Do-it-yourself silent external filter for an aquarium. DIY aquarium water filtration

Any person involved in breeding ornamental fish knows about the need to filter water in an aquarium. To do this, they use special devices that can be easily purchased in the store, but their price, unfortunately, is not always encouraging.

Any person involved in breeding ornamental fish knows about the need to filter water in an aquarium.

Therefore, we suggest you arm yourself necessary tools and materials and make an external filter for an aquarium with your own hands.

What is an external aquarium filter?

There are two types of filters: external and internal. How to choose the one that is right for your case?

First of all, pay attention to the size of your aquarium. If it is big enough, then there is not much difference. But usually we have only limited areas in which to place either a small or medium-sized aquarium. It is in this case that it would be appropriate to use an external filter.

Unlike the internal one, the external filter is not installed directly into the aquarium, but outside it. This helps to save a lot of space.

The external filter does not take up space in the aquarium and does not spoil its overall appearance

The operation of such a device is as follows: water from the aquarium enters the device, passes through the filter elements, and then returns back to the fish.

An external filter has the following advantages:

it does not take up useful space inside the aquarium;
the contents of the aquarium look more aesthetically pleasing without such devices;
Filter media purify water better.

Of course, among the huge assortment similar devices you can choose the one that suits all your needs. But their prices are also too high. So why not take the opportunity to make an external filter yourself? This idea is easy to implement. It turns out that everything you need can be easily purchased in stores and on the market, and the assembly and installation work itself is simple enough that even a beginner can handle it.

Necessary materials

First of all, prepare everything you need. Here is a list of what you will need for a homemade external filter:

water pump;
sewer pipe with a diameter of 110 mm;
plugs - 4 pcs.;
input seals pg-7 and pg-16 - 2 pcs.;
Mayevsky crane;
valve that regulates the pressure on the outlet pipe;
hose with a diameter of 8–10 mm (preferably transparent);
fillers;
silicone

The pump is the “heart” of the filter. Most often, in the manufacture of such devices, used pumps are used, for example from old submersible filters.

Materials and parts for external filter

The above list necessary materials and instruments is averaged. You can change some parts at your discretion depending on the selected external filter model.

Step-by-step instructions for making the device

We suggest you make a simple and effective external filter, which is perfect for both conventional and nano aquariums (they are compact in size, with a volume of up to 40 liters).

Nano aquariums have gained great popularity due to the fact that they take up little room space and allow you to concentrate maximum of the beauty of the underwater world.

The external filter is perfect for both conventional and nano aquariums

The connecting coupling will serve as the filter housing. Its internal diameter fully corresponds to the increased internal diameter a regular pipe where the plug goes into it. You can also take a repair coupling or plumbing pipe. Cut a piece of the required length, for example 17 cm.
Cut 5 holes in one of the plugs. They will have seals and a Mayevsky valve installed. Keep in mind that the holes should be 1 mm smaller than the diameter of the tap thread and seals.
Cut holes in the plug for the oil seals and the Mayevsky Crane

Wrap all parts tightly and coat with silicone to seal.

Do not tighten too tightly: since the parts are made of plastic, they can be damaged by mechanical stress.

Seal the installed parts with silicone

Place a piece of hose tightly onto the tube coming out of the pump.
Select the diameter carefully: the hose should fit very tightly.

Insert the structure into the oil seal until it stops, tighten it. Check that the pump is seated tightly on the plug. Pull the wire from the pump into the small gland, after cutting it.
Install the plug on the pump, put on the hose, insert the wire
Insert a PVC tube into the second seal, putting a water intake hose on it. The distance between the tube and the bottom of the filter should be about 1 cm. Coat the plug with silicone and insert it into the coupling.
Pump with plug ready for installation in the coupling
Take two plugs, cut off the protruding side so that they easily fit inside the housing, drill holes: one for the intake pipe strictly in diameter, and also many small ones for water circulation in the filter. Close the pump so that it is inside the two plugs folded together.
Drill holes in the plugs
Make a bottom cover for the filter. Cut off the end part from one plug with holes.
Cut off the end part of the plug
Cut a ring (height - 1 cm) from the cut-off part and reduce its diameter.

