The Best Filters for Turtle Tanks (Review)

In recent years, turtles have become an ever more popular pet choice. Not only do they remind many of those four famous ninjas, but their laid-back nature and slow speed also lead many people to believe that they are a low maintenance choice. But they aren’t quite as simple as some people believe. Turtles need more care in space than you may think. And since they can live for decades, the maintenance they do require extends well into the future. In other words, adopting a turtle is a big commitment (and investment).

One of the first things you’ll spend money on as a new turtle owner is a terrarium that is large enough to house your pet. Generally speaking, bigger is better. Although you may be able to get by with a 20-gallon tank, even smaller species of turtles will prefer a 30 gallon (0.11 m³) or 55-gallon turtle tank. And if you end up adopting a turtle that’s more than 8 inches (20.32 cm) across, you should probably opt for a 100-gallon aquarium.

After doing some research on caring for your turtle, you’ll quickly realize that, in addition to a spacious aquarium, there is one piece of equipment that’s absolutely necessary for the health of your pet: a filter system. Without a high-quality filtration system, aquariums will quickly become overrun by waste and bacteria. And no one wants to spend time in a room (or home) that smells like a stagnant pond.

You may not realize that aquatic turtles release more waste than fish, which means getting the best filter for your turtle tank is necessary. Not only will dirty water stink up your home, but it can also lead to your beloved pet turtles becoming sick and even dying. Because of the unique needs of turtles, there are many companies out there that make filtration systems specially designed for aquariums housing turtles.

Turtle filtration systems differ from their more generalized peers in a couple of different ways, including the use of different filter materials and a higher rate of water circulation. Both of these things help mitigate the problems caused by excess turtle waste.

What are the Best Filters for Turtle Tanks? Our TOP-10 Choices

Throughout this article, we will look at some of the best turtle filter reviews on the market today, including an examination of their effects and drawbacks.

1. Penn Plax Cascade 1000 Canister Aquarium Filter

The Penn Plax Cascade 1000 Canister Filter is one of the best aquatic turtle filters on the market today. Since it works at 265 GPH and includes three media baskets, it’s capable of keeping an aquarium of up to 100 gallons (0.38 m³) clean and well-maintained.

This is a highly customizable set up, giving you complete control over every aspect of your filter — from the filtration media you use to the way it’s connected to your aquarium. And it comes with the instructions you need to make sure that you get the most out of it.

It includes three media baskets and works at 365 GPH, allowing you to easily use it with aquariums with a capacity of up to 100 gallons.

Key benefits:

• Its trays can be easily removed, cleaned, and replaced with the media of your choice, whether a floss pad, a coarse sponge, or any number of others.
• This unit is highly customizable concerning flow valves (it has 360o rotating valves), tubing, filters, and more.
• In addition you’ll also receive a variable directional spout, a spray bar, excess tubing, and media to get you started.
• If the 1000 doesn’t suit your needs, Penn Plax offers eight other models to choose from that vary in capacity, power, and price.

2. EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter with Media

The ‘EHEIM’ name is practically synonymous with reliable aquarium filtration systems. And this product definitely lives up to its name. It’s the perfect option for the beginning turtle owner and will provide you with everything you need to get started right out of the box. Models are available that will work with 25 gallons (94.64 l), 30 -—35 gallon (0.13 m³), and 40 — 50 gallon tanks, making this an excellent option for anyone who only has one or two small turtles.

However, you shouldn’t assume that this product is only suitable for beginners. It’s designed for any turtle owner who wants a comprehensive system that includes mechanical, chemical, biological, and absorptive filtration.

It comes in three different models: one designed for 25-gallon tanks, one designed for 30-35 gallon tanks, and one designed for 40-50 gallon tanks.

Key benefits:

• It comes with everything you need to get started, including all of the filtration media, valves, hoses, a spray bar, and more.
• This is a quiet filter, providing you and your turtle with a peaceful environment to enjoy.
• Whether you’re just getting started or are a long-time turtle owner, this could be a great option for you as long as you need something that will work with a smaller tank.
• This is a filter that’s built with beginners in mind. It’s simple to maintain and even simpler to install.

