Homemade external filter for an aquarium. Features of creating a homemade filter for an aquarium Homemade external filter

Many experienced aquarium keepers will not breed fish without the necessary equipment to set up an aquarium. One of the leading roles is played by filtration systems, which are used to purify water from mechanical and biological components and to saturate the liquid with oxygen. You can purchase internal and external filters for an aquarium in specialized stores or make them yourself, which will save you a lot of money.

The filter plays an important role in the aquarium

Types of devices

All filters for cleaning aquariums are divided into external and internal. The latter work directly inside the aquarium, and the former purify the water outside the fish house.

External filtration systems differ in power, type of design and content. Today, small hanging devices for small aquariums, a variety of phytofilters, and also canisters are produced. In addition, there are large filtration systems called sumps. External filters have a number of undeniable advantages:

• fit organically into the design of the aquarium;
• have significantly greater power and efficiency compared to internal systems;
• do not take up space inside the aquarium;
• Suitable for large volumes of liquid.

In this video you will learn how to make an external filter:

Of course, such devices also have some disadvantages, for example, the filtration system requires a separate location. This is not critical if there is free space next to the aquarium. The price of external fixtures is much higher than internal ones.

If desired, you can hide the filters, or turn them into a decorative element. To save money, you can make your own filter device from scrap materials. The advantage of homemade filters is that the system will be customized to the characteristics of a specific container.

Filling options

The most common and affordable materials for filling an aquarium filter system are padding polyester and foam rubber. They are able to take any form and also act as mechanical and biological filters. The pores of these materials provide enough space for bacteria to spread. It is necessary to periodically rinse the filler to get rid of mucus that clogs the filter system. In addition, silt can settle in the pores, which should not be inside the filtration system, interfering with its operation. There are several options for filling external aquarium filters:

• Filter wool is a budget-friendly filler that is suitable for repeated use. It is easy to clean, with its help the filter space is filled quite tightly, which eliminates the possibility of leakage. It is the best option for use at the final stage of cleaning.
• Ceramic rings are used to uniformly distribute water flows, which ensure the transport of oxygen to the bacteria.
• Plastic bio-balls. Their movement in the water promotes uniform washing of all filter materials. It should be noted that this filler can be used as a substrate to support the vital activity of bacteria.

• Sintered glass. The most convenient option is to purchase the material in the form of balls. A special baking technology promotes the formation of pores in products. The latter contain beneficial microorganisms that process nitrites and nitrates. The efficiency of glass is significantly higher than that of other materials used for biological treatment.
• Ceramic tubes are used to breed bacteria in small pores.
• Zeolite is a low-cost, but very effective sorbent that quickly absorbs an element such as ammonium from water. With its help you can get rid of nitrates in the aquarium.
• Activated carbon. Many experts argue about the advisability of using this material for cleaning aquariums. Some people tend to think that it is better to use small granules for filters. It should be noted that they should have many pores, because this indicator affects the absorption efficiency. In addition, the quality of the material can be determined by the presence of characteristic shine and special dust. Before placing material into the filter system, it must be thoroughly rinsed.
• Peat is a natural material for filtration systems. It is affordable, successfully copes with many tasks - it reduces the Ph level, slows down the growth of fungi, and has a positive effect on the inhabitants of the aquarium.

All of the above fillers can be found on the shelves of pet stores.

DIY external filter

Before you begin making an external aquarium filter, you need to prepare all the components. To work you will need:

• water pump;
• sewer pipe having a diameter of 110 mm;
• 4 plugs;
• 4 input glands;
• Mayevsky crane;
• transparent hose with a diameter of 80 mm;
• a tap that will regulate the outlet pressure;
• selected fillers;
• silicone

Often, in the manufacture of filter systems, pumps are used that were used, for example, in old submersible filters. It should be noted that such a device can be used for both classical systems and nanoaquariums. The latter have gained popularity due to their compactness and ease of placement in any room. Step-by-step process for making an external filter for an aquarium with your own hands:

