How to Make Your Own Carbon Filter for an Aquarium With Nylon

Aquarium creatures pollute the water with waste products. As aquariums are closed systems, you need to filter the water to remove impurities and keep your fish happy and healthy. Carbon makes a wonderful filter, as it is able to trap organic waste matter within its pores and channels. Carbon is used to trap the smaller pieces of debris, while large pieces are captured by filter wool prior to the water being pumped over the carbon.

Things You'll Need

  • 1-gallon plastic bottle
  • Craft knife
  • 1-inch barbed fitting
  • Bowl
  • Hot water
  • 1 1/2-inch diameter plastic tubing, 4 inches long
  • Aquarium pump
  • Nontoxic silicone sealant
  • Filter wool
  • Nylon filter bag
  • 1/2 pound activated carbon
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the top off of the 1-gallon plastic bottle at the shoulder. Discard the top of the bottle.

    • 2

      Cut a 1-inch diameter hole in the bottom of the plastic bottle where it curves up to meet the side. Ensure that the barbed fitting fits snugly inside the hole.

    • 3

      Pour a little hot water into the bowl. Water near boiling works best. Submerge the end of the plastic tubing into the water until it is pliable. Squeeze the end over the barbed fitting.

    • 4

      Attach the barbed fitting to the aquarium pump. Push the other end of the tube through the hole in the bottle and seal it with nontoxic silicone sealant. Leave it to cure.

    • 5

      Place a handful of filter wool in the bottom of the bottle. Place the carbon in the nylon filter bag. Pull the drawstring tight.

    • 6

      Hold the bag with the carbon under a running tap until the water runs clear. Place the bag on top of the filter wool and press down lightly to compact it.

    • 7

      Locate the sump. The sump is placed below the aquarium and is connected to it with pipes. Place the bottle in the sump, ensuring that the top of the bottle is slightly higher than the water level in the sump.

    • 8

      Plug in the pump and turn it on. Water from the sump will be filtered through your carbon filter and then through the aquarium.