Best Filter for Turtle Tanks

The best filter for turtle tanks will depend on a number of factors. There are specialized filters available on the market – which are more powerful (i.e. higher flow rate and usually superior filter media) than fish tank filters of the same size. This is due to the significantly higher waste produced by turtles compared to fish. If you don’t want to get a specialized turtle tank filter it is also possible to use a fish tank filter – just make sure that it strong enough. A 100 gallon fish tank filter could work well in a 30-40 gallon turtle tank.

Below we take a look at some specialized filters for your turtles, as well as some of the more generic options that you could also consider.

Best Filter for Turtle Tanks – Reviews

Tetra Decorative ReptoFilter, Terrarium Filtration

A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4.5/5
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The Tetra Decorative ReptoFilter is one of the best specialized turtle filters on the market today. It used Tetra’s three stage filtration process:

Mechanical filtration – dense mesh to catch debris and waste
Biological filtration – bio-foam cultivates aerobic bacteria to help eliminate toxic ammonia
Chemical filtration – activated carbon removes odors and discoloration

This turtle filter works well in shallow water (around 4-6 inches in depth). Not only does it do a good job of filtration, but it provides an instant waterfall feature in your tank. It also blends in nicely with the rest of your aquarium, particularly if you already have some stones in your tank.

The filter is easy to set up and easy to clean – replaceable bio bags make the cleaning process a breeze. Suitable for aquariums up to 55 gallons in size. Uses medium ReptoFilter cartridges which are easy to replace when needed. If you’re buying the filter is probably worth getting some of the replacement filter cartridges at the same time.

Tetra ReptoFilter for Terrariums – 90 GPH

A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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The Tetra ReproFilter is perhaps the best low cost filter for turtle tanks. Unlike the Decorative ReptoFilter discussed above, this filter isn’t the prettiest (although it is much cheaper). You’ll need to hide it behind rocks or similar in order to avoid ruining the aesthetics of your tank. It is possible to use the filter in as little as 2 inches of water.

The filter has a flow rate of 90 gallons per hour. And it is suitable for aquariums up to 20 gallons in size. After a period of time you will need to replace the filter cartridges with more medium sized 3 Pack ReptoFilter cartridges.

Similar to the Decorative ReproFilter, it uses a three stage filtration process:

Mechanical filtration – dense mesh to catch debris and waste
Biological filtration – bio-foam cultivates aerobic bacteria to help eliminate toxic ammonia
Chemical filtration – activated carbon removes odors and discoloration

Tetra ReptoFilter for Terrariums – 125 GPH

A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4.5/5
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The 125gph Tetra ReproFilter is of the same type as the 90 gph option discussed above. It is perhaps the best low cost filter for turtle tanks up to 55 gallon in size. It isn’t the prettiest filter – you’ll need to hide it behind rocks or similar in order to avoid ruining the aesthetics of your tank. But it is is possible to use the filter in as little as 2 inches of water.

The filter has a flow rate of 125 gallons per hour. And it is suitable for aquariums up to 55 gallons in size. After a period of time you will need to replace the filter cartridges with more large sized 3 Pack ReptoFilter cartridges.

Similar to the Decorative ReproFilter, it uses a three stage filtration process:

Mechanical filtration – dense mesh to catch debris and waste
Biological filtration – bio-foam cultivates aerobic bacteria to help eliminate toxic ammonia
Chemical filtration – activated carbon removes odors and discoloration

Zilla Internal Filter for Aquatic Reptiles – 20 gallon

A Little Bit Fishy Score: 3.5/5
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The Zilla Aquatic Reptile Internal Filter is suitable for up to 20 gallon tanks. There is a protective grate to stop your animal from accidentally straying into the filter. It is easy to install and comes with one medium carbon cartridge. If you go with the Zilla rather than one of the Tetra ReptoFilter (or other filters) it is worth getting some medium replacement cartridges at the same time.

Zilla Internal Filter for Aquatic Reptiles – 40 gallon

A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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The Zilla Aquatic Reptile Internal Filter is suitable for up to 40 gallon tanks. There is a protective grate to stop your animal from accidentally straying into the filter. It is easy to install and comes with one medium carbon cartridge. If you go with the Zilla rather than one of the Tetra ReptoFilter (or other filters) it is worth getting some large replacement cartridges at the same time.

Zoo Med Turtle Clean External Canister Filter – 15 Gallon

A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
Check on Amazon.comEasy to clean

The is one of the smallest canister filters available on the market. If you have a tank up to 15 gallons in size and need a small turtle tank filter then this may be for you. One benefit of the canister rather than the in tank filter is you don’t take up unnecessary space in your tank. This canister has all three filtration capabilities – mechanical, biological and chemical. One nice piece of functionality is that there is a clear viewing case, making it easy to see when the filtration media needs to be placed. At time of review this canister came with a 1-year warranty, but it would be worth confirming this is the case before purchase.

Zoo Med Turtle Clean External Canister Filter – 50 Gallon

A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4.5/5
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This is a medium sized turtle tank canister filter. It is rated for 200 gallons per hour and is suitable for tanks up to 50 gallons in size. One benefit of using canister filtration is that the filter doesn’t take up unnecessary space in your tank.

This canister has all three filtration capabilities – mechanical, biological and chemical. If includes both ceramic and carbon filters and have a spray bar that increases oxygenation. Perfect for helping to keep your turtles healthy.

Zoo Med Turtle Clean External Canister Filter – 75 Gallon

A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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This is a medium sized turtle tank canister filter. It is rated for 265 gallons per hour and is suitable for tanks up to 75 gallons in size. One benefit of using canister filtration is that the filter doesn’t take up unnecessary space in your tank.

Zoo Med Turtle Clean Filter

A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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The Zoo Med 318 turtle tank filter is a cost efficient model. It is an internal filter and is usable in tanks up to 30 gallons in size. One nice piece of functionality is that it has a dual intake system. This is great for ensuring that even if one gets clogged your tank is still going to have some filtration. The filter has both mechanical and chemical (activated carbon) filters.

Zoo Med Laboratories Turtle Clean 511 Submersible Power Filter

A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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Turtle Tank Filters – Other Options

As long as you choose an appropriately sized filter, it is possible to use a range of filters for your turtle tank. We won’t take up your time by running you through the 100s of different options, but if you are interested in finding the best options, we’ve laid out some of our favorite canister filters and undergravel filters previously.

Best Filter for Turtle Tanks – Conclusion

Ultimately, the best choice of turtle tank filter is a personal decision. It depends on your style preference, tank size and overall budget. Generally we prefer the capacity of the canister filters. They are a little more expensive, but they don’t take up tank space and do a great job of keeping your tank clean. But your mileage may vary!