Read About DIY Wet Dry Filter

DIY Wet/Dry Filter is cheaper than the commercial one and is very effective in keeping the water clean in an aquarium. Here's everything you need to know about it.

How to DIY Wet/Dry Filter

1. The Facts:

   The wet/dry filter is a very effective filter that can keep the water clean and healthy for the fish. The wet/dry filter has three parts, the pre-filter consists of an overflow box that collects water to be filtered. Biological filtration is the part where the water gets filtered and cleaned, the water from the biological filter enters the sump from which the water is transferred to the aquarium with a pump.

2. Supplies:

   You will need the following items to build your own wet/dry filter. o A small tank with capacity of around 10 gallon. o Acrylic sheets o Pipes and other plumbing accessories to connect the wet dry filter and aquarium. o A filter pad to be put in the drip tray o An overflow box to collect the water. o A return pump to pump back the water. o Adhesives and bio balls.

3. What to Do:

   o In the main tank, fix an acrylic plate to make the compartment for the pump. Make a small opening a little above the bottom. o Make a compartment above the bottom with acrylic sheets for the bio filter. The bottom sheet should have holes so that the filtered water flows into the sump below the bio filter. o To construct a drip plate cut an acrylic sheet that can cover the bio filter. Drill small holes into the sheet so the water can drip into the bio filter. Fix the filter pad to the drip tray. o Place the bio balls in the bio filter and place the drip plate over it. o Fix the overflow box to the aquarium and connect the outlet of the overflow box to the drip plate with a pipe. o Place the return pump in the pump compartment and connect it to the aquarium with a pipe.

4. Special Considerations:

   o When drilling holes in the drip tray make sure you leave the center portion to make the water evenly distribute over the drip tray. o An egg crate can be used at the bottom of the bio filter to hold the bio balls.

5. Other Tips:

   o Instead of building separate compartments in the tank you can get a smaller tank and fit it into the bigger tank. o Make sure your wet/dry filter is covered to prevent dust entering it. You can use some plastic material with holes to allow the pipes into the filter.

6. Expense:

   The setup will cost around $160 to construct.