Filters can be quite expensive. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the right type of filter, especially if you have a large tank, or fish that are vulnerable (eg betta fish). Therefore, many aquarium enthusiasts choose to make their own filters. This article will walk you through the different types of filters.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Creating a Sponge Filter
Step 1. Choose a plastic hose that is large enough to fit in the intake valve on the powerhead
This hose does not have to be long because the powerhead will sink in the water. Try to get a hose that is at least twice the height of the sponge.
- When choosing a powerhead, choose one that is capable of pumping out twice per hour more water than what is already in the tank.
- Sponge filters are ideal for fragile tanks.
Step 2. Choose a filter sponge and cut it so that it fits into the tank
You can use any brand, as long as it's the type used in the aquarium filter. The easiest sponge shapes to work with are triangles and cylinders. This triangular shape will fit easily in the corner of the aquarium tank, but the cylinder shape will look neater. Whatever shape you choose, make sure it's wider than the plastic hose.
- You can find filter sponges at pet stores and aquariums.
- It's best to get a large porous sponge. These sponges are great for harboring good bacteria, which will help clean the tank.
- Sponge filters are ideal for shrimp and betta tanks. The filter is bioefficient, but try not to create a lot of suction or movement of the water.
Step 3. Measure the height of the sponge, and mark the plastic hose
The mark should be at the same level as the sponge. You will make air holes under this mark.
Step 4. Make a hole in the hose under the mark
You can use a heated nail or an electric drill. Try to make 8-10 holes per 2.5 cm plastic hose.
Step 5. Plug the bottom of the hose
Make sure you plug the hole in the end of the hose. The hose will go into the sponge, but the bottom will still need to be plugged. You can use a PVC pipe end cap that fits over the hose, or even a piece of Styrofoam.
Step 6. Make a hole in the sponge with your finger, then slide the hose through it
Push the hose all the way down to the bottom of the sponge. All holes in the hose should now be covered with a sponge.
Step 7. Attach the plastic hose to the inlet valve on the powerhead
The powerhead will suck the water so it flows through the sponge. All dirt and debris in the aquarium will be filtered out by the sponge.
Step 8. Cut the air inlet hose and connect it to the air pump outlet valve
The air duct hose does not have to be long, about 8-10 cm is sufficient. Clean water will flow through this hose.
Step 9. Place the filter in the fish tank
If your air pump has a suction cup, use it to attach it to the wall of the aquarium tank. Adjust the angle of the outlet hose so that the water comes out near the surface of the water.
Method 2 of 3: Creating a Capsule Filter
Step 1. Get a small cylindrical capsule
Empty film cans, recipe containers and fish food containers are ideal for turning into filters. This filter is good for small tanks.
Step 2. Clean the capsules using hot water. Do not use soap or chemicals as they will kill the fish. If you are using a film can, clean it with water and a few drops of tap water conditioner. Make sure the conditioner is able to remove heavy metals. This is because film cans usually have heavy metal residues.
Step 3. Make an incision into the bottom end of the plastic hose
Take a 1.5 cm wide plastic tube and cut it so that it is 15 cm long. Make an incision into the bottom of the plastic hose. You can also cut it at a slight angle. This will help facilitate the flow of water.
You can buy a plastic hose at a fish or pet aquarium store. You can also buy them at home supply stores
Step 4. Cut a hole in the capsule cover
The hole size should be slightly smaller than your 1.5 cm hose. Thus, the hose can fit snugly into the capsule. You can cut a hole right in the center of the capsule cover, or near the edges.
Step 5. Attach the capsule cover and slide the hose all the way into the capsule
The beveled end of the tube should touch the bottom of the capsule. If you cut a hole near the rim of the cover, adjust the angle so that the notch is facing the center rather than the edge of the capsule.
Step 6. Make a hole in the capsule cover using a heated nail or electric drill
If you look at the capsule cover, there should be a flat area left around the hose. This is where the air bubbles will come out.