1. As the basis of the filter device, you can take a connecting coupling, the internal diameter of which is identical to the diameter of the internal pipe at the point where the plug enters. You can use plastic plumbing pipe or coupling for repair. It is necessary to cut a piece 17-20 cm long.
2. In one plug, cut 5 holes into which the Mayevsky tap will then be installed, as well as seals. It is necessary to take into account the fact that the holes must be made 1 mm smaller than the diameter of the seals and tap.
3. Fix all parts tightly; for better sealing, it is recommended to coat the joints with silicone.
4. Place a hose on the pipe that comes out of the pump and secure it tightly. It is necessary to select the size of the hose as accurately as possible so that it fits tightly onto the tube. Then insert the structure into the seals and tighten it. The pump should fit tightly onto the plug. Pull the wire from the pump into one of the small glands, cutting it first.
5. Insert a PVC tube into the second steel piece. Then put a hose on it to collect the liquid. The distance between the bottom of the filter and the pipe must be at least 1 centimeter. Coat the plug with silicone and then insert it into the coupling.
6. Trim the protruding sides on the two plugs so that they can be easily placed inside the housing. Then drill multiple holes: one should correspond to the diameter of the intake pipe, the rest should be made small so that water circulates in the filter unit. Close the pump so that it is located inside between the two plugs.
7. Make the bottom cover of the filter device. To do this, you need to remove the end part of one of the plugs with holes. Reduce the diameter of the cut ring by about 1 cm.
8. Cut a ring from the tube, the height of which should be equal to the distance between the two plugs. Assemble the parts together and place filler in the filter element.
9. The external filtration system for the aquarium is ready. During the work, one of the small seals remained unused. The temperature sensor can be removed through it so that it does not interfere with the inside of the aquarium.

If a larger filter is needed, a more complex model can be made using a similar principle. The assembly diagram is identical to the previous one, but a biofilter and foam rubber can be used as filter materials, which will be placed on a mesh partition.

Difficulties may arise when cutting foam rubber into the required pieces. Experts give the following advice: moisten it in water and leave it in the freezer for 1-2 hours. After this time, the material can be cut into convenient pieces. Allow the foam to dry, and then begin the process of placing it in the filter unit.

Internal fitting

Making an external filter for an aquarium is much more difficult than making an internal one. This is due to the fact that the latter is simpler in structure, so even a novice aquarist can make it. To make the device you will need:

• plastic bottle with a capacity of no more than 0.5 liters;
• padding polyester;
• a plastic pipe whose diameter is equal to the neck of the bottle;
• hose and compressor;
• pebbles

Follow the filter manufacturing instructions

The latter will be used as a filler. Step-by-step master class on making a filtration system:

• Divide the bottle into two parts so that one is larger than the other. The smaller part should have a neck. Point the bowl upside down and apply enough force to get a tight structure.
• Make holes on the outside of the circle for water to pass through. Their diameters should be 3−4 mm. The optimal placement option is 2 rows of 6 holes.
• Pass the pipe through the neck of the bowl so that there are no gaps between them.
• Make the pipe long enough to be located above the surface. The structure itself should not be at the bottom, preventing the flow of liquid.
• Pour a layer of gravel onto the bowl, and then lay out the padding polyester. Install the hose into the tube and secure it. Place the structure inside the aquarium. After turning on the compressor, the device will start working. After a little time, live bacteria will begin to appear in the device, which are necessary for the breakdown of ammonia into nitrates.

The principle of operation of the filter is as follows: air bubbles entering the pipe move upward and then attract water flows. The air-saturated liquid enters the top layer of gravel, then moves downwards, ending up in the aquarium. Cleaning is carried out by a layer of padding polyester, which prevents silt from settling on the gravel.

Bottom filter device

There are several types of bottom filters that can be used for both large and small aquariums. This way you can make a filter system for a round aquarium. The first option is to make the device from a plastic box. The housing is a durable plastic box with a lid. The latter should tightly cover the base. It is advisable to make the lid or body of the box transparent so that you can see the degree of contamination.

