hard to the glass. I will usually have to give the cups a pinch to break the suction from the aquarium wall. Be careful, because if you pull the unit too hard the suction cups will pop right out of the holes in the back. They are easily placed right back into place, though.
I have owned fish tanks for over ten years and I find the Tetra Repto Filter (10 gallon) to be one of the most impressive I have seen. This unit is submersible, so you will need to get used to the natural process of algae forming on the cord, as well as the casing of the unit. The filter blends into the background and visitors hardly ever comment on the appearance. Like any other filter, you want to rinse out the (black) bio filter each time you do a (carbon) filter change. As long as you're not planning to use this for a much larger tank, I think you will be impressed too.
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After looking for quite some time online I finally bought this filter for my 50 gallon turtle tank and it has been the best purchase I've made since owning this turtle. It is quiet and keeps the water very clean. I actually purchased a second one (more than enough for the size of my tank) and I've gone from changing the water every two weeks to every other month I just replace the filters regularly but for me it is well worth the cost to not have to dump out the heavy tank as often.
I highly recommend this product. It is easy to clean and the filters are very easy to change.
You will not regret this purchase!
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I have 2 of these filters in a 75 gallon tank with about 35 gallons of water (10" or so)...1 filter on each end. In the tank I have a juvenile Western Painted turtle. It works absolutely beautifully, keeps the water crystal clear and practically odor-free and creates an incredibly soothing waterfall. I wouldn't exactly call it "whisper" quiet, however, I do keep the tank in my bedroom (about 7' from where I sleep) and the sound of the waterfall completely drowns out the faint humming sound that comes from the filter pump. No sleeping problems whatsoever. I think the reason why these filters have a somewhat bad reputation is because people think you MUST have them sitting on the bottom of the tank in order to work properly...greatly limiting the amount of water you can have if you have a bigger tank since the water level has to be below the lip of the filter. This is untrue from my experience. I have both of them propped up about 5" on aquarium decorations and rocks so that the water level is about 4" below the lip. The only thing about doing this is that they're unable to clear the chunks of debris off the bottom of the tank since they're 5" off the ground. This isn't a problem for me at all though because I have a small fish net and a gravel vacuum that I use to regularly clean the chunks off the bottom of the tank. I actually prefer it this way because it seems like to me that by not sucking up the chucks of debris it would extend the life of both the filter and the cartridges.
Now to the filter cartridges. Instead of buying the 3-pack Reptofilter brand cartridges for usually $8 or so (~$2.65 each) I buy the 12-pack Whisper Bio-Bags for about $10 (~$.80 each). They're exactly the same as the Reptofilter brand cartridges but the only downside (isn't even really a downside) is that they come unassembled and with only 1 frame instead of pre-assembled and a frame for each cartridge. I've found that they usually last anywhere between 2 weeks and a month but the life of these cartridges entirely depends on the size of your tank, amount of water and the messiness of the creature(s) in your tank.
Overall, for the money, these are hard to beat. They keep my tank looking beautiful with very minimal upkeep. After a while I might end up forking out the extra cash for a good external canister filter but I just don't see the necessity quite yet for that good and powerful of a filter when these do the job perfectly fine. Plus I like the idea of having a filter on each end of my tank, greatly increasing the water circulation and vital surface agitation.
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It worked fine for a few days, about a week. But, then it wouldn't work after. Something may have gotten inside like a leaf or sand but then again, aren't things suppose to go into it? Its a filter. Wouldn't buy it again, it was so cheap but then it broke on me so fast. Not even worth five dollars if its lifetime is a week.
These are some nice hide-out for your cichlids. Not any of my cichlids have damaged their fins since i put these stones in my aquarium,