Many people believe that aquarium fish are the most unpretentious pets. In reality, things are different.

In order for representatives of the underwater world to feel comfortable, not get sick or die prematurely, it is necessary to equip the aquarium with a number of additional devices, one of which is an external filter.

Purpose of the external filter

An aquarium filter is a mandatory attribute of modern pet fish abodes. Life in an aquarium without a filter is only possible if there are a large number of living plants in it.

The main tasks of the filter are mechanical cleaning water, removal of waste products from the inhabitants of the aquarium, as well as the movement of water masses and their saturation with oxygen. Given that correct selection and installation of the device, the lower and upper layers of water will constantly move, which helps improve gas exchange between the aquarium water and the surrounding air.

Upper layer it releases water carbon dioxide and goes down - this ensures that the fish will not accumulate on the surface of the water, but will be distributed more or less evenly throughout its entire volume.

Aquarium filters are available both internal and external. The latter, due to the possibility of increasing their volume, often have more power and can be installed on aquariums of impressive size. Among aquarists, this model of filter device is often called a bucket.

Undeniable advantages external filter in front of its brother with indoor installation are:

higher quality filtration;
ease of cleaning and maintenance;
the possibility of providing several stages of purification (mechanical, biological), as well as the possibility of softening water through additional additives.

Among the disadvantages of the devices under consideration, we can note high cost and the need for space to install it.

Purchased external filters

If you decide that you definitely need an external filter, you will definitely think about which one is better in your particular case. First of all, it should be borne in mind that the production of equipment for aquariums is carried out by a large number of companies. The most reliable manufacturing companies in this market segment are deservedly considered:

Eheim;
Tetra;
Jebo;
Aquael;

Tetra

External filter for water purification High Quality will delight its buyer not only with the quality of its functions, but also with a long, trouble-free service life. You do not have to constantly search for spare parts for such a device or deal with its leaks.

Each specific modification of the external filter has its own specifications, including indicating what size aquarium the device is intended for.

Important! The power of the filter, as well as the amount of water pumped through it, can be indicated for an empty device. When loading its canister with filter materials, these indicators will decrease. Clogging of fillers and hoses also helps to reduce them during operation.

Based on the above, the choice of a water filtration device should be made with some reserve. For example, on an aquarium with a volume of 200 liters, it is advisable to install a filter designed not for 150-200 liters, but for 200-350.

In addition, when choosing an aquarium external filter, you should pay attention to the possibility of purchasing spare parts for a specific model, as well as the availability warranty obligations And service from the seller and/or manufacturer. It is not advisable to purchase unknown brands that have proliferated on modern market. Of course, they will attract you with a modest price, but this saving is very doubtful and may soon result in additional financial expenses.

For those who want not to overpay for the brand of one of the above companies, we can only recommend the Chinese manufacturer Atman, which produces equipment for aquarists quite for a long time and has proven itself well both in the market of its native country and abroad. This is one of optimal options in terms of price and quality.

Homemade aquarium filter

For those lovers aquarium fish Those who want to save as much as possible on an external filter, and also have hands growing “from where they need to,” can offer to make a canister filter for an aquarium themselves. For this you will need:

two plastic pipes with rubber cuff inside, joining each other;
a pair of plugs for pipe ends;
fitting;
small faucet;
electric pump;
nuts;
FUM tape;
spanners;
plastic bottle;
unnecessary CD;
rubber hose.

In addition, to fill the filter you need filter materials that can be purchased at almost any self-respecting pet supply store, such as:

filter wool;
ceramic rings;
bioballs;
sintered glass;

ceramic straws;
zeolite;
Activated carbon;
peat.

The process of making an external filter for an aquarium with your own hands can be described in the form of the following algorithm.

