Scrub algae and dirt from aquarium rocks with this small footprint, but highly efficient device using the rotary head from a battery-powered toothbrush.

Step 1: Things You Will Need

Brush head from a battery-powered toothbrush. I used one for an Oral Action toothbrush. It has a drillable extension on the top that allows for a deeper hole for attachment pin. Other brands may work as well.
3/8 in wood dowel (or larger) -but make sure it will fit in your drill chuck.
1/8 in wood dowel
Small saw
Drill
Pliers
Super Glue

Step 2: Separate Rotary Brush From Brush Head

Aquarium Turbo Brush Demo.mp4
Download

Step 3: Drill 3/16 In. Deep Blind Hole in Top of Brush With a 1/8 In. Drill Bit

Step 4: Drill Hole in End of 3/8 In. Dowel

Use the same 1/8 in drill bit used for the brush hole to drill a 3/8 in. deep hole in the dowel cut to appropriate length for your aquarium. Don't make dowel any longer than necessary.

Step 5: Super Glue Short Piece of 1/8 Dowel Into Brush Hole

Step 6: Super Glue Brush to End OF Dowel With Hole

Step 7: Demo Video of Brush in Action

Use free hand to direct and stabilize bush to minimize vibration.

Running at higher speeds is best.

Video Demo

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4 Comments

dubdukes

7 years ago on Introduction

cool idea.. might recommend getting some clear coat enamel paint and putting a few coats on the rod or else it will absorb the water and rot over time. Or you could go with a pvc pipe and cap (or maybe just a sleeve over your dowel rod glued together so water doesn't get into it). just a couple of suggestions to improve the design.