How to build a DIY Internal SUMP filter for an aquarium?

Filters are your best friends when it comes to cleaning aquarium water. An air pump or water pump usually powers aquarium filters. SUMP filters are one of the most popular aquarium filters because they are able to clean large amounts of water. SUMP filters have a container, which can hold mechanical & biological media. Fish keepers usually build SUMP filters on their own at homes. If you want to build a SUMP filter for your aquarium then this article can help you.


Tools required to build aquarium internal SUMP filter
Tools Required to Build an Aquarium Internal SUMP Filter

Tools required to make an internal SUMP filter:

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

 

Steps: How to build DIY internal SUMP filter:



How to Build a DIY Aquarium Internal SUMP Filter?

In this video, I will show you how to build an aquarium internal SUMP filter, which is very similar to an 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.


Step 1: Connect SUMP filter to sponge filter:


Connect SUMP filter to sponge filter using PVC pipe
Connect SUMP filter to sponge filter using PVC pipe

I am using 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 is 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:


Making holes in the PVC pipe
Making holes in the PVC pipe

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


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


Attaching tray to container using Super glue
Attaching tray to container using Super glue

Before I use anything for aquarium related projects, I give it a good rinse with hot water to remove all dirt. Then I soak it in hot water for about 10 minutes. Later I used glue to attach the tray to the SUMP, & heated a nail to make holes in the tray.

 

Step 4: Setup mechanical filtration media:


Setting up mechanical filtration media
Setting up mechanical filtration media

A fine foam can be used as mechanical filtration media to remove small waste particles. 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:


Setting up biological filtration media
Setting up biological filtration media

Biological media includes bio bakki balls & ceramic rings. The biological media is taken from an established aquarium. Bio bakki 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:


Using straws as outflow channels
Using straws as outflow channels

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

 

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


Using suction cups to attach SUMP filter to aquarium
Using suction cups to attach SUMP filter to aquarium

I have used normal suction cups to attach internal SUMP to the aquarium glass. I have turned on the stove & heated 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 the safe side I have used 3 Suction cups for attaching the SUMP filter to the aquarium glass.

 

Step 8: Test internal SUMP filter:


Testing Internal SUMP filter
Testing Internal SUMP filter

When I turn on the power to the air pump, water will enter the SUMP through the inlet hose, filter will remove waste particles, & water will 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:

Internal SUMP filters 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:

Internal SUMP filter is not suitable for bigger aquariums, which contain bigger fish instead; a powerhead is used for running SUMP. Powerhead is used for getting a higher flow rate.

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