At the bottom and top of pipes holes should be made into which the fittings will be screwed. The threads of the latter should be pre-wrapped with sealant tape. The fittings inside the pipes must be secured with nuts.
So that the inlet hole organized at this stage (in the lower part of the pipe) for water flow is always free, you can make a cap for it with small holes(from plastic bottle), on top of which attach a kind of mesh with holes (from a CD).
Selected fillers must be placed on the mesh(2 layers each), alternating them with each other.
To fix the pump, use a piece of hose, attaching it to the fitting at the outlet of the filter.
The water intake tube must be fixed to the back wall of the aquarium so that its end rests on the bottom. This can be done using a suction cup. It is enough to hang the water return tube on the edge of the aquarium, slightly immersing it in water.

How to do aquarium filter do it yourself and organize the filtration of your aquarium yourself? Be it external, internal or bottom. What tools and equipment will be needed for this? You will find the answer to all these questions by reading this article.

There are many options for making different types filters. We will look at the main ones.

Types of filters:

Interior
Mounted
External
Donny

Internal filter

This is the simplest type of filter. Which purifies water quite well (for its type). Making an internal filter with your own hands is very simple. For this you will need: plastic bottle (small size)

piece of sponge
filler (pebbles that fit into the neck of the bottle)
compressor, hose and one suction cup

We make four large holes in the lid. In the neck, immediately under the lid, we make a hole into which one end of the hose should fit tightly (the other end is connected to the compressor). At the bottom of the bottle, we make holes in a circle for purified water to come out. Don't forget to make another hole for the suction cup, slightly below the bottom of the plastic bottle.

We fill our filter (bottle) with pebbles (or other filler) and screw on the lid. Then we put a piece of sponge on the neck (preferably it has a regular, neat shape) - this will be the bottom of our device. Insert the hose and suction cup into the corresponding holes. Place the filter in the aquarium and turn on the compressor. Ready!

Schematic illustration internal filter

Mounted filter

Do-it-yourself hanging filter for an aquarium too won't be difficult. But you'll have to play around more than with internal.

We will need:

any plastic, glass, plexiglass (any neutral material available at hand)
compressor
a piece of sponge (sintepon), a hose

We make a container, or find a ready-made one (something like a long plastic pot for plants. We make partitions from plastic (you can see it more clearly in the diagram). We fill the first compartment (where water is supplied) with a piece of padding polyester, the remaining sections with different or the same filler. In the last compartment, at the top, we make a hole and a groove for the outlet of purified water. We hang the structure itself from the back wall of the aquarium.

We supply water using a compressor, similar to an external filter.

Mounting filter circuit

External filter

DIY external or remote aquarium filter it's harder to do. To make it, you can use a tall round plastic canister or a plastic barrel with a lid. If there is none, you can use a piece garden pipe large diameter. True, in this case you need to attach the lid and bottom yourself.

You will need:

water pump
plastic canister
padding polyester, filler
hoses, tubes

A plastic or metal fitting with a one-way inlet valve is screwed into the bottom of the canister. Two holes are made in the lid. One for the fitting with the release valve, the second for the electric pump, which, in turn, is attached to the inside of the cover.

Now you need to make cartridges for filling. Plastic ones will do flower pots, the same in diameter as the inside of the canister. At the bottom of such pots we make many holes for water circulation.

We place the first cartridge layer just above the inlet fitting. And fill it with padding polyester. We place any other filler in subsequent layers. You can use different ones: pebbles, coal filler, volcanic rock and others. It is necessary that the last cartridge does not touch the pump.

The power of the pump depends on the volume of the aquarium. The higher the volume, the more powerful the pump should be chosen.

External filter circuit

Bottom filter

It is worth mentioning bottom filters. The filter element is the aquarium soil. Water passes through it, thereby performing rough cleaning. Most better cleaning obtained by using sandy soil. This type filters are rarely used, but nevertheless we will consider it.

Required :

water pump
tubes + tubes with holes at the bottom, under the ground
compressor (in one of the options)

We lay tubes with holes under the ground. On top of them, you need to put a plastic mesh with small holes so that the soil does not clog the holes in the tube itself. We place the pump closer to the surface. Ready!

In the case of a direct-flow bottom filter, we use a compressor. More clearer design can be seen in the diagram.

