We set up a very small patio pond for our turtle a few months ago. I have a
HOT Magnum 250 canister filter that we had been using on our turtles
aquarium when he was in the house, without any trouble. I've found that it
isn't working so well for the pond. The pond is a 42 gallon preformed pond,
with just one turtle. Because of the location, it gets a lot of sun, and
the clear tubes are constantly growing algae. Also, we have it placed in
the far corner, which can be changed, but with that, the fast algae growth,
and the higher water numbers, I think a different filter might be in order.
You can see it here if needed: http://community.webshots.com/user/melnphil
Click on Vinta's pond. I am looking for something really easy to clean,
adequate for filtering a one turtle 42 gallon pond, fairly small, possibly
an underwater filter, but if not-then something that can either fit under
our pond with long tubing to get up to the pond or small enough to fit in
one of the easier to reach corners. Low price would be an important but
not deciding factor. I asked about filtration here when we were first
setting up the pond, and our filter seemed broken, and was given the
suggestion of an Eheim canister filter, but I worry I will have the same
trouble with another canister because of the tubing. In looking for
underwater filters briefly, I found the Beckett small pond filter
http://www.888beckett.com/catalog/product.cfm?ID=38 and the Supreme
Pondmaster http://www.pondliner.com/PM1000.htm which would probably be
easier to deal with because of the lack of tubing, but I don't know if they
would provide enough filtration. We don't have any plants in the water as
of yet, except for the scraps he doesn't eat-but may in the future, and no
fish, it's in a screened patio, so no grass or leaves to worry about, just
his poo, algae, and uneaten food. What do you think? Y'all have been so
much help in the past, I hope you can point me to new filter.

--
Melissa
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"Melissa" wrote in message
...
We set up a very small patio pond for our turtle a few months ago. I have
a
HOT Magnum 250 canister filter that we had been using on our turtles
aquarium when he was in the house, without any trouble. I've found that
it
isn't working so well for the pond. The pond is a 42 gallon preformed
pond,
with just one turtle. Because of the location, it gets a lot of sun, and
the clear tubes are constantly growing algae. Also, we have it placed in
the far corner, which can be changed, but with that, the fast algae
growth,
and the higher water numbers, I think a different filter might be in
order.
You can see it here if needed: http://community.webshots.com/user/melnphil
Click on Vinta's pond. I am looking for something really easy to clean,
adequate for filtering a one turtle 42 gallon pond, fairly small, possibly
an underwater filter, but if not-then something that can either fit under
our pond with long tubing to get up to the pond or small enough to fit in
one of the easier to reach corners. Low price would be an important but
not deciding factor. I asked about filtration here when we were first
setting up the pond, and our filter seemed broken, and was given the
suggestion of an Eheim canister filter, but I worry I will have the same
trouble with another canister because of the tubing. In looking for
underwater filters briefly, I found the Beckett small pond filter
http://www.888beckett.com/catalog/product.cfm?ID=38 and the Supreme
Pondmaster http://www.pondliner.com/PM1000.htm which would probably be
easier to deal with because of the lack of tubing, but I don't know if
they
would provide enough filtration. We don't have any plants in the water as
of yet, except for the scraps he doesn't eat-but may in the future, and no
fish, it's in a screened patio, so no grass or leaves to worry about, just
his poo, algae, and uneaten food. What do you think? Y'all have been
so
much help in the past, I hope you can point me to new filter.

--
Melissa
Remove (yourshoes) to reply by email.



Sorry, meant to post this to rec.pets.herp, but if you have any ideas here
too, that would be terrific!

--
Melissa
Remove (yourshoes) to reply by email.

