What type

[Desastre]

I'm trying to do some research for a friend but first I would need some help identifying what can of turtle he has. Here are some pics of it.

 

[Galligak]

I do believe that the turtle is a red eared slider. That is a red mark on the side of his head right?

 

[Desastre]

Yeap. That's what I thought but wanted to be sure.

 

[Galligak]

Then yes it is a red eared slider

 

[Desastre]

So now that I have figured out what type maybe you can help me with some other questions. My friend has had this turtle in his pond for almost two years now. He wants to be able to keep the water a bit cleaner in between water changes. Right now he only has the water pump that runs to the overhead fountain but he wants to add in a filter or make one himself. The pond is 40" length and about 15" height.
So I tried to google it and it has crossed my mind that a fx5 canister filter might do but not sure with just foam/polyfil media. So basically
1. What kind of filter system can he use or make. He is a architect so he is a very hands on DIY kind of person.
2. Is it ok to place the canister so far above the waterline im no canister expert as I use hob for my freshwater tanks.
3. Can he add any fish to this size pond without risking their instant death.
4. What is the best plant to add that will survive the turtle eating habits.

Added some pics to get an idea of it's surroundings. Any information will help as I really want to help him with his filtration issues.

 

[Galligak]

I'm not the best at filters either, sorry. But I do know that maybe some larger goldfish could live there, I have two in my 55 gallon tank I don't like them but they're still alive. Where exactly do you live to give me a few ideas... As for plants I'd get duckweed because it grows so fast that it would take the turtle a while to eat it all.

 

[Desastre]

We live in Puerto Rico so a heater isn't much issue for us. And his pond from what I've noticed gets maybe around 4-5 hours of direct sunlight on average but I'm not there so that's word of mouth.

 

[Galligak]

I would do maybe a goldfish or 2(make sure they're big enough when you buy the as so the turtle does not eat them). Or maybe a koi once more make sure of te size.

 

[Desastre]

Alright that makes sense. Just gotta figure out the filtration issue out now.

 

[Galligak]

I'd put that question in another thread in the freshwater forum because more people will probably answer it for you

 

[Desastre]

True enough