How to Make an Aquarium Pump

Choosing the right pet is a big decision. Larger pets, such as cats and dogs, need to have shots and regular veterinary checkups. These checkups can put a larger dent in your wallet, not to mention the cost of food. Fish, on the other hand, can provide hours of entertainment and are relatively cheap to maintain. A basic fish will only cost a few dollars, and one can of fish food can last for weeks. While fish require an aquarium, which can be expensive, one money-saving technique is to build your own pump for your aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Candle
  • Match
  • Nail
  • Old rag
  • Empty 2-liter bottle
  • 5 feet of fish tank tubing
  • Super glue
  • 1 small jar of yeast
  • 1 tablespoon
  • 1.7 liters of water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Light the candle with the match. Hold the head of the nail with the old rag over the flame. Once the nail is black push it into the lid of the two liter bottle. Repeat until the hole is large enough to feed the fish tank tubing through it.

    • 2

      Feed the fish tank tubing through the hole in the lid of your bottle. Super glue the tube in place, allowing only1 inch to remain below the lid inside the bottle, then let it dry.

    • 3

      Unscrew the lid and remove it from the bottle. Add 1.7 liters of water to your bottle.

    • 4

      Add 1 tbsp. of dry yeast to the bottle. Place your thumb over the mouth of the bottle, and shake it vigorously until the yeast is dissolved. You should notice some bubbling starting.

    • 5

      Replace the lid on your bottle once the super glue has dried.

    • 6

      Place the long end of the fish tank tubing into your fish tank and watch the bubbles appear.

    • 7

      Replace yeast and water every two weeks in your bottle or as bubbling subsides.