Zoo Med Turtle Clean 15 External Canister Filter

Turtle Clean 15 Compact Canister Filter for Aquatic Turtles

Product Description

The Turtle Clean 15 External Canister Filter by Zoo Med is a small, convenient, outside-the-tank filter for aquatic turtle tanks. It provides biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration at about 79 gallons per hour, and its clear viewing case lets you see when the filter media needs replacing.

Benefits

• Compact Outside-the-Tank Design: A small, convenient canister that sits outside the tank, keeping filtration equipment out of your turtle's water.
• Sized for 15 Gallons: Designed for turtle tanks holding up to 15 gallons of water, according to Zoo Med.
• Three Filtration Types: Contains biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration using ceramic media, carbon, and a sponge in one canister.
• Clear Viewing Case: The clear case lets you see at a glance when the filter media needs replacement.
• 79 Gallons Per Hour: Zoo Med lists a flow rating of about 79 gallons per hour for this filter.
• Beneficial Bacteria Support: The ceramic material provides beneficial bacteria with room to grow, helping them break down waste trapped inside the filter.

Specifications

How to Use

Recommended Usage Chart

Disclaimer: Product information and usage guidelines are provided by the manufacturer. Always use products as directed and reach out to your vet with any questions you may have about your pet's health.

Usage Instructions

• Identify the Parts: Lay out the parts from the box and accessories bag and match them against the parts diagram.
• Prepare the Fittings: Fit suction cups onto the clips screw nuts onto the elbows and the strainer onto the intake tube.
• Set Up the Outlet: Plug one end of the spray bar, or mount the diverter directly onto the rubber elbow.
• Load the Media: Open the filter, rinse the carbon bag, add it, then place the rinsed ceramic media on top.
• Close and Fill: Press the head down, slide the clips closed then fill the canister and click the cap shut.
• Secure the Tubes: Wipe the tank wall clean, cut the intake tube to size if needed, and attach the suction cups.
• Join the Pipes: Fit the pipes onto the spigots and tighten the screw nuts, making sure the intake goes to IN.
• Set Up and Start: Place the filter upright beside the tank at the same level, create a drip loop, and plug it in.

Additional Information

Precautions

• No Self-Repairs: With water in use, never repair the filter yourself; return it for service or discard it.
• If It Falls In: If the filter falls into the water, don't reach for it unplug it first, then retrieve it.
• Dry Parts Only: Never plug the filter in if water is on parts not intended to get wet.
• Drip Loop: Form a drip loop in the cord so water cannot travel along it into the outlet.
• Wet Plug: If the plug or receptacle gets wet, switch off the fuse or breaker before unplugging.
• Unplug for Maintenance: Disconnect all electrical appliances before placing your hands in the water or servicing the filter.
• Prevent Siphoning: Unlock the screw nuts and detach the hoses from the spigots before moving the filter to avoid siphoning.
• Avoid Kinks: Keep the inlet and outlet pipes free of tight bends or kinks for proper flow.
• Supervision and Intended Use: Supervise closely around children avoid contact with moving or hot parts, and use only indoors in aquariums or vivariums.

Storage Information

• Avoid Freezing: Do not install or store the filter where it is exposed to weather or temperatures below freezing.
• Dry Before Storing: Empty the canister and let all parts dry fully before storing them in a cool, dry place.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What size tank is the Turtle Clean 15 for?

Ans: Zoo Med describes it as a compact external canister filter designed for turtle tanks holding up to 15 gallons It runs at about 79 gallons per hour and was formerly sold as the Turtle Clean 501. Its clear case shows when the media needs to be replaced.

Q2: Should I shorten the flexible tubing?

Ans: Cutting the flexible tubes shorter may help the filter prime more efficiently, according to Zoo Med. First, confirm the motor head is level with or below the water line and never cut the tubes so short that they pull taut and block flow.

Q3: Where does the carbon bag go?

Ans: The carbon bag goes below the ceramic media in the filter chamber. Rinse the bag under running water without opening it, place it in the chamber, then rinse the ceramic media and set it on top of the carbon bag.

Q4: Why does the filtration order seem reversed?

Ans: Zoo Med explains that water passes through the ceramic media first, then the carbon, and then the sponge. According to Zoo Med this order produces the best filtration flow for the Turtle Clean 15 canister design and its media layout.

Q5: How often should I change the media?

Ans: Replace the carbon once a month. Rinse the ceramic media monthly and change it only if it restricts water flow. The sponge can be rinsed monthly and only needs to be replaced if it cannot be cleaned or starts to break down.

Q6: What does the ceramic media do?

Ans: The ceramic media gives beneficial bacteria surface area to grow. Zoo Med says these bacteria help trap other bacteria and break down waste caught in the filter, and the ceramic media only needs to be changed when it restricts water flow through the canister.

Q7: How often should I clean the filter?

Ans: Zoo Med says once a month is usually enough for one turtle, and tanks with more animals may need more frequent cleaning. Before servicing, disconnect all electrical appliances and detach the hoses from the spigots to avoid siphoning the tank.

Q8: What size are the tubes and hoses?

Ans: Zoo Med lists two tubes that are 10 7/8 inches long with a 3/8-inch diameter, and two hoses that are 2 feet long, also with a 3/8-inch diameter. The rigid intake tube can be trimmed if necessary to fit your tank.

Q9: What warranty comes with the Turtle Clean 15?

Ans: Zoo Med backs the Turtle Clean 15 with a 1-year warranty. For warranty questions or replacement parts, such as filter media, contact Zoo Med customer service or visit the store section of the Zoo Med website for help with your filter.