A plastic pipe is glued into the lid, then holes are made on the side. It should be noted that they must be of such a size that fish do not get into them. You must first prepare filter elements, which are then placed inside the box. It is recommended to use a ceramic water sprayer, which can be easily found in stores.

Another option is to make a filter unit using a glass jar, which will act as a housing. The container volume should be no more than 1 liter. Close the jar with a plastic lid, and then make holes to allow liquid to enter. Using another lid, make a partition on which to then lay the filtering material. An alternative to a glass jar can be a ceramic container filled with nylon threads or quartz sand.

Using the methods described above, you can make homemade filters for an aquarium. The main thing is to arm yourself with perseverance, ingenuity and patience. Self-made equipment will help not only save money, but also get a device that is ideal for each specific case.

Aquarium fish will bring joy if they are properly cared for. To maintain the biobalance of the aquatic environment, special devices are required. The leading role is played by filtration systems for purifying water from biological and mechanical impurities. An external filter is very popular. Various modifications of this device are available in specialized stores, but you can assemble it yourself.

The external filter is a container within which the cleaning system is located. The device makes water suitable for aquatic life.

With the help of a pump and hoses, dirty water is sucked in and clean water is returned. Devices for large volumes are sometimes called canister devices and are connected to large and densely populated tanks. External filters have compartments for filtering water with a synthetic filler to remove dirt, a compartment with biomaterials to create an optimal balance in parameters and.

The operating principle is as follows:

• the liquid enters the purifier through the intake hose;
• the pump pumps water, passing the flow through the filter layers;
• Through the second tube, purified water is returned to the aquarium.

In different models, liquid can enter the remote filter from the bottom up or from the top down. Thus, the purpose of an external filter for an aquarium is chemical, biological and mechanical treatment of water, absorption of elements dangerous to aquatic life.

Advantages and disadvantages

Compared to similar devices that are located inside the tank, external filters have many advantages:

• do not disturb the interior of the home pond;
• more powerful and efficient compared to internal devices;
• does not take away space from the fish inside the tank;
• passes a significant volume of liquid through itself.

The device also has disadvantages:

• a separate place is provided for the structure;
• the cost of external filters is higher than;
• a powerful filter can suck in small fish, so a mesh is placed at the end of the tube.

There are many models of good external filter devices. Many manufacturers add accessories that make caring for aquarium inhabitants easier.

Popular manufacturers

Several large companies produce excellent quality filters. By purchasing these products, you can be confident in the quality and durability of the devices and their safety for aquatic life:

To choose the best external filter for your aquarium, you should carefully read its technical characteristics.

How to make an external filter for an aquarium with your own hands

Craftsmen assemble an external filter from improvised materials. As a result, maintaining the aquarium is much cheaper.

Filling options

The quality of filtration directly depends on the choice of filler. The following materials are used:

• Sintepon or foam rubber act as biological or mechanical cleaners. Bacteria multiply in the pores. Fillers are regularly washed from mucus and silt, which prevent the device from fulfilling its mission. Dense padding polyester material will not allow even the smallest particles of dirt to pass through.
• For the final stage of mechanical cleaning, filter wool is used repeatedly, rinsing it off from dirt.
• Ceramic rings evenly distribute water flows, ensuring the delivery of oxygen to beneficial microorganisms. This is an excellent tool with which you can adjust the biological balance in the aquarium.
• Plastic bio-balls, which, when moving, help to evenly wash the filter media. Additionally, they are a substrate for the proliferation of beneficial microorganisms.
• Sintered glass balls are valuable because their pores are actively inhabited by bacteria that process dangerous nitro compounds. This is the best biological treatment material.
• Zeolite sorbent for absorbing fish waste products from water. A useful property of this group of minerals is the ability to ion exchange. Zeolites are actively used in the aquarium industry to maintain a favorable biological environment.
• Activated carbon granules for purifying water from impurities in a newly started aquarium. Coal cannot be used frequently as its service life is limited. It must be combined with other filters. He will be indispensable in the situation. Effective for removing drugs. Coal is not reused.
• Peat to reduce fungal growth and equalize the acid-base balance. At the same time, it reduces water hardness and promotes good plant growth and root formation.

