How to Make a Homemade Underwater Pond Filter
- 7 months ago
Keeping your pond healthy and free from pollutants is crucial for the well-being of your fish. In this guide, we will show you how to create a simple yet efficient biological and mechanical underwater pond filter using easily accessible materials.
What You'll Need:
A suitable pond pump capable of circulating the entire volume of your pond water at least once every 2-3 hours.
A sealable bucket, bin, or container (such as a 25L fermentation bucket).
A drill with appropriate drill bits for creating holes in the lid.
Filter materials like plastic rings and sponges.
One or two bricks to weigh down the container if necessary.
PVC waste pipe that fits your pond pump (a 2m long 22mm waste pipe should work, costing around £2.50 at most DIY stores).
A PVC 90-degree tee coupling to attach to the top of the vertically cut pipe.
A saw for cutting the pipe.
A pond with a flat base to place the submerged filter on. Ensure the pond is deep enough to cover the container by at least 5 inches.
Assembly Steps:
Start by ensuring your pond pump is appropriately sized to handle the circulation requirements of your pond.
Select a container based on your pond's volume. For our purposes, a 25-liter bucket is ideal for ponds up to approximately 500 gallons, but feel free to adjust accordingly.
Drill holes in the lid of the container using the appropriate drill bit size. These holes will allow water to enter the filter. Be sure to distribute the holes evenly and avoid overcrowding them. Add at least four large holes, roughly 2 inches in size, to help any gases escape.
Place one or two bricks in the bottom of the container to help weigh it down, particularly if the filter materials are buoyant.
Cut the PVC waste pipe to your desired height. Remember, the pipe should be long enough to reach the water's surface when the container is submerged.
Attach the PVC 90-degree tee coupling to the top of the vertically cut pipe.
Connect the pond pump to the PVC waste pipe, ensuring a secure and watertight connection.
Fill the container with filter materials such as plastic rings and sponges. These will provide a surface for beneficial bacteria to colonize and help convert harmful chemicals into less harmful substances. The filter will also mechanically remove some small particles.
Submerge the assembled filter in your pond, ensuring there is at least a 5-inch water covering over the container.
What You'll Need:
A suitable pond pump capable of circulating the entire volume of your pond water at least once every 2-3 hours.
A sealable bucket, bin, or container (such as a 25L fermentation bucket).
A drill with appropriate drill bits for creating holes in the lid.
Filter materials like plastic rings and sponges.
One or two bricks to weigh down the container if necessary.
PVC waste pipe that fits your pond pump (a 2m long 22mm waste pipe should work, costing around £2.50 at most DIY stores).
A PVC 90-degree tee coupling to attach to the top of the vertically cut pipe.
A saw for cutting the pipe.
A pond with a flat base to place the submerged filter on. Ensure the pond is deep enough to cover the container by at least 5 inches.
Assembly Steps:
Start by ensuring your pond pump is appropriately sized to handle the circulation requirements of your pond.
Select a container based on your pond's volume. For our purposes, a 25-liter bucket is ideal for ponds up to approximately 500 gallons, but feel free to adjust accordingly.
Drill holes in the lid of the container using the appropriate drill bit size. These holes will allow water to enter the filter. Be sure to distribute the holes evenly and avoid overcrowding them. Add at least four large holes, roughly 2 inches in size, to help any gases escape.
Place one or two bricks in the bottom of the container to help weigh it down, particularly if the filter materials are buoyant.
Cut the PVC waste pipe to your desired height. Remember, the pipe should be long enough to reach the water's surface when the container is submerged.
Attach the PVC 90-degree tee coupling to the top of the vertically cut pipe.
Connect the pond pump to the PVC waste pipe, ensuring a secure and watertight connection.
Fill the container with filter materials such as plastic rings and sponges. These will provide a surface for beneficial bacteria to colonize and help convert harmful chemicals into less harmful substances. The filter will also mechanically remove some small particles.
Submerge the assembled filter in your pond, ensuring there is at least a 5-inch water covering over the container.