Bottom filter. Scheme

In conclusion, let's say, that all types of filters are quite easy to make yourself, and at the same time save a significant amount of money. And with a more “dense” approach, you can improve and improve these filter manufacturing options.

No experienced aquarist would dare to breed fish without necessary equipment for arranging an aquarium.

And a special role here is played by the filter, which is used for mechanical and biological purification of water, as well as for enriching it with oxygen.

Today big choice filters are presented on the shelves of pet stores.

You can buy both internal compact filters for small aquariums, and external ones for installation outside and purification of large volumes of water.

But it is not at all necessary to buy an expensive device; you can make it yourself. Scroll necessary details will depend on the type of filter, as well as the size of the aquarium.

And if you're wondering, how to make your own silent aquarium filter, this article is for you.

Let's consider one of the options making a homemade external filter for an aquarium.
The design diagram looks like this:

filter accepts cylindrical shape, the device will be positioned vertically,
an electric pump is responsible for the movement of water, which must be installed at the top of the structure,
water flows from the bottom of the structure through the fillers, and then flows back into the aquarium,
filter materials are possible different variants fillers.

To make the device you will need:

two interconnected plastic pipes with a rubber cuff inside,
two plugs for the ends of the pipe,
fitting,
faucet,
electric pump,
nuts,
FUM tape,
wrenches included in the set.

The following materials can act as filter media:

Synthetic and foam elements: the cheapest and most accessible. They can take any form, and also serve as both a biological and mechanical filter. There is enough space in the pores for bacteria to settle. Periodically, the material must be washed to remove clogged mucus.

Also, sludge particles will be retained in the pores; under no circumstances should it penetrate inside the filter and interfere with its operation.

Filter wool: an inexpensive filler that can be used several times, is easy to wash, tightly fills the entire space, and eliminates leaks. Optimal for use as the final stage of mechanical cleaning.
Ceramic rings: used for uniform distribution of water flows, which will ensure the delivery of oxygen to bacteria
Bioballs: plastic material, rolls in water and helps to evenly wash all filter materials. In addition, it is a good substrate for the settlement of bacteria.
Sintered glass: convenient to use in the form of balls with a diameter of up to 14 mm. Thanks to special technology baking, the balls acquire pores in which they actively populate beneficial bacteria, processing nitrates and nitrites. The efficiency of sintered glass is significantly higher than that of other biological treatment materials.
Ceramic straws: Used to colonize bacteria in small pores.
Zeolite: a cheap, but very effective sorbent that quickly absorbs ammonium from water. Allows you to quickly get rid of nitrates in the aquarium.
Activated carbon: There is still debate about the need to use this filler. Only carbon with small granules is suitable for use in aquariums, and the number of pores is important, because the absorption efficiency depends on this indicator. The quality of coal can also be determined by the presence of dust and characteristic shine. Before placing the material into the filter, it must be thoroughly rinsed. It can only be used in a newly started aquarium.
Peat: a natural filter material given by nature. It is inexpensive and effectively copes with a number of tasks - it reduces the growth of fungi, has a positive effect on the condition of the inhabitants of the aquarium, and lowers the pH level.

All of these fillers can be purchased at any pet supply department.

VIDEO INSTRUCTION

Step 1

A hole must be made in the lower part of the pipe to screw in the fitting. Its thread must be wrapped in advance with FUM tape. You need to tighten it from the inside with a nut.

To ensure that the hole for water inlet is always free, it is easy to make a cap with small holes from a plastic bottle, and attach a mesh with holes from a CD on top.

Step 2

You need to lay two layers of each filler on the mesh, alternating with each other.

To hold the pump, a piece of hose is suitable, which will attach it to the water outlet fitting.

Step 3

The water intake tube must be secured with a suction cup on the back wall so that one end rests against the bottom. The tube for bringing water into the aquarium is enough to hang on the aquarium, slightly lowering it into the water.

This model has homemade filter The tubes are practically invisible; the space in the aquarium remains completely free for its inhabitants.

This filter, with a height of about 40 cm, a pipe diameter of about 10 cm, and a volume of about 3 liters, passes 5 liters in just one minute, without creating strong movement of water flows.

