Gillybaby
09-26-2006, 10:36 PM
This is a great idea for a DIY filter which I nabbed from someone on another forum. But just in case any newbies haven't heard about it, I thought I'd put a description on here. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures but next time I make one I'll pop a picture in here.
Equipment:
Submersible pump/powerhead: I used an old Newjet 6000 return pump I had lying around as the inlet is the exact same diameter as a 2l bottle lid
2l plastic bottle lid: or smaller if desired
Bottle: I used a very well cleaned 2l lemonade bottle from Morrisons but smaller tanks may warrant a smaller bottle
Filter floss
Drill and any old drill bit I found lying around
Method:
Drill a few holes in the bottle lid: easier said than done might want to use a vice to save fingers
Screw the lid into the inlet pipe on the pump/powerhead: this is why I opted for the Newjet as it provided a perfect fit and I've left the lid in for future use
Drill lots of holes round the bottom third of the bottle
Jam a load of filter floss into the bottle: you can also add carbon or phosphate remover in a stocking if required
Screw the bottle to the pump
Put the whole contraption in your tank, switch it on and watch it clear the water in no time at all :D
Most definitely not pretty but works a treat. Once the tank is cleared of bits or the floss becomes clogged it is simply a case of removing the whole thing from the tank, unscrewing the bottle and throwing it in the bin. No mess and if your anything like us, then plastic bottles are in no short supply for using next time.
Equipment:
Submersible pump/powerhead: I used an old Newjet 6000 return pump I had lying around as the inlet is the exact same diameter as a 2l bottle lid
2l plastic bottle lid: or smaller if desired
Bottle: I used a very well cleaned 2l lemonade bottle from Morrisons but smaller tanks may warrant a smaller bottle
Filter floss
Drill and any old drill bit I found lying around
Method:
Drill a few holes in the bottle lid: easier said than done might want to use a vice to save fingers
Screw the lid into the inlet pipe on the pump/powerhead: this is why I opted for the Newjet as it provided a perfect fit and I've left the lid in for future use
Drill lots of holes round the bottom third of the bottle
Jam a load of filter floss into the bottle: you can also add carbon or phosphate remover in a stocking if required
Screw the bottle to the pump
Put the whole contraption in your tank, switch it on and watch it clear the water in no time at all :D
Most definitely not pretty but works a treat. Once the tank is cleared of bits or the floss becomes clogged it is simply a case of removing the whole thing from the tank, unscrewing the bottle and throwing it in the bin. No mess and if your anything like us, then plastic bottles are in no short supply for using next time.