big size or not the top filter? for how big the tank? normally that is my setup -> sponge, bio ring, round balls and activated carbon.

Casualty in turtle tank :



Casualty in turtle tank : The pump wire being bitten by Fly the PNT. Naughty guy indeed. When i touched the water, it feels like an electric shock! I tried several times and still the same. Sheesh.. it hurts. Surprisingly the PNT and all feeder fishes seem normal, no sign of stress let alone shocks.

I tried to nurse the wounded wire by applying thick tapes, but to no avail, still feels electricity in water. Well, maybe its time for a new pump. Or i'll just use normal powerhead pump (for top filters). Lower flowrate though 

Yep, the old unused submersible pump 40w @2000L/Hr, Tsurumi brand. Pic :



Pic of turtle temporary tank setup :

Early installation



The pump keep changing places as my PNT constantly played with it. Then i put it in plastic ware, to prevent wire biting as well.



Today it proves that u cant trust a turtle with something chewa-bitable. My bad as well, i should've used a taller ware to provide full-protection. So currently i just used 18w normal powerhead pump (actually for top filter). By math, it is less than half the power of former submersible pump.

If u looking for greater power, consider this from Shanda



Notice that the SDP10000A has about 10 times more wattage/ flowrate than normal powerhead top-filter pump. Imagine a pump that powerful, a LFS once said he dare not test a powerful pond pump in his shop, scared the output water will ruin his ceiling LOL 

U dont have to apply into a pond to use a 4500L/Hr pump. I'm using that on my aquarium

BTW what model is ur shanda powerhead? May this pic help?



Trust me bro, if ure going further in this hobby, u'll crave for a bigger tank, higher flow power

Too much flowrate and strong current of water will surely suck the pellets. High power sump is not recommended to put in main tank. I put mine in filter tank.

Come to think again, having a tank /pond is a different kind of enjoyment and exp

Puffer! Are they pretty? Got any pics of them? Ive been wondering abt their behaviour, and whether they'll give much fun in their husbandry.

And a new filter too! Tell us more la bro

Good that u did a great scouting job there. Now we know what to expect from which, roughly thou.

Submersible pump is best suited with sump filtration system. But u can customize things to ur condition. I'm scared it will cause extra-fast current if the water volume too little. If u see ur fishes not comfortable with the strong current, u can try using stones or anything as buffer / current breaker.

Output flow, causing high speed/fast current in aquarium

that's also depends on your setup, size of tanks, types of fish in your tank. for me only change the soft sponge if dirties and causing the overflow of the filter. other than that just change the water and on water only.  . if too lazy want to change like filter media and etc then i'll move to aquaphonic setup less cost and eat vege free nia. 

Dont bother about changing those. It depends on setup and conditions. Let say, once a year or so. Just dont forget to keep ur eyes on them.

Don't put carbon if ur the lazy type. It only absorb a certain amount of toxin then will released back to water. Double toxin if u din change.
I just lapik sponges. All three tiers, 9 compartments.
And a bag of whatisname to balance the PH

If using a big filter tank, u just replace a media one after another. It is not advisable to change media setups too often. In fact, what i do is just wash and sometimes change the sponges, and thats not so often as well. Just when it gets too dirty or the water cant go through anymore. In many situations, its best to trust nature and let it be.

Also, its good that u do some readings. But the results dont always be the same, as cases vary with variable conditions and setups. U have to try out urself whats best for u. Dont just trust whats written in the net or anywhere, or even what ppl said. Because in the end ure the one to bear the consequences of ur actions. So just try out and see for urself

* Oh btw i like geniee's advise. Basically sponges are enough, if u dont want to make it complex. Remember that we're dealing with live creatures so its best to trust nature.

can any1 post link to buy fish from online in malaysia such like Arare fb.. ...

Link broken for me 

yup,many broken link...im also korek from old thread juz nid to know which seller still active n can trust..so far Arare was good n trusted

juz rope fish...4 pcs for good deal (nid keep secret the price as promise to the seller) heheheh..normal price rm28 per 1 size 10-12inch