How to Make Your Own PVC Filter

PVC is a great medium to work with because it is easy to find, inexpensive and easy to cut and glue. A short piece of wide-diameter PVC pipe fitted with two end caps and a hose will provide excellent filtration for your freshwater or saltwater aquarium. Extra filtration helps remove toxic chemicals from the water and particulate matter that can lead to a buildup of nitrate that can be toxic to fish at high levels. It is important that you change the media in the filter about every other week to ensure it filters properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Powerhead
  • Vinyl tubing that will fit on the outlet of the powerhead
  • 3 inch diameter PVC pipe
  • Two end caps for the PVC pipe
  • Filter floss
  • Granular activated carbon
  • Aquarium-safe silicone
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Instructions

    • 1

      Drill holes in the PVC endcaps the same as the outer diameter of the vinyl tubing. You will insert the tubing into these holes later.

    • 2

      Cut the PVC pipe so it is about a foot long. You can use different lengths and wider or narrower PVC depending on your design needs.

    • 3

      Cut the vinyl tubing into two lengths. One will go into the PVC filter and the other will come from the filter into the aquarium.

    • 4

      Insert one end of the vinyl tube into the hole drilled into the PVC cap. Use aquarium-safe silicone to seal the tube into the cap. Add silicone to both the inside and outside of the tube connection to ensure a tight seal.

    • 5

      Insert the other section of vinyl tubing into the second PVC cap and seal it with the silicone. Let the silicone cure for two days before continuing.

    • 6

      Fill the inside of the PVC pipe with filter floss and granular activated carbon. You may want to put the carbon granules into a mesh bag to prevent them from being pushed out of the filter. The water should pass through the filter floss first, then through the carbon.

    • 7

      Slip the end caps onto either end of the PVC pipe making sure they are very tight. Do not glue them as you will need to open the filter later to change the filter floss and carbon. However, even when tight they may slowly leak water. You can place the PVC filter in a location where the water will be safely captured, such as over the aquarium, or add a bead of aquarium-safe silicone around the seams. You will be able to remove the silicone later.

    • 8

      Secure the PVC filter in a safe location near the aquarium. You may be able to rest it on something or attach it with hooks onto the back or side of the aquarium.

    • 9

      Insert the inlet vinyl tubing onto the outlet of the powerhead. The powerhead will push the water through the filter. Place the powerhead into the aquarium.

    • 10

      Angle the outlet vinyl hose so that the filtered water flows back into the aquarium and turn on the powerhead.