3. Hydor Professional External Canister Filter

Hydor bills this filtration unit as a “complete ecosystem in a box.” This model is built with ease-of-use and versatility in mind. Because of this, you can find models in this line that will work in aquariums that range in size from 20 gallons (75.71 l) all the way up to 150 gallons (0.57 m³).

This unit also allows you to customize the filters and media to your hearts content, providing a truly premium experience for you and your turtles.

This is a professional grade external canister filter that’s designed to work with freshwater and saltwater setups.

Key benefits:

• Although it’s a little pricier than the other options on this list, it justifies that price with increased features and customization options.
• This product will work with tanks that have up to a 150 gallon capacity. 
• This unit is simple enough for any beginner to set up and maintain while being powerful enough for a seasoned expert to take advantage of.
• If you’re looking for a professional canister filter that’s reasonably priced, the Hydor Pro External Canister Filter is for you.

4. Fluval 306 External Canister Filter

The Fluval 306 External Canister Filter is a great option for anyone who wants an effective filter that doesn’t sound like a jet taking off in your living room. Not only does it have a sound dampener to minimize any noise pollution, it’s an overall quality product that’s designed for both saltwater and freshwater use in tanks up to 70 gallons (ca. 265 l).

This unit also includes several features that set it above the competition, including a clog-proof intake strainer, a dual layer foam screen, and patented valves. And perhaps the best of all, it’s small enough to fit anywhere so you won’t have to worry about hiding a giant black box next to your aquarium.

Key benefits:

• The Fluval 306 features a patented sound dampener to minimize disturbances for you and your pets.
• This filter makes use of the latest bio-foam media for greener biological filtration.
• This e model will work with any tank that has a capacity up to 70 gallons (ca. 265 l), whether saltwater or freshwater.
• It includes unique Aqua-Stop valves that make cleaning and maintaining your filter a snap.

5. Fluval Underwater Internal Filter

Fluval is known for making high-quality filtration systems for fish and turtle aquariums. It is a submersible filter that effectively moves and filters water in tanks with a capacity up to 65 gallons (ca. 246 l). However, since this is a small filter, it can easily be paired with other, more powerful filters if you want to use it in a larger tank.

One of the other benefits of this model is its ability to be positioned horizontally or vertically, depending on your needs. And whenever you need to access the filter, a handy flip-top lid makes maintenance a simple task. 

Key benefits:

• This internal filter is incredibly easy to install and get running. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who’s new to aquariums, filters, and everything that goes with them.
• This model comes with everything you’ll need to get started, right out of the box.
• You can use this product on its own in a turtle tank that hold between 34 and 65 gallons (ca. 246 l), or you can use it as a supplemental filter in a larger aquarium.
• It includes a three-stage filtration system that will circulate, filter, and oxygenate your water quickly and effectively.

6. Odyssea EX 250 DX Internal Filter Powerhead

This product that can be used as a filter or simply used to circulate water in a tank. And since it offers 250 GPH, it’s quite capable of being used in a tank that has a 30 to 40 gallon (0.15 m³) capacity.

This is one of Amazon’s highest rated products, bar none. As a result, if you’ve got a smaller tank, it’s one should carefully consider — after all, at $16.95, it’s a cheap model that will get the job done. And if you can find it on an Amazon sale, you may feel like they’re practically giving it away.

Key benefits:

• You can use this pump as a filter or simply use it to circulate the water in your tank — the choice is yours.
• It will work in both saltwater and freshwater environments.
• Incredibly simple to install and maintain. It’s one of the easiest models to deal with on the market.
• This model offers tremendous versatility, being capable of acting as a stand-alone unit or a supplement to a larger model.

7. Fluval G6 Advanced Filtration System

The system lives up to its name. Not only does it offer dozens of different filter cartridges to choose from, it has technology in it that allows you to quickly check your tank’s temperature, flow rate, and more. And the primer and drive pump make getting it going and keeping it maintained a no-nonsense affair.

If you’re looking for a professional unit with all the bells and whistles that you’d expect, this is the filtration system for you. However, it will cost you for all of those additional features and technology. At $379.99, it’s one of the most expensive units on this list.