"Melissa" wrote in message
...
"Melissa" wrote in message
...
We set up a very small patio pond for our turtle a few months ago. I
have
a
HOT Magnum 250 canister filter that we had been using on our turtles
aquarium when he was in the house, without any trouble. I've found that
it
isn't working so well for the pond. The pond is a 42 gallon preformed
pond,
with just one turtle. Because of the location, it gets a lot of sun,
and
the clear tubes are constantly growing algae. Also, we have it placed
in
the far corner, which can be changed, but with that, the fast algae
growth,
and the higher water numbers, I think a different filter might be in
order.
You can see it here if needed:
http://community.webshots.com/user/melnphil
Click on Vinta's pond. I am looking for something really easy to clean,
adequate for filtering a one turtle 42 gallon pond, fairly small,
possibly
an underwater filter, but if not-then something that can either fit
under
our pond with long tubing to get up to the pond or small enough to fit
in
one of the easier to reach corners. Low price would be an important
but
not deciding factor. I asked about filtration here when we were first
setting up the pond, and our filter seemed broken, and was given the
suggestion of an Eheim canister filter, but I worry I will have the same
trouble with another canister because of the tubing. In looking for
underwater filters briefly, I found the Beckett small pond filter
http://www.888beckett.com/catalog/product.cfm?ID=38 and the Supreme
Pondmaster http://www.pondliner.com/PM1000.htm which would probably be
easier to deal with because of the lack of tubing, but I don't know if
they
would provide enough filtration. We don't have any plants in the water
as
of yet, except for the scraps he doesn't eat-but may in the future, and
no
fish, it's in a screened patio, so no grass or leaves to worry about,
just
his poo, algae, and uneaten food. What do you think? Y'all have been
so
much help in the past, I hope you can point me to new filter.

--
Melissa
Remove (yourshoes) to reply by email.



Sorry, meant to post this to rec.pets.herp, but if you have any ideas here
too, that would be terrific!

--
Melissa
Remove (yourshoes) to reply by email.

Well.......I checked out your pics (pretty cool.....good idea with the
astroturf), but I couldn't find any pics showing how the HOT 250 is
installed. If I'm not mistaken the HOT 250 comes with black intake and
output tubes, so I'm assuming that you've modified the HOT with longer clear
tubing? In which case just swap out the clear tubing with either black
vinyl tubing or black corrugated tubing. The black vinyl tubing is
available at most aquarium stores that also sell pond supplies. The only
place in Tampa where I've seen the black corrugated tubing was at the Marine
Warehouse Aquarium on W. Hillsborough Ave.........I believe the smallest
size available is 1/2"......so you will need adapters to get it to fit the
HOT.

You didn't say if the HOT was clogging or not......so I assume that you are
using the foam sleeve instead of the micron cartridge?The Supreme Pondmaster
1000 would make a good prefilter for the HOT........plus phosphate absorbing
pads (to help control algae) can be sandwitched between the filter pads that
come with the 1000. The 1000 will float when it gets clogged. Rocks can
be placed in the bottom of it. The hose connector and the handle on the top
of the 1000 makes it very easy to remove the filter for cleaning.

You should be able to install an in-line UV light on the HOT also......plus
the biowheel attachment for the HOT is an excellent biofilter.

I've never used a HOT 250, but if it's anything like the Magnum 350, IMO,
there isn't an easier filter to clean.........plus the 350 doesn't need
priming if one fills the canister before reassembly. I assume that the 250
has the same feature.

I've owned 2 different Eheim filters and, while they are excellent filters,
IMO they are a bit over rated for the money.......I'd rather have a Magnum
350 because of the self priming feature and the ability to use diatomaeous
earth.

You may want to check the FAQ or do a goggle search on how to control
algae........that topic has been discussed in this NG many times. Having a
turtle makes it a special challenge.....plus you have no plants in the pond.
You may be able use elephant ears or canna.....they may survive being eaten
by Vinta. You can install one of those roll-up shades to control the
sunlight......just leave it rolled up to about 6" or so, enough for Vinta
to get some sun.

Hope this helps.

Very helpful! Thanks so much. You've led to a couple more questions...
I've just ordered the PM1000 filter, the website I found it at had a
discounted for damage section so got a deal on the filter and the filter
pads. I did modify the inlet and outlet tubes, by cutting them down and
adding long pieces of the clear tubing. I didn't realize it was simply
being clear that was promoting the algae, having black tubes will cut down
on that? The HOT filter had been clogging, due to the soil we used for
planting around the pond, and the algae growth. The filter was in the
back corner, across the pond so it was difficult to get access to. I've
moved it now to the front corner where the lamp was, so it will be easier to
take care of. You mentioned using the PM1000 as a pre-filter, I hadn't
considered using both, but that seems easy enough to set up. I've not heard
of the phosphate pads, so will look into those as well. I'm not familiar
with in line UV lighting, perhaps I can google that as well? I agree the
HOT is very easy to clean, as long as you can reach it. When we chose it's
original placement, we didn't take into account the temporarily removed
screen being the access point. It was not working when we first put the
pond together so we didn't realize the problem until the screening was
replaced. That is also why it isn't in the pictures you saw, the screen was
still removed at the corner. It does have the self priming feature, but
I've never heard of using it with DE. I use the foam sleeve over the carbon
filled cartridge. Thanks so much for all your help!
--
Melissa
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"Melissa" wrote in message
...





