How to Install a Wet/Dry Filter in a Fish Tank

A wet/dry filter for your aquarium is a great way to eliminate the chemicals that occur naturally from the breakdown of animal waste in the water. The more conventional mechanical filters help to trap waste products, but because it's still in contact with the water the toxic chemicals are never actually removed from the water. A wet/dry filter changes the breakdown process by adding helpful bacteria that neutralizes these chemicals. Installing one in your tank isn't complicated, but you do need to pay close attention to make sure everything is attached correctly.

Things You'll Need

  • Return pump (if it didn't come with the wet/dry filter)
  • 1/4" wide vinyl tube
  • Collection device or 2-liter plastic bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put together the main filter assembly according to your particular model's instruction manual. This normally consists of attaching the main filter assembly to a protein skimmer (called a ̶0;foam fractionater̶1; in some manuals) and skimmer pump. Sometimes the main filter assembly is already attached to the protein skimmer, in which case you can simply attach this piece underneath or on the side of the aquarium itself.

    • 2

      Attach the overflow box to the pre-filter setup. Again, how you'll do this depends on the type of filter you've purchased, but usually there will be a groove in the pre-filter that allows you to screw or snap the overflow box into place. Hang the pre-filter on the side of the aquarium, in a corner so you can still view the tank clearly.

    • 3

      Connect the siphon tube to the pre-filter. Screw in one half of your drain hose to the pre-filter, attaching the other to the main filter you set up earlier.

    • 4

      Attach the ̶0;return̶1; tube to the filter. It either screws in by itself, or you may need to snap it carefully into place. The other end will screw or snap into the return pump.

    • 5

      Connect your collection device to the setup. Place a vinyl tube approximately 1/4 inch wide on the drain of the protein skimmer cup. Attach the other end to a collection container; a plastic jug or large soda bottle will serve this purpose well.

    • 6

      Test your wet/dry filter. Fill the aquarium with water so it starts to fill the overflow box. Also pour water into part of the pre-filter so it starts to fall into the main filter underneath (or on the side of) the tank. When the pump is underwater completely, start both the pump and the protein skimmer.