Key benefits:

• Its AquaStop valves, advanced primer, and drive pump make this product simple to install, maintain, and use.
• If you don’t need the additional power, you can opt for the smaller unit and get all the features of the larger one with enough flow to maintain a 40 to 80 gallon (0.3 m³) tanks.
• This is a powerful unit that can be used in freshwater and saltwater tanks that have up to a 160 gallon (0.61 m³) capacity.
• An intuitive interface allows you to easily see water temperature, flow rate, conductivity, and more.

8. Aqueon Quietflow Internal Power Filter

If you’re looking for a small, cheap internal filter that will keep your 10 to 40-gallon tank clean and healthy, you can’t go wrong with the Aqueon Quietflow Internal Power Filter. This product is a cute, plastic unit that you can easily stick to the inside of your tank. Since it can be used horizontally or vertically, it’s a versatile unit that can meet your needs no matter what they are.

Don’t be fooled by its small size. This model offers three stage filtration and will remove debris, toxins, and odors. And since it only costs $23.79, it’s one of the best aquatic turtle filters if you only have a small turtle or two and don’t want to break the bank.

Key benefits:

• This filter system comes in models built for 10, 15, 30, and 40-gallon tanks.
• You can take advantage of Aqueon’s patented Replacement Internal Filter Cartridges when you need to change the filtration media.
• This unit is built to be submersed horizontally or vertically, making it more versatile than many similar units.
• It also includes a quiet, three-stage filtration process that minimizes debris, toxins, odor, and discoloration.

9. MarineLand Magnum Polishing Internal Canister Filter

If you’ve been searching for the best canister filter for turtle tanks, you may have just found it. Although the model doesn’t have some advanced features found on its more expensive peers, it makes up for it with an incredibly affordable price (only $42.99 on sale at Amazon) and a reliable design.

This is one of the best product because of its high GPH (290) and the fact that it can be used with aquariums up to 97 gallons (0.37 m³). But that’s not all. It has a submerged motor which means it doesn’t give off much noise pollution at all and it’s super easy to get up and running. Finally, with this unit, you’ll enjoy chemical, biological, and mechanical filtration, as well as water polishing. 

Key benefits:

• You and your turtle will benefit from crystal clear water thanks to this unit’s high-efficiency micron water polishing.
• This unit is one of the easiest turtle filters on the market to get up and running.
• This unit is a unique, internal canister filter that’s built for aquariums up to 97 gallons (0.37 m³).
• It’s designed with two refillable filter chambers that you can use a variety of media with.

10. Polar Aurora Free Media 3-Stage External Aquarium Filter

The product is one of the best canister filters for turtle tanks that you’ll find on the market today. It allows you to use more media than similar filters, increasing its ability to filter your tank’s water effectively.

This should be one of the first filters you consider if you have a tank that’s up to 75 gallons (0.28 m³). Why? Because it’s a near perfect mix of quality, versatility, and affordability. Plus, it comes with all the accessories and equipment you need to get your water filtered and moving in no time.

Key benefits:

• You’ll get a self-priming pump and single valve disconnect that make maintenance a simple task.
• If you have a tank that’s larger than 75 gallons (0.28 m³), you can choose one of the other models (some of which can be effectively used in 200 gallon tanks).
• This unit is designed to be used with terrariums that are up to 75 gallons (0.28 m³).
• It includes three media trays that can handle any filtration media you choose, allowing you to take advantage of chemical, mechanical, and biological filtration.

*Ratings are formed by the Author of the article and based on own research and customer reviews.

Types

When looking at turtle tank filter reviews, you’ll discover that there are three basic types:

Submersible, or internal filters, are the kind that most people imagine when they hear the phrase ‘aquarium filter.’ These filters attach to the inside of your tank with the help of suction cups. Although these are a good option if your tank is smaller (30 gallons (0.11 m³) or fewer), they can be loud and create a less-than-perfect environment for your turtle.

Canister filters are generally seen as the best kind of turtle filtration system. Usually, they are mounted under your tank and do a great job of keeping the water clean. They come in a variety of models that offer multiple stages of trays. The filters in these trays increase the capability of the system. However, they are usually more expensive than other options.

Under-gravel filters (UGFs) come in two varieties, traditional and reverse-flow. Both systems move water between the area underneath the terrarium’s gravel and the top of the water. The difference between the two is which direction the water flows.

FAQ