Building Your Own In-Line Aquarium Filter

In-line aquarium filters are often fixed onto the return line of your fish tank's water supply, designed specifically to filter water as it returns to the tank. The tanks are often purchased in canister form and can be made using several household appliances. Making your own filter will save you money and give you a more intimate working knowledge of your fish tank.

  1. Materials

    • Before you construct your own in-line aquarium filter, it is important to purchase the required materials. For this project, you will need a sponge, open top container, basic water pump, air tubing and some activated carbon to help with the filtration. The air tubing must be able to securely fit onto the end nozzle of the water pump you have either purchased at the supply shop or crafted yourself. The water pump must also be able to withstand submersion in water.

    Assembly

    • Once you have gathered the proper materials, start by placing your water pump into the open top container, allowing some room at the base for your carbon and sponge. From here, protect the intake valve with mesh; either a stocking or other mesh material will work. Push this valve securely into the active carbon and sponge. Place the additional tubing onto the output nozzle of your filter. Wrap several rubber bands and pieces of string around the filter to keep it securely in place in your fish tank.

    Sizing

    • Depending on the type of aquarium you have, you will need to cut and adjust your filter to be adequately submerged in your tank. As a general rule, try to leave two inches from the bottom of the tank to the base of the filter. This will allow for water and air to properly circulate in this region. If your sponge is too large to fit into a modified container, simply cut the pieces of sponge into little sections, pushing them snugly into the base of the filter.

    Caution

    • While making your own in-line aquarium filter is a relatively safe procedure, it is important to pay attention to detail and properly secure your filter before bringing fish into the tank. Failure to do so might result in a contaminated tank, which, if left untreated, can kill your fish. During the first week or two of integration, check the pH balance of the water regularly to make sure the filter is operating consistently and reliably.