How to Build an Aquarium Filter

If you need a new filter for your aquarium, then follow the steps below. Not only will you have a filter that's easier to clean than a store-bought filter, but you will have one that is easier and cheaper to replace.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic cup with a smaller hole in the bottom than at the top Foam padding Circumference compass Scissors Hot glue gun and hot glue Aquarium airpump Aquarium air line tubing

Instructions

How to Build an Aquarium Filter

1. Measure the circumference of the plastic cup with a circumference compass. This measurement is what you will use to draw a circle on the foam.

2. Using the compass, draw a circle on the egg carton foam. Try and get it as close as possible to the actual measurement. It is better to go a little bigger if needed, because you can always trim around the circle and make it smaller.

3. Cut out the circle from the foam. Test to see if it fits in the plastic cup. It should touch all sides of the cup to properly filter the fish tank water.

4. Attach the pump tube to the inside side of the filter, using hot glue. After if is completely dry, do a test run. If the filter is too thick and backs up the water, thin the foam circle by cutting it about 25%. If this is still too thick, continue to trim until the filter works adequately.

5. Take out the filter and hand wash or replace once a week. It should last at least a month, and probably longer if you rinse it regularly. Do not use soap or dish detergent to clean the filter. Use fresh, running water.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean and replace the filter more often if your aquarium has the tendency to build sludge and dirt frequently. Do not use soap to wash the filter.

• Do not leave the newly constructed filter unsupervised for the first few hours.