My Diy Filter

[cuticom]

Well, After looking at various filters for my goldfish tank, I chose to make my own version which would provide a large amount of media, and a differnt variety of media to keep the water nice and clean.

It's basically three stages, though I'm considering adding another stage. The whole thing is wrong by a 2000l/ph pump, the tank being 200l (50g)

It's pumped out of the tank into this container, the containers crammed with sponges and fine filter wool, the first one being very coarse the bottom one being very fine

The water then runs over a variety of ceramic media and coarse gravel, the tray has 40 small holes cut into it to allow the water to do a small wtaer follow into the container underneath, theres also a built in overflow just in case the holes get blocked.

The overflow

Then it runs into a 15l storage box which holds 5kg of smashed terracotta pots, the porous surface is perfect for bacteria, it's also filled with more ceramic noodles, theres also two large air stones in here to add extra aeration
(picture was taken before ceramic media and pots were added)

The water then runs through 4 tubes to waterfall back into the main tub

The whole set up

The tub currently supports three stunted commons (6 years old 3" long) in the hope that they might grow, if they do theres a lovely 300g pond awaiting them and a single inch long black moor.

The filter works excellently, I kinda went overboard on the aeration part considering the amount of waterfalls that happen, but hey fishes will always have lots oxygen to breath LOL, and the filter media works really well, the sponges catch all the gunk and the rest holds the bacteria.

What do ya think?
Emma

 

[Tolak]

I like it! Anyone who wants to do a 50 gallon tank cheap should look at this.

 

[khenghock]

It's nice

Umm.. stupid quetion tho.. How did you cut the holes in your plastic containers? Did you drill it? I've always wanted to diy filters but sadly I don't have a drill.. Is there a way to cut perfect holes without using a drill?

 

[cuticom]

Hehe blunt scissors are your new best friend. I used a nail and hammer to make a small hole in the plastic inserted the scissors (have the two blades together) and just twisted em round and round till the whole was big enough. Just it does kinda destroy the scissors so make sure to sue a cheapo pair.

 

[cuticom]

If anyone interested this is the pricing break down-
50g storage tub- $35
2000l/ph water pump- $30
15l storage box- $5
Puff Pastry storage box- $2
Ceramic noodles container and media- $3
4 terracotta pots- $2 each= $8
One bag Filter Wool- $1
250g gravel- $7
long piece of bendable tubing (2cm diameter)- $2
2 air pumps- $14
2 air stones- $1

Total Price $109

Lol I had most of the stuff lying around already, but those are the average prices. It wouldn't be hard to add a heater for tropical fish either.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

nice setup how did you get the output tubes to seal?

 

[Neo8223]

It's nice

Umm.. stupid quetion tho.. How did you cut the holes in your plastic containers? Did you drill it? I've always wanted to diy filters but sadly I don't have a drill.. Is there a way to cut perfect holes without using a drill?

I find that when drilling into plastic, you first need to make a pilot hole using a very small drill bit, then gradually increase the drill size until you reach the required size. You should not press down on it hard at all, otherwise it will break. Its still pretty quick though, and you are guaranteed to get a perfect round circle (Unless you bought those 100 drill bits for £1 and you know they are going to be pants)

 

[iairj84]

Another nice tip when drilling round smooth holes is to get what they call a step drill bit. It will go from something like a 1/4'' Size all the way to a 1/2'' by the time you reach the end. They're nice and smooth and work exceptionally well when needing to drill holes... I first saw them used when watching American choppers back when it first started, and it opened my eyes to these great bits! Those in the US can buy them from harbor freight tools for less than $10 and they work perfectly fine for all plastic and soft metals.