How to Make a Natural Filtration Aquarium

Many aquarium enthusiasts prefer the most natural types of equipment for their tanks. An algae scrubber, also called an algae turf scrubber, is a way to use a natural material to remove organic waste from the aquarium that can cause water quality problems. An algae scrubber uses the same type of filtration that the ocean uses to remove waste products. Beneficial algae eliminates the bad algae that grows on surfaces, as well as organic chemicals that build up in the tank. You can build your own natural filtration system with a few readily available materials.

Things You'll Need

  • Polyvinyl chloride pipe, 3/4 inch
  • Dremel tool
  • Plastic canvas
  • Wood saw blade
  • Zip ties
  • 2 marine fluorescent tubes, 15 watt
  • Light fixtures with brackets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a 1/8-inch slot in the 3/4-inch PVC pipe with a Dremel tool along its length. Make the cut on one side of the pipe, ensuring that it does not penetrate to the opposite wall.

    • 2

      Cut the screen material to fit the right area for your tank. You will need 1 square inch of screen for every gallon of water if you light both sides. The screen should be twice this size if you only light one side.

    • 3

      Roughen the surface of the plastic canvas material with the wood saw blade in several different directions to allow a better surface for the algae to take hold. If you don̵7;t roughen every part of the surface of the canvas, the algae will not be able to grow on it.

    • 4

      Insert one edge of the plastic canvas into the slot in the PVC pipe. The canvas should slide into the slot easily. Secure the roughened canvas onto the pipe with the zip ties.

    • 5

      Attach the lights onto both sides of the canvas screen, pointing them to the middle of the screen. Plug them in.

    • 6

      Connect the tank pump onto the pipe. Adjust the flow of water so that it moves smoothly over the screen.

    • 7

      Set up the light fixtures that will supply the light for the beneficial algae to grow. Light should be available on both sides of the screen, if possible, for the best algae growth and filtration. Insert the light bulbs securely.

    • 8

      Position the screen into place in the tank so that water flows over the screen. Though both horizontal and vertical screens are used, the vertical orientation is more efficient, because it allows the water to flow over new growth. The growth on horizontal screens can block the water flow, according to the ReefSanctuary website.

    • 9

      Monitor the algae that grows on the plastic screen. It can take up to a week for the algae to get a hold on the screen.

    • 10

      Clean the new canvas screen every seven days to encourage the right type of algae growth.