DIY Wet-Dry Filters for Turtles

Turtles can be fascinating pets. However, since they live on both land and water, you have to monitor their habitat's cleanliness. The best way to maintain their water is to install an aquarium filter. The wet-dry filter, also known as the trickle or sump filter, is a filter commonly used for saltwater aquariums. However, it can certainly be modified for use in a turtle pond. It is also a filter usually made by the fishkeeper, or in this case turtle-keeper, instead of being bought from a store.

Things You'll Need

  • Sump (acrylic box, glass box or second fish tank, usually smaller than the first)
  • PVC to vinyl tubing fitting, sometimes called a PVC nipple
  • Aquarium glue
  • Glass or acrylic, for making an overflow box and baffles
  • Hacksaw
  • Filter media (your choice of bioballs, carbon, zeolite, floss or ceramic noodles)
  • Return pump, minimum three to five times your water volume GPH
  • Return spigot, available online
  • Fine-point permanent marker
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Drill the aquarium. It is usually easier to have a professional do this; many high-end pet shops offer glass drilling for a small fee. Drill 1 inch below your desired water level on the back of the tank. The hole will be 3/4 to 1 1/2 inch depending on the size of your aquarium.

    • 2

      Install a PVC/vinyl tubing fitting. These are available at hardware stores. Use aquarium glue to make sure the seal is tight.

    • 3

      Assemble an overflow box. It should have a front, two sides and a bottom. The aquarium will form the back. Glue it over the PVC fitting. The top of the box will determine your water level. You have the choice of making it out of acrylic or glass. Glass may have to be cut to shape by a hardware store, but acrylic can be cut at home with a hacksaw. Glue it over the drilled hole inside the tank.

    • 4

      Glue baffles in your sump. The sump is a separate see-through box or aquarium that will act as a filter. Baffles can be pieces of glass or PVC you glue in place in your sump to direct the flow of water. The specifics will vary depending on your design. Place the return pump on the "out" end of your sump.

    • 5

      Add your filter media to the sump. Connect a length of vinyl tubing from the PVC fitting to the "in" side of the sump and a separate one from the return pump to the return spigot on the "out" side of the tank.

    • 6

      Place the return spigot into the tank. Having it close to the water will create less turbulence for the turtles.

    • 7

      Fill the sump, then mark the line on the outside of the tank with a fine-point marker. Label this line, "max fill, pump off" line. Then, plug in the return pump. Once the water level stabilizes, mark this level as the "max fill, pump on" line.