How Can I Build My Own Aquarium Filter?

An aquarium filter is a necessary part of every fish tank because it collects fish feces, dirt and other unwanted items that could be harmful to your fish. Unfortunately, aquarium filters can be a bit expensive. An alternative to purchasing an aquarium filter is to make your very own. This DIY filter is easy and inexpensive to make.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic water bottle
  • Basic sponge
  • Water pump that can go underwater and fits into bottom of water bottle
  • Activated carbon
  • Nylon pantyhose
  • Air tubing (must fit water-pump nozzle)
  • Rubber bands
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a plastic water bottle in half and recycle the top portion. You only need the bottom part to build your aquarium filter.

    • 2

      Place the sponge into the bottom of the water bottle. If the sponge is too large, cut it so that it fits neatly into the bottle.

    • 3

      Add three pieces of activated carbon onto the sponge inside the water bottle. This serves as a safe, chemical filter.

    • 4

      Wrap the intake valve of the water pump with the nylon pantyhose two times. This will keep dirt, algae and other grime from clogging the valve of your aquarium filter.

    • 5

      Place the water pump into your water-bottle bottom gently, but make sure it is snug.

    • 6

      Cut a piece of air tubing 3 to 5 inches long. Place this tubing inside your sponge material by cutting a slit into the sponge. Attach the the air tubing to your water-pump nozzle and make sure it is secure. It should fit over the water-pump nozzle snugly and not feel loose.

    • 7

      Wrap rubber bands over any area that may feel loose, if necessary. For example, if your water pump does not fit over the water bottle tightly, you make want to wrap one or two rubber bands around the two (vertically). The rubber bands are simply precautionary.

    • 8

      Place the aquarium filter in the back corner of your tank and flip the power switch to "on."