First, let me say I know that we are all caring, passionate people, especially in regards to our turtles/tortoises.
This forum contains an enormous range of experience in all areas of husbandry, and there are many different experiences with different methods.
I am requesting only UG filter fans on this thread because I have discovered this seems to be a hot topic, with vigorous debate.
I have successfully kept aquariums using UG filters much of my adult life. My most beautiful tank was a 75 gallon, which was served by an UG filter. In that tank my fish not only thrived but reproduced as well: my angel fish laid eggs several times, as did my Cory catfish. I even had Cory fry miraculously avoid being eaten and survived to adulthood! The tank was lightly planted, and was run on an UG filter.
So I am set on using UG filters for my turtles.
Currently, I am trying to set up my handicapped mud turtle's tank. It's the same 40 gallon breeder that she has been in all along, but I emptied it and put in UG filter plates and 3 inches of gravel.
I bought a brand new shiny Fluval 207 canister filter to power it and had to adapt the Fluval intake to fit in the UG lift tube. I've filled the tank to about 7 inches below the rim, and turned on the filter. It's running, but not moving water. I've reopened, examined, tucked sponge filters in, tightened everything that can be tightened. I've done it 3 times and called upon hubby (with stronger hands) to tighten further. Still not moving water.
My question is this: is it possible the Fluval 207 CAN'T pull water through 3 inches of gravel?
(In my heart I suspect it's that I've overlooked something, or still have to tighten something, but I got frustrated and had to step away. And if I can blame the EQUIPMENT...)
This forum contains an enormous range of experience in all areas of husbandry, and there are many different experiences with different methods.
I am requesting only UG filter fans on this thread because I have discovered this seems to be a hot topic, with vigorous debate.
I have successfully kept aquariums using UG filters much of my adult life. My most beautiful tank was a 75 gallon, which was served by an UG filter. In that tank my fish not only thrived but reproduced as well: my angel fish laid eggs several times, as did my Cory catfish. I even had Cory fry miraculously avoid being eaten and survived to adulthood! The tank was lightly planted, and was run on an UG filter.
So I am set on using UG filters for my turtles.
Currently, I am trying to set up my handicapped mud turtle's tank. It's the same 40 gallon breeder that she has been in all along, but I emptied it and put in UG filter plates and 3 inches of gravel.
I bought a brand new shiny Fluval 207 canister filter to power it and had to adapt the Fluval intake to fit in the UG lift tube. I've filled the tank to about 7 inches below the rim, and turned on the filter. It's running, but not moving water. I've reopened, examined, tucked sponge filters in, tightened everything that can be tightened. I've done it 3 times and called upon hubby (with stronger hands) to tighten further. Still not moving water.
My question is this: is it possible the Fluval 207 CAN'T pull water through 3 inches of gravel?
(In my heart I suspect it's that I've overlooked something, or still have to tighten something, but I got frustrated and had to step away. And if I can blame the EQUIPMENT...)