Hi Myo, yes the filter DEFINITELY gets rid of the waste, I use a "Fluval 104", which is an older model, it pumps around 125 galls. an hour, The only problem I`ve ever had is the small plastic plunger, used to pump water into the cylinder when you`ve changed the filter media broke, but these cost pennies to replace... I change the carbon every 4 or 5 weeks. I think you can get them on ebay, (new) for around £60 ( $90) or so... The filter carbon costs just a couple of pounds for two pkts., which will last 2 months or so...

so you just change the filter once a month - no spot cleaning of the water to get the big bits out? how often do you have to do a full water change? does it cost a lot on electricity?

If there are any "Big bits", it`s easy enough to pick them out... although my ornatus goes in a litter -tray the vast majority of the time....
I do a water change every 4 to 6 weeks, but it`s not because it`s particularly dirty, I just happen to do it that way.... It doesn`t cost too much to run... ( the filter), but I can`t give you the exact cost per week etc., because I`m also using around 800w.x12 hours, (lights), then the250w, infra-red lamp at night..... also there`s a 250w. aquarium heater in the pool, 24/7, and the humidifier.... it costs around £12 to £15 ($20 ) a week in electricity.... but that includes the rest of the appliances in my apartment....

That sounds like it's the way to go then... I've been toying with the idea of getting something plumbed into the house but that sounds a lot cheaper and easier, for the intitial set up at least.

Hi again Myo, as I said, no problems at all.... You WILL need to have the tank raised off the floor to fit the filter underneath, of course... Depending on the model you choose, around 15 to 18 inches should just about do it, but obviously make sure first! I use one of the plastic ponds you get in the garden centres, they`re quite cheap, and very strong....

You could also get a siphon - I find mine to be extremely helpful when draining tanks, pools, etc. The only catch with those is that the container you have to siphon water into must be below the level of the container your siphoning water out of in order to work.

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Only when the last tree has been cut down
Only after the last river has been poisoned
Only after the last fish has been caught
Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten.

Cree Indian Prophecy.