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 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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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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