How to Make Fish Tank Filters

You can make your own fish tank filters in a few easy steps---and forgo the expense of buying them from the store.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Standard aquarium powerhead or submersible pump Open-top container, like a plastic bottle or a disposable plastic bowl Sponge with no added ingredients Activated carbon Pair of women's nylons or other fine mesh material 3-inch piece of aquarium air tubing Rubber bands

1. Before you begin, fit your powerhead or submersible pump into the open-top container. Make sure there is plenty of room for the pump, the sponge and the activated carbon in the container. After you're sure of the size of your container, take all the items back out.

2. Pour activated carbon along the bottom of the container, creating a thick layer. The amount of activated carbon you use depends on the size of your container. You want to use as much activated carbon as you can, while still leaving room for your pump and the sponge later.

3. Wrap the intake valve of the submersible pump or powerhead in the women's nylon stocking or other fine mesh material. Put the wrapped pump or powerhead in the container, pushing it snugly into the activated carbon.

4. Fit the 3-inch piece of aquarium tubing onto the pump's output nozzle.

5. Cut pieces of your sponge to fit around the pump in the container. Cut holes into the pieces of sponge where your tubing will be. You want your tubing to go through the sponge. Place the pieces of sponge around the pump.

6. Wrap rubber bands around your pump to keep it together.

7. Place the filter in your tank.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your pump and filter are the right size for your tank. The bigger the tank the bigger the pump and filter need to be. Check your filter regularly to make sure it's working correctly.