How to Make PVC Pipe Water Filters

If you have saltwater fish, you may worry about the quality of the water you put in your tank. Many saltwater fish owners add salt to purified water to avoid pollutants found in drinking water. But you don't have to purchase purified water. Construct a filter to remove impurities from ordinary tap water and leave you with a pure, freshwater base for your saltwater aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-inch piece of PVC pipe (1 1/2 diameter)
  • 2 3-inch pieces of PVC pipe (3/4 inch diameter)
  • 2 90-degree PVC fittings
  • 2 1 1/2-to-3/4 inch female PVC pipe adaptors
  • 3/4-inch PVC pipe hose fitting
  • 2 lb. activated carbon
  • Cotton fiber fill
  • Chemi-pure cotton pad
  • Drinking-grade water hose
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stuff one of the 90-degree elbows completely full with fiber fill. Label the elbow "Intake" with a marker.

    • 2

      Stuff the other 90-degree elbow half-full with fiber fill. Insert the Chemi-pure pad into the center of the elbow. Finish stuffing the elbow with fiber fill on the other side of the Chemi-pure pad. Label this elbow as the "Exit."

    • 3

      Insert the 2-inch length of pipe into the elbow labeled "Exit." Fill the pipe with activated carbon up to 2 inches from the top of the tube. Fill the remaining space with a wad of cotton.

    • 4

      Cap the other end of the PVC filter with the "Intake" elbow.

    • 5

      Insert two 1 1/2-to-3/4 inch adapters into the elbow fittings.

    • 6

      Twist the 3-inch pieces of pipe into the adaptors.

    • 7

      Place a hose adaptor into the 3-inch pipe on the "Intake" end.

    • 8

      Attach a drinking-grade water hose to the hose adaptor. To filter water, attach the hose to your kitchen faucet. Filter your water into a 5 gallon container for easy mixing.