DIY aquarium filter sump (on top of fish tank)

[@yogigbear]

That's why Joey is the king of D.I.Y. simple but effective methods for solutions we may need. On top of that, educational and doable for those of us on tight budgets. Greetings and positive vibes from Amsterdam (Holland)

[@Aquafinity]

So true! Joey is awesome! He’s one of those people who inspired me to create my own fishkeeping channel! 🐠 🐟

[@Dustinsfishtanks]

Wait- a DIY video?! Haha my man

[@roundedrob1483]

Joey's blue DIY shirt takes me back to his older videos. Great job on this one, I like the over head idea.

[@zzospreyzz55]

Hi everybody. Joey here again and welcome back.

[@PaulZyCZ]

He's done this filter before. Just google "Overhead sump tutorial".

[@lauqsfishroom]

This is actually one of the most popular filtration system in Indonesia. We call them Filter Talang because most of them made out of gutter (Gutter = Talang) although the acrylic and glass version is available but pricier 😁 I use it in my 75 gal Malawi Tank and i really like it cause i can have some pothos on it to eat nitrates. Yes they don't really look neat but once the pothos started to fill the filter, they'll look absolutely gorgeous!

[@gungbojog6030]

For some reason its bit cheaper if i made it out of glass

[@MindOfNick]

I really like it when u make a filter as it's always a learning curve for me, thank you so much! Hope everyone and Joey is having a good day :)

[@comedianmattrossey]

Joey, It's so great to see you building equipment again. You have the spark back in your eyes and the skip in your step. You've rediscovered where you started this journey so many years ago. That's AWESOME!!!!! Matt - Toronto, Canada

[@jro303ortega]

I got ur book a while ago, and I built almost all filters in ur book, but still my favorite chapter to read and still trying to build and use all the filters in ur book. Love the book and videos bro

[@fredk4136]

I don't know why but what ever video you post is enjoyable and watchable. I think it is your energy, attitude and personality, and also definitely the content. Thanks for the video.

[@Foxx_69]

Old Joey is back! Love it when your in build mode!

[@bimiup1]

Thanks for this filter build, Joey. I started fish keeping when I was 10 (54 years ago) and thought hob filters were magic and and had some secret powers. I had to have charcoal and floss filtration or it wouldn’t work right. I thought canister filters were hi tech and complicated. Thanks for making it all so easy to understand! Where was the internet when I needed it 59 years ago?

[@modyosman5059]

i actually love this filter, it would look so good if planted. Definitely a project I'd make for myself. Can't wait to see the final version.

[@Juicejunkie409]

been watching you for years and I love how geeky you are still to this day on filters in fish keep up the good work keep your head up stay motivated my friend

[@adkgaladkgal1799]

I have an ugly over head filter too and it is so easy to clean, I will never go back to a canister filters. MY goldfish tank has been in great condition for years. I put a 2 power heads, connected to tubes going up to a plastic file box, put 4 drains in, in the file box. in it is 2 +large plastic bottles one bottle is a coffee mate bottle both with holes on the bottom which are sitting on media bags. Lots of lava rock and poly fill, So easy to clean. Oh on the inside of the screw on bottle caps, I used hose connectors inside so the tubes don't pull out. Thank you for all your builds I really enjoy them

[@chrislovesky5402]

Revisiting this video for an overhead sump/additional water volume for my nano reef. Your channel is such a wealth of knowledge going back a decade lol Thank you from the future!

[@alwalsted]

Great to see you building stuff again! New ways to do the things we all geek out over. And its great to see you bounce back up from something that could have knocked you down.

[@mwaithephoto]

I’m so happy you are planning on getting more eels! I love them so much and it’s just what the gallery needs. I just got a yellow head eel myself.

[@stevecox8066]

Looks are important in my living room, but function is much more important. And I happen to LOVE the DIY stuff.

[@Aiter918]

Oh man this is perfect. Ive been trying to figure something out to make a filter that goes on top of a 100g Rubbermaid tub. I also wanted to be able to put plants in it since the inhabitants eat them. This is exactly the DIY I needed. Thanks a million.

[@raisinggoldfishonabudget7058]

I am fascinated with diy projects & filtration I'm learning all I can about this cause I want to get into building them to sell & I have a few of your videos saved on this project.

[@RD-kj9gq]

Thqnk you Joey for building something again. Thats how I got hooked on your channel like 8yrs ago!!!

[@deathdealer7815]

I can't wait 2 see what you going to do for the new filters! I recently changed up my filtration on my +- 230 ltr. tank and it was the most fun I've had in that aspect in 10 years. Keep it up man! Wouldnt miss your vids not ever!

[@Aquafinity]

Me too! Joey’s videos are phenomenal! He motivated me to create a fishkeeping channel!! 🐠 🐟

[@Loveofpets]

You are so handy and creative. Keep up the great work!

[@surfingshrimp]

People hate the look of filters, but I love them. I love the look of my sponge filters a lot. I also love the look of matten filters and sump filters.

