Filter
We use external canister filters, a Fluval 303 for the smaller tank (120l) and an Eheim 2217 for
the large tank (200l). If we were keeping fishes the filters would be oversized, but for the turtles they are
just right. The canisters are filled with foam, filter wool and hollow ceramic parts
as a mechanical filter layer. We bought the Eheim online at the
Aquaristikshop, which was far less expensive
than our regular shop "round the corner".
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Eheim 2217 |
Fluval 303 |
| tank size |
up to 600 l |
up to 280 l |
| pump output |
1000 l/h |
840 l/h |
| delivery height |
2,10 m Ws |
1,60 m Ws |
| filter volume |
6 l |
3,6 l |
| power consumption |
20 W |
15 W |
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In addition to the canister filters we have biological filters installed in each tank, thanks go to
Michael Daubner for the idea.
Part of the water which is pumped from the filter to the tank is diverted to a plastic box which
is hanging above water level. The box is filled with expanded clay which is normally used for hydroponics
and planted with philodendron. The roots of the plants and the clay are continually watered. This setup has two effects:
The substances that are bad for the water quality serve the plant as fertilizer.
In addition the porous ceramic material provides a large surface for bacteria colonization. The bacteria
convert ammonia and nitrite into relatively non-toxic nitrate.
For our biological filter we used a flower box, polystyren (available in DIY stores), and some tubes (aquaristic material).
The polystyren serves as suspension for the flowerbox. The shape of the box was sawn with a jig saw (pic 1).
Holes where drilled into the base of the box, and small tubes which end shortly below the upper edge of the box
where put through them (pic 2). The water level will always be as high as the upper edge of the tubes. Picture 3 shows the whole construction.
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Lighting
Appropriate heating and lighting is important for the metabolism of turtles.
Simple bulbs and flourescent tubes are not sufficient because of their poor light intensity.
In tropical areas the light intensity of the sun at ground level can reach up to 100.000 Lumen.
A 60 W bulb produces 700 Lumen.
Its not only the intensity but also the type of light that is important. Under natural conditions
turtles use a UV component of the sunlight (UVB) to syntesize vitamin D3, which again is needed for the
metabolism of calcium.
We use a mercury vapour lamp with 125 W, the light intensity is 7100 Lumen according to the manufacturer. This
lamp requires a separate power supply unit, which is included in a complete lamp that costs about 75-100 EUR.
The heat produced by this lamp in a distance of 40 cm is sufficient for the baskin area of our turtles. For general lighting
we use another mercury vapour lamp with 50 W.
Another basking spot is heated by a so called mixed light reflector with 160 W (MLR 160) by Philips. It emits heat and partly UV light.
The temperature in a distance of 50 cm reaches up to 40°C. The light intensity is 2600 Lumen which is rather poor compared to the high power consumtion. Furthermore
this bulb is with 45 EUR quite expensive.
All three lamps are arranged to light the land areas and the water surface, so that no additional
lighting is required.
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