DIY Sump Mechanical Filtration

Mechanical filtration is the first step in a complete aquarium filtration system.

Mechanical filtration is the process of removing large particles from water by using some sort of screen that captures the material. There are a wide variety of different possibilities for adding mechanical filtration to your sump. If you are going to purchase things from places other than an aquarium hobby store, make sure you research whether or not the item is safe for aquariums. Some sponges, for example, contain soaps that will kill the fish.

Things You'll Need

• Coarse sponge
• Filter floss
• Nylon mesh bag

Instructions

1. Insert the filter floss into the nylon mesh bag. This will ensure that it doesn't get washed away by the moving water.

2. Add the filter floss so that the water in the sump passes through it. The floss will catch large particles such as uneaten food.

3. Add the coarse sponge so that the water flows through it after the filter floss. The sponge will collect smaller particles and will provide a harbor for beneficial bacteria that will assist in biological filtration.

4. About every month, remove the mechanical filter media and rinse it off with dechlorinated tap water.

Tips & Warnings

• Adding granular activated carbon after the mechanical filtration system will provide chemical filtration.

• A good place for mechanical filtration is in the very front of the sump so that the water flowing out of the aquarium flows through the mechanical filtration first.

References

• Drs Foster and Smith Aquatics: Aquarium Filter Media Overview