Introduction: Diy Sump Filter for Aquariums
This is a DIY sump filtration system for freshwater as well as marine aquariums,this type of filter can handle large amounts of bio loads,can be easily built by a hobbyist with only a hand full of tools.
Step 1: Materials Required
1.a box of any kind preferably with a lid[dimensions 8''x4''x5''(lxbxh)]
2.PVC pipe of 1 dia
3.PVC pipe of .5 dia
3.a power head of displacement capacity -300lph
4.filter media.- bio balls,sponge
5.glue of some kind.etc
Step 2: Preparing the Box
make a hole in the bottom side of the box of dia 1 as shown, sand the edges for better glue bonding,can use any epoxy glue,
make some holes to the lid of the box for air circulation
Step 3: Preparing Outlet Pipe and Sump Divider
the sump divider and pipe are shown,pipe can be of any desired length,
the divider is cut so that it fits tightly inside the sump,the divider can be of any material here i hav used foam board.
Step 4: Assembling
the pipe is fixed , the divider is kept allowing around 1 gap in the bottom for water flow.
glue the stuff.
Step 5: Filling With Media
fill the compartment near the outlet with biological media like bio balls.and the other chamber with sponge for mechanical filtration
Step 6: Sump With Bio Balls
can see the sump in operation with the lid, a mesh is wound to the outlet tube to avid blocking of outlet by bio balls
Step 7: The Complete Set Up With the Pump
the output of the pump is let on the sponge, piping can be clearly seen
enjoy ur new filter!
11 Comments
14 years ago
This is a great Instructable, but you need to add a main image of the final project to the intro step. Please do that and leave me a message when you have so that we can publish your work. Thanks!
10 years ago on Introduction
Excellent Instructable. My question is, It looks like your inflow for the filter and the out flow are on the same side, Wouldn't it be more advantagous to put he inflow over the bio media? It seems like water on that side of the divider wouldn't move much. Or is that what you are trying for?
13 years ago on Step 2
you cannot "use any epoxy glue". Use only certified aquraium non-toxic glues.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
wait for it... wait for it.... ^ OWNED LOL! the guy below is right all epoxy is fine for fish. Great DIY this helped me out a ton thanks
Reply 12 years ago on Step 2
Epoxy itself is aquarium non toxic.
12 years ago on Step 6
So when making the outlet hole in the box I should also have drilled 1/4inch air (?) holes on the outlet side of the lid and an inlet pipe hole to fit the inlet pipe being used? Does the system need so many air holes? It's a brilliantly simple system, I love it! Off to build one now, from left-overs!
12 years ago on Step 4
Is the divider purely to keep the bio-balls and the sponge separate? There's a gap then (1cm 1inch?) at the bottom and top?
13 years ago on Step 7
I think you better call this as "Overhead Filter" :-)
14 years ago on Step 7
THX!
14 years ago on Step 7
so, are these powerheads submersible, like a fountain pump?
Reply 14 years ago on Step 7
yeah!!!!!!!!!!
the one which u see in pic is a fountain pump any other pump can also be used which is submersible or not