How to Build an Aquarium Filter Suction Pump

An important part of aquarium filtration is the regular mechanical removal of uneaten food, dead and decaying aquatic vegetation and noticeable fish feces. Much of this waste material lodges between the pieces of individual gravel and decomposes further. Aquarium filters classically remove dirt and suspended organics that are carried in the water that passes through them. Filters are not normally designed to travel along the aquarium bottom, cleaning gravel. It is however possible to make a gravel filter suction pump that will remove dirt and toxic waste material from the bottom of the aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Rigid transparent plastic tube, 12-inches long and 2-inch diameter
  • Small plastic disk, 2-inch diameter
  • Flexible transparent tubing, 6-feet long and 0.5-inch diameter
  • Priming ball, 1/2-inch diameter
  • Small tube, 100 percent non toxic silicone sealer
  • Bucket
  • Towel
  • Sharp scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the 2-inch plastic dish over one of the hollow end of the rigid transparent plastic tube to ensure that it covers the tube correctly.

    • 2

      Fold the plastic disk slightly over and cut a small hole in the center. Enlarge the hole to accept the 1/2-inch flexible tubing.

    • 3

      Place a pea-sized amount of silicone sealer around the top edge of the rigid tube and glue the plastic disk over the 2-inch diameter rigid plastic tube. Spread the silicon around the join to ensure a correct seal. Leave to cure overnight.

    • 4

      Cut the 6-foot long flexible tubing in half. Push one end onto the top threaded end of the priming ball. Push one end of the second piece of flexible tubing onto the opposite threaded end of the priming ball. Glue both pieces of flexible tubing onto the priming ball. Spread the silicon around the join to ensure a correct seal. Leave to cure overnight.

    • 5

      Push one end of the flexible tubing, approximately 1/2 inch into the hole in the plastic disk that has already been glued onto the rigid tube. Glue the flexible tubing in place. Spread the silicon around the join to ensure a correct seal. Leave to cure overnight.

    • 6

      Place a towel onto the floor beneath the aquarium and place a bucket onto it.

    • 7

      Place the rigid tube into the aquarium and dig it into the gravel. Position your finger or thumb on the end of the 6-foot flexible tube and squeeze the priming ball.

    • 8

      Wait until you see bubbles exit the end of the rigid tube and remove your finger or thumb from the end of the flexible tubing. Drop the end of the flexible tubing into the bucket and wait until aquarium water begins to run into the bucket.

    • 9

      Move the rigid tube around the gravel, but watch that the bucket does not overflow. As the bucket fills up, remove the rigid tube from the aquarium. Empty the bucket and repeat the process until the gravel is clean.