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 Fish Tank 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.
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