DIY Aquarium Power Filter

Aquarists use power filters to keep their aquarium water clean. Mechanical, chemical and biological filter materials can all be included in a power filter. Filter floss, which removes large pieces of debris, is typically used as mechanical filter material. Chemical filter material, such as activated charcoal, physically traps organic waste, while the biological filter mater is designed to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria colonies, which break down and convert toxic metabolic waste into less harmful products. Although various power filter models are commercially available, aquatic hobbyists can make their own suitable canister filters.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium, 90 gallons
  • Aquarium sump, 15 gallons
  • 1-inch barbed fitting
  • Gen-X 1500 volute submersible pump
  • 3-gallon plastic bucket, with screw-tight lid
  • Marker pen
  • Sharp knife
  • Small tube, 100 percent nontoxic silicone sealer
  • Kettle
  • Small bowel
  • 2-inch long, 11/2-inch diameter plastic tubing
  • Nylon filter bag
  • Charcoal, 1 lb.
  • 1 large handful of filter wool
  • 20 plastic bio balls
  • Work surface
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Instructions

    • 1

      Push the 1-inch barbed fitting into the outflow nozzle of the Gen-X 1500 submersible pump.

    • 2

      Place the Gen-X pump on a work surface next to the three-gallon plastic bucket so that the barbed fitting is pointing at and making contact with the bucket. Make a mark on the bucket where the barbed fitting touches it.

    • 3

      Cut a 1-inch-diameter hole in the 3-gallon bucket, in the exact place the pump touched it.

    • 4

      Place one end of the 2-inch plastic tube into a bowel of boiling water for up to 30 seconds. Remove and push over the end of the 1-inch barbet fitting.

    • 5

      Push the opposite end of the 2-inch plastic tubing through the hole that you have just cut in the bucket.

    • 6

      Apply 1 tablespoon of nontoxic silicone sealer to the area. Spread the silicone around the plastic tubing to create a watertight seal. Allow the silicone to cure for a full day.

    • 7

      Remove the bucket's lid. Use a sharp knife to cut a 3-inch-diameter hole in the lid, towards the edge.

    • 8

      Place a large hand full of filter wool into the three-gallon bucket and spread it over the bottom of the bucket.

    • 9

      Place 1 lb. of activated charcoal into the nylon filter bag and secure the neck of the bag with the attached piece of string. Rinse the bag with the activated charcoal under running tap water, until the water that runs out of the bag is clear.

    • 10

      Place the nylon bag onto the filter floss in the 3-gallon plastic bucket and flatten it out.

    • 11

      Place the 20 bio balls onto the flattened nylon stocking that contains the activated charcoal.

    • 12

      Replace the lid on the bucket and screw on tightly.

    • 13

      Place the bucket and attached pump into the sump of the aquarium. The sump is a container that is typically placed below the aquarium and is connected to the aquarium via pipes. Ensure that the top of the bottle is just above the water level.

    • 14

      Plug the submersible pump into a wall power source and switch it on.