On a note! External filters can be equipped with all of the listed fillers or selectively with several types.

Materials and tools

To make an external filter at home, you need to prepare the following materials and tools:

• appropriate power;
• two threaded fittings with rubber gaskets;
• corrugated tube 20 mm;
• transparent plastic tube;
• scissors;
• a jar with a screw-on metal lid;
• a drill attachment and wire cutters to make holes in the lid;

You will also need several types of filler, at the discretion of the aquarist.

Manufacturing process

The process of making an external filter with your own hands step by step:

1. Make 3 holes of suitable diameter in the lid of the jar for fittings and pump wires.
2. Screw in the fittings.
3. Insert the cord from the pump.
4. Carefully fill all joints with sealant.
5. Connect the pump from the inside to one of the fittings.
6. Place a corrugated hose on the second fitting, which will be lowered into the jar.
7. From the outside of the lid, tightly fit two transparent tubes onto the fittings.
8. Fill the jar with filter components.
9. Pour water into a jar and test the device.

One transparent tube will suck water from the aquarium. After it goes through all the stages of filtration, it will come out through the second hose. After successful testing, the filter device can be put into operation.

The best purification of aquarium water will be provided by a multilayer filtration system. The ceramic filler is laid first. It will ensure uniform distribution of liquid flow. The jar is filled with peat last, just before clean water comes out.

Video material

In the presented video you can see the details of making a homemade external filter for an aquarium.

Filter maintenance

External filters are cleaned much less frequently than similar devices that are installed inside the tank. If you choose high-quality filter materials, they will not be touched for months. The device is periodically inspected for leaks. Fillers should not be washed with running water. They are rinsed in aquarium water. Otherwise, colonies of beneficial microorganisms are destroyed. It will take time for new ones to form.

The rotor axis of a running pump also needs to be cleaned. The weak point of the outdoor device is the gasket separating the body and the “head”. It is regularly lubricated with gel or a new one is installed. The hoses are cleaned using a brush. It is often not necessary to interfere with the operation of the equipment so as not to impair performance.

Conclusion

By choosing externally designed aquarium filters, you can simplify the care of aquatic life. They allow you to clean the aquatic environment from fish waste products and debris without harm. The choice of a specific model depends on the volume and density of population of the home pond. A homemade filter, made taking into account the recommendations of experienced aquarists, will work no worse than a purchased one.

external and internal.

Internal filters
External filters

How necessary is water filtration in an aquarium? This question often arises among beginning aquarists.
Do I need to filter and which filter to choose?

In most cases, aquarium filtration is necessary, especially for those who have recently started getting into aquarium keeping.

There are 2 types of aquarium filters: these are external and internal.

Internal filters are immersed directly into the aquarium and attached to the machines with suction cups.
External filters located outside the aquarium. Water is drawn through a tube immersed in the aquarium. Water flows back through the same tube.

Of course, an external filter is better:

1. the filter does not take up space in the aquarium, which means the underwater world looks more aesthetically pleasing,
2. The external one, containing various filter media, purifies water better than its internal counterpart.

When I started my aquarium, I initially used an internal filter, because... I already had it.
I don’t have a lot of fish: 13 neon fish, 2 speckled catfish, a female guppy and a dozen of her fry. All these living creatures live in a 75 liter aquarium.

You can, of course, buy a filter, but you can also make it yourself!
desire to do external homemade filter did not leave me.
The desire turned out to be stronger

Let's look at the general diagram of my homemade filter.