VIDEO OPTION 2

Internal filters have a simplified structure, so making them yourself is not difficult even for an inexperienced aquarist.

For making an internal filter for an aquarium required:

plastic bottle, for example, a soda bottle, 0.5 liter volume,
piece of padding polyester,
plastic tube matching the diameter of the neck,
pebbles for filler,
hose and compressor.

VIDEO ON THE TOPIC

The bottle needs to be divided into two parts, but so that one is smaller than the other. The smaller part should remain with the neck. The bowl must be directed upside down and with force, so that the structure is tight.
Then you need to make holes around the outer circumference for water to flow in. Their diameter should be about 3-4 mm; it is better to place them in two rows of 6 holes each.
Next, you need to insert a pipe into the neck of the bowl. In this case, no gaps should be left between the neck and the pipe.
The length of the tube should be enough so that it protrudes slightly above the surface. But the structure itself should not lie on the bottom, so as not to impede the flow of water.
On top of the bowl you need to add a layer of gravel, and then a layer of padding polyester. Next, you need to install the hose into the tube and secure it. This design must be placed in an aquarium. After the compressor turns on, the device will start working. After some time, live bacteria will appear in the device, necessary to dissolve ammonia into nitrates.

The operating principle of the filter device is as follows: it is entirely based on airlift. Air bubbles penetrate the tube, and then move upward and attract water currents.

Oxygen-saturated water penetrates the upper layers through the gravel, then moves down through the holes made and goes through the tube into the aquarium. The task of cleaning is performed by synthetic padding; it will help the gravel not to silt.

Let's consider several options for bottom filters that are suitable for small aquariums with a volume of up to a hundred liters. Can also be made according to these patterns bottom filter for round aquarium.

Bottom filter from a plastic box

The role of the device body will be performed by a durable plastic box with a lid that tightly closes the box on top. In this case, it is desirable that either the body itself or the lid is clearly visible so that the level of contamination can be monitored.

A plastic tube must be glued into the lid. It is necessary to make several holes on the side wall, but such that small inhabitants of the aquarium are not sucked into the filter through them.

Inside the housing you need to place a pre-prepared filler for filtering water. It is recommended to use a ceramic one as a water spray; it will not be difficult to buy it in a store.

Bottom filter from a glass jar

As a housing for future design An ordinary glass jar with a volume of up to 1 liter will be used. It needs to be closed tightly plastic cover and make a hole in it so that water can flow inside, as well as a hole for the tube.

It is necessary to make a partition from another cover and lay down the filter material.

Replace glass jar can a ceramic vessel filled with quartz sand and nylon threads.

For creating optimal conditions Aquarium inhabitants need water filters. It can be cleaned externally and internal devices. In this article we will look at how to make external and other filters for an aquarium with your own hands.

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External filter

Located outside the aquarium. It is more convenient to use, does not take up space in the aquarium, and works efficiently. It is necessary to filter the water in the aquarium. However, it is not necessary to spend money on buying an expensive device. Making an aquarium filter yourself is not difficult.

A homemade external filter for an aquarium can be made from scrap materials. For the base you can use plastic canister or pipe. You can’t do without fanfare when creating it. It is with its help that water is pumped out of the aquarium and, after being cleaned, returned back. One more important detail is the filter element.

Depending on the type, it carries out chemical, biological or mechanical cleaning water. You will need synthetic winterizer, foam sponges, ceramic and glass-ceramic fillers, coal, peat, expanded clay, bioballs, zeolite. If you use several fillers, the degree of cleaning will increase. To take water in and return it, you will need hoses or tubes.

Also prepare taps, plugs, nuts, fum tape, separator, silicone. Tools you may need include wrenches, a screwdriver, a knife, and a drill. You can also come up with your own version of the device and use other materials.

Instructions

Let's look at how to make an external filter for an aquarium with your own hands. specific example. Take a plastic pipe required diameter and length. At the top and bottom of the pipe you need to make covers with holes for the water inlet and outlet hoses. You can use fittings for this. The pump is secured inside using a fitting.

