My DIY filter plans

[TheWaterBoy]

I have a powerhead and a UGF in my tank but after hearing all the bad effects of them over time, so I thought I might try to make my own filter for the power head.

I was thinking maybe using PVC to make a filter. I made a little illustration on Paint but I dont know how to get it onto here for everyone to see. Could anyone explain to me how to do that?

 

[drobbins27]

I wouldn't reccomend building a complex aquatic filtration system if you cna't get a picture of it onto here

Good luck tho, post results

 

[ste2k3]

building a filter can be as complex or as simple as you like. I'd try and keep it simple. you could simply plock one end of the pipe off, and push the other onto the powerhead. Cut slits every inch along the pipe on opposite sides. Then get a piece of sponge, say 4"x4" and cut a hole running down the middle which you could insert the tube into.

IMO, if the UGF is working fine, then I wouldn't change it but it's up to you.

ste

 

[TheWaterBoy]

I was just worried about the long term effects of the UGF. Like not being able to clean it would lead to a water quality problem later on.

Im just not good with computers. Im good with my hands though. I do alot of Custom Car Audio. Like Fiberglass work and wiring. Sorry that just kinda offended me.

I know that I dont have enough understanding of the filtration system to do anything spectacular. But I was just thinking of making something simple to keep my powerhead in my system.

I guess I will just stick with the UGF and hopefully I wont have a problem with it later.

 

[jams.alaskan]

It's ok waterboy, most times things are "said" with tongue in cheek. The written word on the forum can "seem" much more harsh then it was really offered. Anywho, best of luck if you try it. If it works, let me know as I have 4 of the darn things as I have moved away from UGF just because I really couldn't tell exactly what the health of the environment was down there.

ALASKA

 

[Adrinal]

I wouldn't reccomend building a complex aquatic filtration system if you cna't get a picture of it onto here

Good luck tho, post results

I am sure the most experienced knowlagable scientists of aquaria are not all computer wiz kids!
That sounded crule and unneccesary.

 

[TheWaterBoy]

Well my plan was to take a piece of PVC, 4" diameter would be fine and maybe 8" long, cap each end and run the pipe down the middle of the top cap. Long enough to leave about a 2 inch gap between the pipe and the bottom cap. Then cut slots or drill holes in the top cap. The power head would create the suction which would pull water down through the top, through what ever filter media, into the chamber at the bottom where it would be pulled back up the smaller pipe in the middle and through the powerhead.

 

[Adrinal]

Tupperware container, drill inlet holes and hole for pvc to pump... or just right on pump (if its in the water it does not have to be leak proof, long as most of the water is coming through the media and not the joints its ok).

Fill Tupperware with whatever media you want, (preferably in a nylon sock for easy rinsing) .

 

[Idolz]

I have a powerhead and a UGF in my tank but after hearing all the bad effects of them over time, so I thought I might try to make my own filter for the power head.

What are the long term effects???

 

[TheWaterBoy]

Over a long period of time the UGF will cause your water quality to go down. The reason the water quality goes down is because you cant clean underneath the filter plate, or at least its hard to clean underneath the filter plate. The gravel would have to be taken out and it could kill off alot of bacteria that was on the gravel. This is what I have heard from alot of people.

 

[tdins_2]

i think u should get an old box like of a hang on filter with no pump or make ur own and then pump the water in with the power head by hooking a hose on the water jet and running it to the bottom of the box the the water will rise through the media ..... i think this may work but dont know it was just an idea i had