This review dives into the Zilla Platform Filter, a new product aiming to upgrade the turtle tank experience. We unpack the filter, assess its assembly, and evaluate its key components – the filter unit itself, the included air pump and, uniquely, a built-in turtle feeder. First impressions focus on the build quality, ease (or lack thereof) of assembly, and the initial promise of the various features. We'll examine whether this system truly simplifies turtle tank maintenance and if its innovative design justifies its price point.The review covers the unboxing experience, detailing the contents and initial thoughts on the filter's construction. We then detail the assembly process, highlighting any challenges encountered. A significant portion focuses on the integrated turtle feeder, a feature designed to improve tank hygiene. Finally, we assess the overall performance and value of the Zilla Platform Filter, weighing its advantages against its cost, offering a comprehensive evaluation for prospective buyers considering this turtle tank upgrade.
Pros And Cons
- It's pretty cool
- The filter cartridges are expensive
- It's kind of difficult to put the filter inside and the water pump; it has all these little small things to it.
- Allows turtle food to come out from holes
- Helps prevent food from getting stuck
Read more: 5-Star Reptile Basking Platform with Hiding Spot
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Zilla Platform Filter arrived, and the initial impression was positive. The packaging was straightforward, and the components seemed well-constructed. The filter itself looked sturdy enough for a large turtle tank, though the instructions were somewhat minimal.

Included in the box were the filter unit, an air pump (small but seemingly adequate), and a basking platform. The platform design appears promising for turtle basking, and the filter's cartridge looks easily replaceable, though there were some reservations about the cartridges being relatively expensive

Assembly and Setup
Putting the filter together proved slightly more challenging than expected. The numerous small components and somewhat unclear instructions made assembly a bit fiddly. Connecting the air pump and tubes requires patience and attention to detail. The filter cartridge installation is reasonably straightforward, but the design doesn't immediately inspire confidence in its long-term efficacy.



The Turtle Feeder Accessory
A noteworthy addition is the included turtle feeder. This device is designed to prevent food from getting stuck, a common issue with turtle feeding. The food dispensing mechanism looks effective and should improve overall tank hygiene. This feeder seems like a smart feature that will likely minimize cleaning frequency.
Overall Tank Setup and Conclusion
The final setup includes the filter, basking platform, and turtle feeder, all integrated into the turtle tank. The filter's performance will be assessed over time; however, its initial appearance suggests adequate filtration for a medium-sized tank. The combination of the filter and basking platform is practical and caters well to turtle needs.

The filter is relatively expensive, which could be a drawback for some buyers. However, the inclusion of the useful turtle feeder and the apparent build quality somewhat mitigate this. Overall, the Zilla Platform Filter provides a good balance of filtration and convenience, with the potential to make maintaining a turtle tank significantly easier.
