How to Plumb a DIY Aquarium Water Pump

Wet/dry filters are a key component of modern saltwater aquariums.

The DIY trickle filter (aka the wet/dry filter) is a key component of many modern saltwater aquarium setups. This type of filter provides the three main types of aquarium filtration: mechanical, chemical and biological. At the same time, it provides an additional reservoir of water and an out-of sight place to attach protein skimmers, filters and heaters with minimal obstruction. While the plumbing of such a system can be intimidating at first, the logic of the setup becomes evident once completed.

Things You'll Need

• Overflow box
• Prefilter box
• U-tube siphon
• Two lengths of vinyl tubing, length varies with individual filter
• Wet/dry filter (aka trickle filter)
• Check valve
• Adjustable return spout

Instructions

1. Fill main aquarium and wet/dry filter. Keep extra saltwater on hand for priming pumps and filling filter boxes.

2. Attach the overflow box and the prefilter boxes to the aquarium. Both hang onto the aquarium, but the overflow box goes inside the tank itself while the overflow box hangs on the back. Fill each box to their baffles if necessary.

3. Fill U-tube siphon with aquarium water. Place a thumb over each end and then place each end of the siphon in the overflow and prefilter boxes. This will allow water to move from one box to the other.

4. Run a vinyl tube down to the wet/dry filter itself. This end will bring water to the filter itself.

5. Install a check-valve in a second length of vinyl tubing. Then, attach this new length of tubing to the filter's return pump. This is now the return tube.

6. Attach the return tube to the adjustable return spout. The adjustable return spout is a U-shaped, adjustable component that can be hung or attached into the aquarium.

7. Prime and activate pumps. Add extra saltwater to the wet/dry filter if needed.

8. Activate any additional aquarium accessories in the wet/dry filter's sump, including protein skimmers, heaters, accessory filters, UV sterilizes and calcium reactor. Once the filter begins to pump water back into the tank, mark the water level on the outside of the wet-dry filter with a sharpie.

9. Add fresh water to the sump when it evaporates below the fill-line. Add only freshwater because while water evaporates, salt does not. This will maintain the salinity.

Tips & Warnings

• DIY wet/dry filters vary considerably in their setups. For example, some setups use a large powerhead instead of an in-sump pump to pump water through the return tube. In situations like this, make necessary adjustments.

• Do not submerge any filter, pumps or other aquarium accessories not designed for underwater use.

• Always top off evaporation with fresh water.

• Make certain the check-valve is pointed in the correct direction. This valve prevents water from going the wrong way in the tube. However, it will block the tubing if it is installed wrong.

References

• Aquarium Filter Setup: How to Hook Up a Wet/Dry Filter