How can I make my own aquarium filter, using a submersible fountain pump?

Question

Is that possible?

I don't want to buy one. At least, not for more than a few dollars used.

I was also thinking: If I knew how to do it, I could make one that looks much better than those store-bought filters.

So, I can either a) pump the water up outside the tank and through a series of filters before it spills back into the tank or b) encase the pump in sponge so it sucks the dirty water towards it and the dirt gets stuck?

Are there any other methods?

Answer 1

This would have to be for a good-size aquarium. The only way I can think of doing it is to place the pump on the floor of a plastic box that is filled with plastic filter balls and/or a custom-fit filter pad (sold at Lowe's in the Garden/Pond section). This plastic box would have to have a secure lid (maybe tied on) with a hole cut out of the middle of the lid for the spout (or upright tube) of the pump to stick up and through, plus at least a dozen other quarter-size holes. This box would sit on the floor of the aquarium and the height of the spout would have to be just above the water level. Your submersible fountain pump may need an extension tube to make it tall enough. Also, the pump would have to be turned to it's lowest setting so that it just trickles out of the top of the spout and, in turn, aerates the aquarium water.

Answer 2

Very possible. This is how you make an old school sponge filter. Get a piece of pvc pipe, and buy a large porus sponge at an arts and crafts store. The pipe should only be a few inches shorter than the sponge is long. Take a long sharp knife and stab the sponge in the center, longways. The pvc pipe should go most of the way into the sponge. You will need to drill multiple holes in the pvc pipe to ensure that water is being drawn throughout the whole sponge. Use a piece of tubing to connect the pvc and the intake on the fountain pump. The tubing can usually be found at Lowe's or Home Depot. You are done.

Answer 3

Depending on how far you want to go you can
pump the water into a plastic box that has layers of charcoal, sand, and fiberglass insulation at a rate that it can flow through and out
or put a plastic grid platform in the bottom of the tank with rock and sand on top of that and pump water out from under the grid and back up to the top to bubble and aerate.
Science project or just don't want to buy one?

Answer 4

I purchase several solar fountain pumps off of ebay, I say several because one wasnt enough for the desired effect the wife wanted, however three in a triangle and one in the center did great for her. Granted it was for day time at first then tinker and added two Trojan 105 golf cart batteries to work at night for those occasional parties. Went to Home Power web site to get the info.

Answer 5

yaaa just have to direct the flow through a charcoal system