The filter has the shape of a cylinder located vertically. At the top there is an electric pump that circulates water in our system.
Water from the aquarium enters the lower part of the filter, and, passing through the filter elements, rises to the top, and then through the pump and tube back into the aquarium.
Foam rubber and a ceramic biofilter are used as the filtering part (this filler is sold in any pet store).

While buying building materials and all sorts of things for the house, I at the same time selected parts for the future filter.

What is needed to make an external filter for an aquarium?

As you can see in the picture it is:

• 2 pieces of plastic sewer pipe, which fits into each other (there is a rubber cuff inside). One pipe is possible, but longer (up to 60 ms);
• 2 end caps per pipe (bottom and top);
• fitting (according to the diameter of the outlet from the pump);
• tap on the outlet pipe;
• to release remaining air from the filter;
• nuts;
• water pump,
• for sealing threaded connections and a set of wrenches.

The heart of the external filter was the pump from the previous submersible filter.

At the bottom of the pipe we make a hole of such a diameter that the fitting can be screwed in tightly. First, we wrap the thread of the fitting tightly to seal the connection. Tighten the nut from the inside. In the photo, the nut is also coated with silicone - this is not necessary, I removed the silicone from all the nuts, because... water did not pass under the fittings.

To ensure that the inlet hole was always free, I cut out a kind of cap from a plastic bottle, in which I drilled holes. On top of it I made a grid from a CD disk (also with holes). Water will flow freely through these holes.

You can make a lot more holes than shown in my photo. The next time I clean the filter (as the water pressure becomes weaker), I will drill more.

1 - mesh cap at the bottom of the filter,
2 And 3 - the same thing, but already assembled,
4 - place a layer of foam rubber on top of the mesh.

We pour a ceramic biofilter on top of the foam rubber as shown in the diagram above. Another layer and again ceramic filler.

Photo of the top part - the filter cover.

The pump is held in place by being connected to the outlet fitting with a piece of reinforced hose.

The picture shows an external homemade filter for an aquarium already in operation.

Filter height 42 cm, diameter - 10 cm.

A- In the upper part there is a fitting with a tap (water outlet into the aquarium), and a hole for the pump wire outlet.
B- All threaded connections must be wrapped with sealing material to avoid leaks.
C- The wire outlet is also sealed. Stainless steel plates are twisted together from above and from the inside, and a rubber tube is compressed between them and placed on the wire. When twisted, it spreads out in all directions and hermetically closes the hole. I installed a switch where the wire broke.
D- I reliably soldered the joint of the 2 pipes and the bottom plug together with an electric burner. After filling with water, the seam leaked here and there. I additionally soldered these places.

To collect water from the aquarium, I used a glass tube, the one in my hand. The second tube - through it water enters the aquarium.

I fixed the first one on the back wall with a suction cup, the bottom edge rested on the ground, the second one I simply hung on the wall, immersing it a little in water.

Thus, the space in the aquarium is not occupied by any filters, and the glass tubes are, one might say, not visible at all!

The filter has been repeatedly tested for leakage. The leaks were fixed approximately 6 times. Now the filter is in front of the bedside table with the aquarium - I’m still watching to see if it leaks. Then I’ll hide it behind the cabinet and it won’t be visible at all.

Goal achieved!

The first filter cleaning is planned in a month or a month and a half.
Perhaps I’ll also install a filter element on the inlet tube for rough cleaning, so that the filter itself can be washed less often.

the cost of an external filter in a pet store is from 1,500 rubles. The homemade one cost me 500 rubles. taking into account the fact that there was a pump (only parts were purchased).

External filter characteristics:

dimensions : height 42 cm, pipe diameter 10 cm.
filter volume: 3 liters
approximate flow rate: 5 liters per minute.

That. the filter is capable of passing through the entire volume of my aquarium in 15-20 minutes. The filter does not create a strong current - fish and plants feel comfortable.

If you have questions about the manufacture or design of the filter, please ask. If you have any ideas or additions, write to us and we’ll discuss them!

Experience in maintaining a fairly capacious aquarium shows that internal filters do a poor job of purifying water. And periodically changing most of the water is too much stress for the inhabitants of the aquarium. Therefore, it is better to use an external filter.