Next we make cassettes with filter material. The selected elements are laid in layers, separated by separators (pallets from pots, kitchen mesh). For pre-cleaning, use foam rubber or padding polyester. Then we lay ceramic rings, a biofilter or other materials. Hoses are attached to the fittings, and taps are cut in to release air.

The entire structure is sealed using silicone or other sealants. It should be checked before installation.

Internal filter

Suitable for small containers. They perform mechanical cleaning and are easier to manufacture than external ones. You will need a plastic bottle, a hose, a suction cup, a compressor, filler (pebbles), and a piece of sponge. Tools that will come in handy include a knife, screwdriver or drill.

Instructions

Making an internal aquarium filter with your own hands is very easy, even for beginners. Holes are made in the bottle cap to allow untreated water to enter. A piece of sponge is placed on the lid to rough cleaning. A hole is made in the neck of the bottle to install the hose. The other end of the hose is attached to the compressor.

You also need to make a hole for attaching the suction cup. You need to place pebbles or other filler inside. Then we place what we got into the aquarium and attach it to the glass with a suction cup.

Depending on the volume of the aquarium

For a 100 liter capacity, you can use an internal model made from a plastic bottle. To do this, you need to cut it, leaving the part with the neck. A plastic tube is inserted into it, and holes are made on the outside for water to enter. Filter media are placed inside: sponge, padding polyester, gravel. Then a hose is attached to the tube at one end, and the structure is secured inside the aquarium using a suction cup.

For 200 liter containers, external canister or mounted models are usually used. How to make an external filter with your own hands was described above. For a hanging model, you will need a plastic or glass container. Partitions are made of plastic. A padding polyester or sponge is placed in the first compartment and water flows in.

Other compartments can accommodate other fillings. A hole is made in the last compartment for water to escape. It is supplied using a pump (compressor). For homemade model you can use a pump from washing machine. The finished device is suspended from the aquarium.

In containers of 300 and 500 liters it is better to use external filters. The larger the volume, the more powerful the pump required, the larger the size of the structure itself and the amount of filler. Watch the video about the manufacturing technology.

Other models

An internal or external filter is used to purify water different models. The choice of a specific one depends on the size of the aquarium, its inhabitants, and existing problems. Moreover, any model can be made into an aquarium with your own hands.

Air

An airlift filter filters water using air. They are not expensive, but are very effective. It is necessary to use a compressor, a filter sponge, a hose, a suction cup, a plastic tube or a flask and electrical tape. A corner is placed on top of the plastic tube through which water will flow back. For better connection density, the tube can be wrapped with electrical tape.

A hole is made at the bottom of the tube. We insert the hose and place the entire structure inside the sponge. Using a suction cup we attach it to the glass of the aquarium.

Carbonic

A carbon filter helps to chemically purify water from unpleasant odors, yellow color, drugs and other substances. However, being an adsorbent, it absorbs from water and useful material. Therefore, their constant use with plants is not recommended. Coal can be either as part of a complex of fillers for external models, or separately.

Let's look at how to make a filter with activated carbon on one's own. Take metal mesh with small holes. Make two cylinders from it, one larger and the other smaller in diameter. You can fasten the seams using wire. Plugs are placed at the bottom of the cylinders; they can be secured with rivets.

Then the smaller cylinder is inserted inside the larger one, secured with self-tapping screws. Coal is poured inside, preferably of a large fraction. Close the top with a lid. We put a padding polyester prefilter on top. It is recommended to change the carbon periodically; the longer it is used, the weaker it performs its function.

Canister

A canister filter is a type of external filter that differs high performance. How to make such a device yourself? For this you will need plastic pipe or canister, pump, hoses, filler, fittings, plugs, rubber gaskets, tap, nuts. A hole is made at the bottom of the device to install the water inlet hose. The water then passes through the fillers inside.

For example, a prefilter (foam sponge), then a biological filter, then a ceramic filler. The pump is mounted on top under the cover. Holes are also made in it to attach a hose that releases purified water. Hoses can be secured with fittings and nuts.

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Video "How to make an external filter"

This video details the making of the external model.