Interesting idea. Is that a Syncra pump? Are you happy with your DIY project?

Bump: Interesting idea. Is that a Syncra pump? Are you happy with your DIY project?

 

Thank you. I am very happy with it as sometimes I open the cabinet door and watch and enjoy.

My apology for not answering your question. The water pump is Eheim 1250 Universal.

 

I have been using 10-inch water filter housing (also 20-inch) to make filter for my aquarium. Here is the link to the video I have created:

https://youtu.be/CeJPhD8FVWE

The reason I have chosen these housing is:

1. Customizable base on your aquarium size and your need. You can start from one then attach more housing together.
2. When you have more than one, you can separate different stage of filtration in different housing.
3. All the parts and housing are available in most local hardware stores or online.

The main components needed are as following:

• Clear 10-inch standard water filter housing (Slim type can also be used, it just a little thin)
• ¾” PVC Pipe, couplings, elbow and one or two dual union Ball Valve (is optional for quick disconnection of hoses attached to filter)
• Water pump of your choice

In order to make the housing to place our filter media, a PVC pipe has to separate the inlet and outlet of the filter. To do so, I have cut the PVC pipe to total length of 10 and an eighth inch or 25.7 centimeter with coupling attached.

To cut the pipe, it should be minus coupling length.
For the couplings I had it is around 1 inch or 2.6 centimeter. That said I have to cut the pipe to 7 15/16” inches or 20.1 cm.
It is ok if the length becomes a little shorter which can be adjusted by using an O-ring or a gasket. Avoid larger size as it leads to leak or it could damage the filter.
To cut the pipe you can use Tubbing Cutter, or saw. I am using Cutter as it gives a clean even cut.
After cutting attach the couplings. You can use PVC cement to make stronger connection. Drill coupling at one end to make eight openings. Then while the PVC is inside place filter media of your choice. Attach hose connectors to in and out of the filter. Base on the placement of the filter and hoses, you can use elbow and dual union ball valve for different direction.

Very nice diy setup.

 

The water pump is Eheim 1250 Universal.

 

Fun project!! How much do all the parts cost when you put it together? I have thought of doing something similar but I have hesitated because it looked like I could buy a cannister filter for a similar price. Have you noticed a difference in filtration or power over a traditional cannister?

 

I'm wondering about the price as well. I'm planning to use an Eheim 2217 for an upcoming build, but I'm all about DIY to save a few bucks (and the transparent housings are super cool!).

 

I recently built one of these style filters to act as both a filter and a co2 reactor.

I spent around $90 for all of the parts including ~$15 for the 3/16 to 1/4 and 1/4 to 1/2 inch fittings and pipe cement.

My pump is the Ecoplus 396.

If I were to build it over again I would have done hose instead of pvc pipe due to the 90 degree fittings limiting flow some.

Overall I'm very happy with my setup. It filters a cloudy tank fairly quickly and the reason I made it in the first place was for modular components, if I need more filter media for what ever reason I can just add on another housing for $15 and a few bucks for the pvc parts and I've doubled my filter capacity.

Only cons I have with it is the space for filter media is a bit limited, but it suits my needs. If you need something with more media capacity I would look at diy cooler filters.