How to Install a Wet-Dry Filter

Using a wet-dry filter in your aquarium is the perfect way to catch waste and debris from the water. Many types of filters can be used, but only wet-dry filters are able to separate the waste through the addition of a separate container to help eliminate the unhealthy particles in the water. Other filters simply collect the waste in a screen or cartridge. Installation of a wet-dry filter is simple, but caution should be taken to ensure all connections are properly made.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Main filter kit
  • Manufacturer's instructions
  • Drain hose
  • Water
  • Plastic jug
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Assemble the main section of the filter by following the manufacturer's instructions. The pieces you should be placing together are most likely the skimmer (or cartridge) and the pump. In some cases, these two pieces are already manufactured together. Also attach the overflow unit to the pre-filter device following the manufacturer's instructions.

    • 2

      Hang the connected filter on the top of the aquarium edge or use suction cups to place the filter inside the tank. Make sure the filter can be accessed easily and is in plain sight. Place the siphoning tube to the pre-filter. Place one end of the drain hose to the pre-filter and the other end to the filter you set up in Step 1.

    • 3

      Attach the plastic return tube to the main filter by either screwing it in or snapping it in place, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Attach the opposite end to the return pump. Place a vinyl plastic return from the protein skimmer drain to the inside of the plastic jug. The jug will act as a collection container to collect the waste from the aquarium.

    • 4

      Fill the aquarium with water until the level begins to fill the overflow part of the pre-filter. Prime the pre-filter by adding water until the motor begins to turn in the main filter. Once the filter begins to circulate water, the pump and skimmer can be used. Check all the tubes for leaking as water begins to filter through.