DIY Sponge Filter

DIY Sponge Filter: Build a Super Charged Sponge Filter!

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Jack Dempsey
Owner Tropical Fish Care Guides at Tropical Fish Care Guides
Jack has spent the last 10 years writing online about fish and aquariums. He has more than 30 years of experience as an aquarist and fishkeeper.He is an expert in setting up new tanks, breeding, maintaining, and keeping planted freshwater habitats. Jack is currently interested in marine biology, and veterinary science.His goal is to help beginners avoid the biggest mistakes when getting started. If you find something helpful please share it on your favorite social network. If you need help with anything send Jack a question. You can also find Jack writing for Backyardalpha.com
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This new video from Joey Mullen the The king of DIY shows you exactly how to build an aquarium filter that anyone can build and use in any size tank.

Here’s What You’ll Need To Build Your DIY Sponge Filter

Be sure to watch the video as Joey explains some of the pros and cons of this filter and goes over exactly how to maintain this type of filter and how inexpensive this filter is to build.

So how do you build it?

Further Reading: Looking for more cold stuff check out all our cool Aquarium DIY Projects and Ideas.

Here Are The Steps:

Step 1: Using the utility knife cut off the bottom of the bucket or to save time use a table saw

Step 2: Size the bucket to your aquarium by placing it on top of your tank where you intend to locate.

Try to estimate the rough size of the “wedge” you will cut, be sure to leave enough room for things like your pump and your heater.

Then use the utility knife to cut the bucket in half.

You now have your wedge.

Step 3: After you cut the bucket in half, you will now need to cut the lip of the bucket off.

This can be done using your utility knife but will tak some time and effort.

But it will ensure you have a nice smooth surface.

Note: If your tank is higher than the height of your bucket. You can use the other half of the bucket to extend the half you are working with.

Simply use the silicon to join the two pieces together.

Step 4: Drill as many 6mm holes in to the surface of the wedge as possible.

This will provide maximum flow for your filter through the wedge.

Step 5: Now it’s time to colour your wedge.

First sand it down then spray it with

Krylon Fusion in any colour you want.

Be sure to let it dry for at least 7 days.

Step 6: After your wedge has dried and your holes have been drilled you can silicon the wedge in place.

You can install the wedge in the corner of your aquarium, the center or the side.

Note: When you install your wedge, be sure to keep it at least 1″ lower than the height of your aquarium.

This will prevent overflow if, in the unlikely event, all of your holes plug up.

Step 7: Now cut the foam slightly wider than your wedge and at the exact height of your aquarium.

Your foam should be 1″ higher than your wedge. Or, as high as your aquarium to prevent your fish from entering your filter.

Your foam is cut slightly wider than your wedge keep a nice snug fit.

Step 8: Install your power head or water pump.

Drill a hole where you want your return to be, this can be at the top or bottom, or you can have it return over the top of the foam.

Note: Watch the video and Joey will explain exactly how to size your pump for your aquarium size.

Step 9: Turn it on.

If you like doing things yourself and saving some cash, check out his YouTube channel where there are hundreds or aquarium DIY projects you can try out.