You have an interest in keeping turtles as pets, and why not? They are fun to watch and interesting to play with.

Unfortunately, their living quarters get dirtier than you might expect and will start to smell unless you filter the water.

Dirty waters are bad for your health and can be extremely dangerous for that of your turtle pet. 

SO read on to find your next best filter for turtle tank and be sure that your pet lives in clean waters!

5. Tetra 25772 Whisper Power Filter, 3-in-1 Filters

Tetra 25772 whisper power filter filter only

Ideal for:

  • Aquatic pets or fish
  • Accommodates tanks that hold up to 20 gallons of water

This filter uses three types of filters, resulting in less ammonia and nitrate spikes that you may get in a new tank.

It also features a dial on the top that allows you to adjust the flow of water to nearly an off position.

This filter is designed to be used with large Whisper Bio-Bag Cartridges.

Its disadvantage (for you) is the somewhat annoying humming sound it produces.

Enjoy the Swim:

  • Filters water using three types of filters
  • Has a water flow dial on top
  • Uses Whisper Bio-Bag Cartridges (Large)

Sinking Points:

  • Might sometimes stop at random 

4. Tetra 25818 Whisper In-Tank Filter (Filter Only) with BioScrubber 

Whisper 25818 in tank filter with bioscrubber for aquariums

Ideal for:

  • Turtles, frogs, and newts
  • For use in medium-sized tanks that hold up to 40 gallons of water

This item mounts on the inside of your tank and sits inside the water, quietly doing its work cleaning your pet’s water using three different types of filters.

It can work in only two inches of water, and you can create a waterfall using this item.

You’ll need to use these in the large Whisper Bio-Bag Cartridges.

Enjoy the Swim:

  • Can be used in shallow water
  • Can have a waterfall
  • Cleans water three ways
  • Allows you to place your tank against the back wall

Sinking Points:

  • Suction cups may be hard to remount

3. Tetra 25905 Decorative Reptile Filter (Filter Only) for Aquariums

Tetra 25905 decorative reptile filter for aquariums

Ideal for:

  • Turtles, frogs, and newts
  • For use with tanks that hold up to 55 gallons of water

This filter looks like rocks with a waterfall on the outside. Turtles, newts or frogs can climb onto it while you enjoy its natural look.

Underneath this view of nature is a filter that is effectively processing your pet’s water using three types of filters, taking out ammonia in addition to odor, discoloration, and debris.

Taking this all in, it is quite obvious why customer demand makes this one of the best filter for turtle tank options that we’ve found so far!

Enjoy the Swim:

  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Three-stage filtration system for effective cleaning
  • Large intake holes that prevent clogging
  • Designed with turtles, newts, and frogs in mind

Sinking Points:

  • Too large for smaller tanks

2. Tetra Whisper 25816 In-Tank Filter (Filter Only) for Aquariums

Whisper 25816 in tank filter with bioscrubber for aquariums

Ideal for:

  • Turtles, frogs, and newts
  • For use with tanks that hold up to 10 gallons of water

This filter mounts on the inside of your tank and is set inside of the water, making it quiet.

It even works in low water levels, doing its work in three stages, filtering ammonia, odor, waste, and debris out of your pet’s water. You can create a waterfall with this filter too.

You’ll need to use this with the medium-sized Tetra Whisper Unassembled Bio-Bag Filter Cartridges.

Enjoy the Swim:

  • Mounts inside of the tank
  • Filters three ways
  • Works in low water levels
  • Can make a waterfall

Sinking Points:

  • The suction cups are sometimes hard to remount

1. Whisper In-Tank Filter with BioScrubber from Tetra 

Whisper 25817 in tank filter with bioscrubber for aquariums

Ideal for:

  • Turtles, frogs, and newts
  • For use with tanks that hold up to 20 gallons of water

This three-stage filter may be the best filter for a turtle tank that we’ve found so far, and it’s definitely amongst the most commonly used ones.

It is ideal for turtles because it quietly operates in low water levels. You can create a waterfall if you would like.

The filter adjusts up and down through the use of suction cups on the inside wall of your tank. 

It is recommended to use it with the Tetra Whisper Unassembled Bio-Bag Filter Cartridge.

Enjoy the Swim:

  • Can be used in aquariums and terrariums alike 
  • Can be used in shallow water
  • You can remove the bottom for easier cleaning 
  • Mounts inside of the tank

Sinking Points:

  • Some users reported mounting or pressure problems 

Conclusion

Well, there you have it… the top-selling filters that you can get nowadays.

All of them will filter out, odor, and clean the water in your turtle’s tank, and now, you’ll only have to consider if you want to heat the aquarium as well.  

Please feel free to comment on the aforementioned filters or tell us about other canister or internal filters for turtle habitats you have found and which work great!

Together, we can find the best filter for a turtle tank!