External biofiltration is the most effective way to keep the inside of an aquarium clean. This method of water purification provides conditions environment, characteristic of natural freshwater bodies of water.Modern external filters allow you to refresh about a third of the aquarium's volume per week. This is quite consistentconditions of a natural flowing reservoir with low current.

Factory external filters are very expensive. Therefore, it makes sense to assemble this useful device with your own hands. The design of the brand filter was taken as a basis Eheim.

To assemble the filter we take the following components:

We use these fittings.

The filter will be on the floor. Therefore, a pump was selected that provided a water lift of 2 m.

Filter assembly process

Drill holes in both plugs. We install the fittings using rubber gaskets and silicone sealant.

Since the plugs with seals fit into the coupling too tightly, we cut off a little of the edge of the coupling. Now, if necessary, the structure can be disassembled without any problems by first removing the sealing rubber band. At the bottom of the coupling we make a seat for the inlet fitting.

Subsequently, we will install the cut edge of the coupling inside; it will hold the mesh.

Cut out a suitable mesh from a plastic vegetable box. We install it in the lower plug above the level of the fitting.

Now we install the assembled lower plug into the coupling. Coat the entire area with silicone. After installation, coat all joints again with sealant.

We drill a hole in the cover for the network cable and air vent. The pump turned out to be securely fastened with a power cord and a piece of hose.

We seal the power cable using a fitting similar to those used in street lighting. We install a switch in the wire gap.

To secure the flask, place a bracket under the inlet pipe. The flask will be used as part of the pre-filter. As a result, we will not have to rinse the canister monthly - it will be enough to do it once every six months.

We take a PVC sewer pipe with a diameter of 32 mm and drill many holes in it. We also use a foam sponge for the filter.

Now you need to sequentially fill the filter with fillers.

1 layer. It is convenient to use coarse foam rubber as a material for coarse filtration. In the absence of one, a material similar to a lump of fishing line was used.

2nd layer. Pour in ceramic rings. They will branch the flow of water, evenly distributing its current over the cross-sectional area.

3 layer. We lay fine-mesh foam rubber. In this case, padding polyester was used.

4 layer. We pour in special “bio-balls”. This is a habitat for bacteria (nitrifiers, heterotrophs, etc.). This layer is the most voluminous; it should be approximately 4/5 of the total capacity of the biofilter. Crushed expanded clay, which has a porous structure, can be used as a filler.

5 layer. This is an optional layer. The FLUVAL substrate used looks like ceramic rings, but has a porous structure.

6 layer. In the last layer in front of the outlet (in front of the pump) we place a padding polyester. It will protect the rotor from dirt.

That's it, all that remains is to assemble the entire structure together. Due to the rubber seal being held too tightly, the top cover was not installed completely - if you close it all the way, then it will be difficult to open.

When it gets dirty you need to clean it There is a pre-filter(about once a month). We open the main canister and rinse it every six months. Only ceramics and foam rubber should be washed with aquarium water. Substraterinse as necessary.

At first, the filter will only work as a mechanical one, since bacteria have not yet colonized it. As you work, the filter will gradually fill with dirt, which is a breeding ground for bacteria. They will populate the container, process organic residues into nitrates and thereby perform biological self-cleaning of the filter.

In about 2-4 weeks, beneficial bacteria will completely populate the substrate. Then there are 2 options: either the filter will successfully clean itself, or the contamination will increase. Here you need to focus on performance: if it drops below 30% of the maximum level, the canister needs to be cleaned. If productivity begins to increase (recover), it means that the self-cleaning process prevails over contamination.

There should be no grease on metal parts - oil is poisonous to the inhabitants of the aquarium. It is better to use plastic components.

It is better to replace the hoses with corrugated ones. The lid must be secured with pins so that it does not rip out in the event of a power outage.