Very helpful! Thanks so much. You've led to a couple more questions...
I've just ordered the PM1000 filter, the website I found it at had a
discounted for damage section so got a deal on the filter and the filter
pads. I did modify the inlet and outlet tubes, by cutting them down and
adding long pieces of the clear tubing. I didn't realize it was simply
being clear that was promoting the algae, having black tubes will cut down
on that?

Yes, no light, no algae. That's why I also recommended one of those roll-up
shade (plastic fake bamboo), installed either inside or outside the screen
to cut down the light getting to the pond. They are available at Lowe's for
$10 or $15.

The HOT filter had been clogging, due to the soil we used for
planting around the pond, and the algae growth.

I think if you solve your algae problem you'll be OK. Of course, that may
not be so easy to do with a turtle being a constant supply of phosphates and
ammonia. Most folks in this NG seem to have good results usings lots of
plants to out compete the algae for the nutrients (phosphate and nitrates
{ammonia being the precursor}) I took the advice of someone in this NG
(sorry can't remember who it was) and used Canadian peat to lower the pH,
which seems to give the plants an advantage, plus added fertilizer that had
potassium and the micronutrients needed by the plants. Usually the pond
will mature by itself though, to the point where one day it will suddenly be
crystal clear.........but that is a pond that is fairly well balanced with
plants and animals. In your case, a turtle with no plants.......very
difficult......may just stay green without doing something. That's why the
recommendation for the phosphate absorbing pads (available at the Marine
Warehouse Aquarium).....they aren't cheap and need to be replaced though.
With a turtle that could be frequently.

The filter was in the
back corner, across the pond so it was difficult to get access to. I've
moved it now to the front corner where the lamp was, so it will be easier
to
take care of.

That's my motto.......make things easy to do........stands a better chance
of getting done :-)

You mentioned using the PM1000 as a pre-filter, I hadn't
considered using both, but that seems easy enough to set up. I've not
heard
of the phosphate pads, so will look into those as well. I'm not familiar
with in line UV lighting, perhaps I can google that as well?

Basically, the UV light kills the algae by altering the its' DNA as it
passes through the in-line chamber, bacteria too. They aren't cheap and the
lamp needs to be replaced at least every year to be effective (the lamps are
expensive). Their is nothing mysterious about them.......they are just a
fluorescent light fixture with a UV lamp that is arranged so that the water
passes by the light and, of course, built so that the fixture doesn't get
wet, and most importantly, built so you can't look at it directly, as the UV
light can damage your eyes.

I bought a Fish Mate 8 Watt UV Biofilter (gravity type, $100+) at Pet Mart
(on E. Busch Blvd.) a couple of years ago. It worked very well and cleared
the water as guaranteed. (Pet Mart allows you to return it to their store if
it doesn't work as advertised). It could be connected to the output of the
HOT 250. The only thing that I didn't like about the Fish Mate was that the
dead algae floated on top of the water. You may not have that problem if
used with the HOT......although the HOT will probably clog frequently at
first, but once things settle down it may be tolerable.

Here's a web page for the Fish Mate: (I think that one of the pressurized
units may be just what you need, expensive though, I'm sure)
http://www.pet-mate.com/Fish_Mate/Fi...s_intro_UK.htm

The Fish Mate isn't an "in-line" UV light. Most pond stores will sell the
in-line UV lights too. They basically just connect "in-line" with the
tubing from a filter or pump. Same result, just a different method of
hookup.

I agree the
HOT is very easy to clean, as long as you can reach it. When we chose
it's
original placement, we didn't take into account the temporarily removed
screen being the access point. It was not working when we first put the
pond together so we didn't realize the problem until the screening was
replaced. That is also why it isn't in the pictures you saw, the screen
was
still removed at the corner. It does have the self priming feature, but
I've never heard of using it with DE.

I know the Magnum 350 does (used in conjunction with the micron cartridge).
Check your owner's manual........there' no reason why the HOT shouldn't have
that feature. If it does use DE, it can physically remove the algae. Not
much consolation though, as the filter will clog within an hour or two plus
the algae will just grow back.

I use the foam sleeve over the carbon
filled cartridge.

If you want to try peat, it can be placed in the carbon chamber (not enough
room for both though). Just put it inside the foot of some panty hose and
tie it........rinse well before placing it in the chamber.

Thanks so much for all your help!

You're welcome........I hope you find something that works for you and
Vinta.

--
Melissa
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