How To Build Aquarium Internal SUMP Filter

How to build DIY aquarium internal SUMP filter powered by a sponge filter:

Filters are your best friends when it comes to cleaning aquarium water. Aquarium filters are usually powered by air pump or water pump. SUMP filters have a container which can hold mechanical & biological media.

How to build aquarium internal SUMP filter

Tools required to make internal SUMP filter:

Tools required to build aquarium internal SUMP filter

• Fridge or pantry container
• Plastic packaging box
• Super glue
• Nail
• Straw
• Mechanical Media
• Biological Media
• Suction Cups
• Scissor

Steps: How to build DIY internal SUMP filter powered by Sponge filter:

In this video I will show you how to build an aquarium internal SUMP filter which is very similar to overhead SUMP filter. DIY internal SUMP filter is powered by a sponge filter. Please watch step by step video if you want to build a free DIY aquarium SUMP filter.

How To Build Aquarium Internal SUMP Filter

Step 1: Connect SUMP filter to sponge filter:

Connect SUMP filter to sponge filter using PVC pipe

I will use a fridge or pantry container to build a SUMP filter. A plastic packaging box can be used as a tray to hold mechanical filtration media & a PVC pipe with some holes will be used as a bridge b/w SUMP filter & the sponge filter.

Step 2: Make holes in the PVC pipe to allow water flow through it:

Make holes in the PVC pipe

The setup for internal SUMP filter is simple. The PVC pipe will be connected to the sponge filter & the other end of PVC pipe has an end cap for closing. There are multiple holes in the PVC pipe which allow water flow.

Step 3: Clean all tools & attach tray to the container using glue:

Attach tray to container using Super glue

Before I use anything for aquarium related project I give it a good rinse with hot water to remove all dirt. And then I soak it in hot water for about 10 minutes. Use a glue to attach tray to the SUMP & heat up a nail & make holes in the tray.

Step 4: Setup mechanical filtration media:

Setup mechanical filtration media

A thin fine foam can be used as mechanical filtration media to remove small waste particles that are not removed. The fine foam will remove all waste particles that are not trapped by the Sponge filter & allow clean water to flow out.

Step 5: Setup biological filtration media:

Setup biological filtration media

Biological media is used which includes bio baki balls & ceramic rings. The biological media is taken from established aquarium. Bio balls & ceramic rings are highly porous & they allow beneficial bacteria to grow on its surface. More holes will allow more bacteria colonies.

Step 6: Use straws as outflow channels:

Use straws as outflow channels

For outlet I have drilled 3 holes in the container & have used straws as outflow channels. I have drilled holes in the SUMP using electric drill to allow water to flow out. I have cut the straws short & have attached it to the container to allow water to flow out.

Step 7: Use suction cups to attach SUMP to aquarium glass:

Use suction cups to attach SUMP to aquarium

I have used normal suction cups to attach internal SUMP to the aquarium glass. I have turned on the stove & heat up a nail for making holes in the SUMP. 2 suction cups are enough to hold the weight of the SUMP but to be on safe side I have used 3 Suction cups for attaching SUMP filter to the aquarium glass.

Step 8: Test internal SUMP filter:

Test internal SUMP filter

When I turn on the power to the air pump, water will enter the SUMP through the inlet hose, remove waste particles present in the water, & leave the SUMP through the outlet hose. 2 outlet straws are enough to take out all the water present in the SUMP filter & there is no need for the third straw.

Pros of internal SUMP filter:

Pros of DIY internal SUMP filter

Internal SUMP filter can provide better water circulation. It helps in generating more oxygen. Internal SUMP filter can provide mechanical & biological filtration, & makes sure all waste particles are removed & enough beneficial bacteria is generated inside the SUMP.

Cons of internal SUMP filter:

Cons of internal SUMP filter

Internal SUMP filter is not suitable for bigger aquariums which contain bigger fish unless instead of an air pump, a powerhead is used in the SUMP. Powerhead will make sure higher flow rate is achieved. Also there is no chemical filtration media which is another cons of DIY internal SUMP filter.