Step 7. Drill a small hole in the side of the hose
Keep the hose in the capsule/cover. Measure 1.5 cm from the "seam" of the hose meeting with the cap. Make a small mark, then make a hole in the mark. You can use a heated nail and a hammer or an electric drill. The hole must be large enough for the air hose to fit snugly.
Make the hole slightly smaller than the air hose. Thus, the hose will be firmly attached
Step 8. Insert the air inlet hose into the small hole
Continue pushing the tube until it is half the length into the capsule. Your hose should not have touched the bottom of the capsule.
Step 9. Lift the capsule cover
Do not stick the plastic hose all the way out. Continue to press firmly on the bottom of the capsule. If the hose is pulled out now, the filter media will get stuck under it.
Step 10. Fill the capsule with filter media
You can use zeolite, or any medium used as an aquarium filter. You can also use activated charcoal because it is good and cheap. This medium is great for getting rid of bacteria. Try buying them at a pet store or fish tank.
Step 11. Attach the cover tightly and place the capsule on the bottom of the aquarium tank
The plastic hose and capsule must be in the water. The air hose will be out of the water, and into the air pump.
Step 12. Attach the end of the air hose to the air pump
Depending on the depth of the tank and the distance to the air pump, you may need to cut the air hose. The filter is now ready to use.
Method 3 of 3: Creating a Bottle Filter
Step 1. Choose a water bottle that fits the powerhead
The neck of the bottle should fit snugly against the inlet valve on the powerhead. Don't forget to choose the right powerhead for the tank; the amount of water pumped per hour should be twice as much as what is in the current tank.
- The stronger the powerhead, the bigger the bottle required.
- Bottle filters are great for large aquarium tanks.
Step 2. Make a large nick to the bottom of the bottle
Cut off 2/3 of the bottom corner of the bottle, but leave some to prevent the filter media from spilling out. This is where the water will enter and exit.
Step 3. Fill the bottle with filter thread until 1/3 full
You can buy filter floss at a pet or aquarium fish store. Try to thread the thread into the bottle until it feels solid. This filter thread will retain debris and dirt.
Step 4. Add activated charcoal, or other filter media
Fill it up to 5 cm high. The charcoal will filter out bacteria and toxins.
Step 5. Fill the rest of the bottle with filter thread
Do not forget to fill the bottle with filter media so that there is no empty space. This helps the filter to filter out large dirt or debris.
Step 6. Consider wrapping the bottle with gauze
This is not necessary for all tanks, but will be useful for tanks containing shrimp, minnows, or vulnerable fish. Simply wrap the gauze until it covers the hole and secure it with twine. You can also use stockings.
Step 7. Connect the powerhead inlet valve to the bottle mouth
The inlet valve will suck dirty water into the bottle. The filter media in it will filter impurities from dirty water.
Step 8. Attach the air hose to the powerhead outlet nozzle
An 8-centimeter hose should suffice. Clean water will come out of this hose.
Step 9. Install the filter in the tank
If the powerhead has a suction cup, use it to attach it to the wall of the aquarium tank. Adjust the angle of the air hose so that it points to the surface of the water.
Tips
- Usually, the filter will only filter out debris and dirt in the aquarium tank. However, over time, good bacteria will also build up on the sponge, allowing the filter to also perform biological filtration in the water.
- If you have an adjustable power pump or powerhead, make sure the output power is set to the appropriate level for the type of aquarium tank.
- You can partially bury the filter with aquarium gravel to keep it from moving, or stand it upright.
- Make sure the powerhead or pump is the correct size for the aquarium tank so that it can pump twice as much water as is in the aquarium.
Warning
- Check the filter regularly to make sure it is still functioning properly. A pump that does not work properly can be harmful to the health of your fish and your health.
- Do not Never use soap or chemicals to clean anything in an aquarium tank. The slightest residue will kill the fish. Use only hot water and aquarium water conditioner, if needed.