The water in the aquarium must be constantly filtered. This is known to all owners of home decorative fish. Pet stores have a fairly large selection of aquarium filters of various designs. However, such a device can be made independently from available material.

Some aquarists believe that you should not save on the fish themselves and their food, but you can find a replacement for expensive aquarium equipment. It is quite possible to make some supplies and accessories, including a water purifier, with your own hands. Of course, for this you need to know the basic principles of aqua filtration, as well as have some home craftsman skills.

How to make an internal filter yourself?

What is necessary?

Materials for the simplest interior are freely available in regular hardware stores. The only exception, perhaps, is a compact electric pump. However, you can also buy it at a construction hypermarket or electrical goods store.

So, for work you will need:

• a plastic container with a tight lid (a container for storing bulk products is suitable);

• thick porous material or sponge;

• sealed water pump with a fitting for attaching to the container lid;

• ceramic granules or rings for biological filtration (for fine cleaning, you can use plain cotton wool as a filter element);

• 2-3 suction cups, adhesive resin.

Operating procedure

• Then a sponge for coarse cleaning is placed tightly into the container, and material for fine cleaning (cotton wool or biofilter elements) is placed on top.

• A hole is cut in the container lid to the diameter of the pump fitting.

• The fitting is inserted into the hole and sealed around the circumference with resin or silicone.

• The pump itself is screwed onto it, which creates compression inside the container.

• 2 or 3 household suction cups are attached to the upper part of the wide side of the container.

In principle, the internal filter is ready. The suction cups will securely hold the homemade device on the wall of the container.

This filter can also be placed directly on the ground. The latter will act as an additional level of filtration.

If you attach a plastic nozzle with a long tube going out to the outlet of the pump, then simultaneously with water purification it will be purified.

DIY external aquarium filter

What can it be made from?

Making such a device at home will take more time.

• You can use a round tall plastic canister as a body.

• If there is none, then a piece of large-diameter plastic garden pipe will do. True, the top and bottom covers will have to be cut and attached yourself.

Progress

First stage

• A hole is cut in the bottom of the canister, into which a metal or plastic fitting with a one-way inlet valve is screwed tightly.

• There are 2 holes in the cover: for attaching the water outlet valve and the electric pump.

• The pump itself is attached to the inside of the cover through a fitting.

Second phase

Now you need to make cassettes, or cartridges, with filter elements. They can be made from plastic flower pots by cutting off the wide top part evenly.

The diameter of such homemade cassettes should be slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the canister.

Holes are burned in the bottom of each cassette to allow water to pass through.

The first cartridge, where the sponge is placed, is inserted into the canister so that its bottom is slightly higher than the adapter with the inlet valve.

Next, a second cartridge is installed, where the filter material can be fiber, padding polyester or cotton wool. The cassette with the filtering biomaterial is installed on top so that it is lower than the pump attached to the lid of the canister.

If the external filter housing is made independently, then its bottom and lid are sealed with silicone or resin.

Third stage

Tubes or hoses are connected to the inlet and outlet adapters with valves. Their length is adjustable depending on the depth of the aquarium and the distance to the filter.

The external aquarium water purifier is ready.

As in the first case, a working pump creates pressure, under the influence of which water is first sucked into the canister, goes through all stages of filtration and then flows back into the aquarium.

Before starting use, it is necessary to check the canister for leaks within 24 hours by filling it with water.

The main element of the purifiers is the pump. When choosing it, you should take into account the volume of the aquarium. For example: for a 70-liter aquarium, a pump with a capacity of 300 liters per hour is suitable, and for a 200-liter aquarium - 1000 liters per hour.

Instead of a conclusion

You can make it at home. However, this is a more difficult task that real craftsmen can do.

Quite a large number of aquarium owners prefer not to spend money on expensive equipment. Water filters, carefully made with your own hands, work no worse than expensive branded devices. And the technology and frequency of their maintenance are the same as in the models sold. In addition, a self-made device has a slightly different moral value. Is not it?

Video on how to properly make an external aquarium filter: