How to Build a Fish Pond Filter Out of a Plastic Tub

Making a fish pond filter out of a plastic tub is an easy way to clean your pond and improve water conditions for your fish. Plastic tubs do not make good filters for indoor aquariums as they can be unsightly when viewed from the sides of a glass tank. In a pond, however, you can easily and effectively hide your homemade filter on the pond's floor.

Things You'll Need

  • Submersible pump
  • Plastic tub, shoe-box sized
  • Heater hose
  • Plastic scrubbing sponges, soap-free
  • Dremel rotary tool
  • Razor blade
  • Waterproof tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your submersible pump inside the center of the plastic tub. Attach it firmly to the bottom of the tub if the pump has suction-style feet.

    • 2

      Establish where you need to make cuts in the plastic tub. Determine the direct path for both the hose and electrical cord and make a mark on the plastic tub to indicate where to cut. Mark a hole on the lid to feed the water hose from the pump. Mark the hole for the electrical cord on the side of the tub.

    • 3

      Cut holes large enough in the plastic tub to accommodate the electric wire and the water hose, using the Dremel tool on a low setting or a razor blade. Be sure to make the hole for the wire large enough to accommodate the plug end.

    • 4

      Place the soap-free plastic scrubbing sponges around the pump inside the tub as if you are packing it for shipping. These are your "filters." Pack the sponges tightly and put the lid on with the hose and wire fed through their openings.

    • 5

      Tape the entire tub using the waterproof tape. Tape it securely so that it won't open once it hits the water.

    • 6

      Cut at least three 1-inch by 1-inch holes on both long sides of the tub, using your razor blade. Cut two 1-inch by 1-inch holes on each short side of the tub to serve as intakes for water.

    • 7

      Place the tub into your pond, using your hands or a stick to slowly submerge it. Wait until all of the air leaves the tub and watch it sink to the bottom.

    • 8

      Hook up your hoses and electrical connection.