[@brettjamesmiller]

I’m actually in the process of building a sump for my 55…..I work at a waste water treatment activated sludge plant so I’m familiar with filtration and solids reduction ammonia the full 9 yards…but your mechanical explanations on scaling down what I’m use to is spot on

[@Honda90996]

Book is a must have! I’ve used it so much in the last 3 years

[@dankeith6756]

Your DIY projects is why I started watching your video's in the first place. I bought the E-Book years ago and it has lots of good DIY info in it. You should start selling the E-Book again. I couldn't have afforded the printed book and would never have gotten it.

[@harshvardhanbhatnagar6889]

Joey is getting better in putting up a sales pitch for his book ... 😀 Also how many ppl noticed the breeding activity of rays in the start... I think he has already moved the arowana to his new tank and we might get to c baby rays soon... Also I made the same type of filter 1 yr back by getting inspired from ur old videos and it's been working very nicely for my fishes ... So thank u for the idea

[@nighthawk759]

I made one of these about 8 or 9 years ago for a cichlid breeding tank ... Further improvements can be made using over and under baffles to force the water through the filter media rather than flow around it , spray bar as the inlet to oxygenated the water going into the filter and egg crate on the top to hold indoor plants that feed of the excess nitrates in the water further improving water quality with the bonus of a nice plants to look at ... They work very well especially if you lack space to the sides or under the tank for filtration

[@GPexa]

Hi, im from New Zealand, I have your book and love it. I want a malawi tank in our small home and im goona be using the book to build everything myself. Best of all, my wife isnt opposed :D

[@k9feces]

The temporary filter looks pretty damn good to me.

[@PaulZyCZ]

There are photos on Internet people using these "planter sumps" for plants above a fish tank (I'm considering this actually as a 2nd filtration).

[@johnmhao670]

hi where did you buy that planter plants??Thanks

[@coreygunter4787]

As a fellow DIY'ER that mimics most of your ideas. This Looks Amazing 👏 .

[@Habdabi]

I joined your channel about a year ago. Just want to say keep it up, this video was really inspiring as its something I could do. Would love your algea management and cleaning tips haha.

[@allisonhavens6010]

This makes me feel better about all my tanks filters😃 all of mine have filters made this way but instead of ceramic blocks I used leca and stuffed them to the gills with fast growing aroids.

[@jeffalbillar7625]

Good morning Ma'am. Will you please explain what leca & around are?

[@Dlstufguy2]

Love it, it is great to see an update on a classic project

[@thenerv37]

Your book is my go to manual of fish keeping! You should be proud!!!

[@puppiesarethebest4223]

I bought your book a year ago and is the best book I have ever read

[@nicholasmajors1938]

That tank look unique it's definitely not ugly bro I love it.

[@swat486]

This is OG DYI fish guy! That filter looks great and would be awesome For a saltwater build or a frag tank.

[@Shadowfire200386]

yes! the Joey videos I started watching this channel with I have no idea how long ago. I have missed this type of content lol.

[@musician200X]

I did something similar with a flower pot hanging on the side of my stock pond. Its more of and internal filter but it works essentially the same. I'm glad I was on the right DIY track.

[@littsoutdoors0102]

Thanks for making all these videos man. You are a true inspiration and a lot of the tips and advice you give I have used in my own tanks and I hope to have a fish room open to the public one day 😃

[@TexasRed649]

I think this will actually be a good idea for a project I'm planning.

[@jackparkin1339]

I love how your temp filter it better than a lot of peoples main filters lol

[@AhJemwangame]

Dang i missed the simple diy filters and setups. Keep it up 👍👍

[@victorgerhardt1504]

Great to see you in a HAPPY PLACE!!

[@enduman]

Yes! King of DIY stikes again! Love it.

[@reeseosborne2249]

Yeah! Joey is back. Watched you diy for long time.✌

[@waterlover]

Like how you adapted so quickly to get the tanks back up and running after the disaster of the building that didn’t happen.

[@ralphfox5817]

Great book and have build stands and a few of the filter systems you show

[@Jeromeeb]

Ugggghhhh who comes to the king of diy for DIY projects?!? 😝

[@amx1820]

The king of DiY is back:))

[@TheTeamfreeup]

I’ve built this same exact filter in the past i know you have done tone of diy projects but i think you should throw a build in every couple videos

[@aldinviray2970]

Now this is the King of DIY I know.

[@chico0969]

I hope I don’t offend you , I feel really upset for you that the gallery you had plans for didn’t work out . I was excited like so many others for you and the channel . But low key I’m excited and loving what your currently doing with your original gallery . DIY filtration , smaller scale space , just a little more relatable to us noob fish keepers . Awesome channel and thanks for keeping it 100% real .

[@TheAusisa]

Joey this is an awesome concept! Thank you!

[@eskimojulie]

Loving this and i am sure its going to much better than the offsite venue was going to be .

[@Justin89125]

Joey I want to thank you for this I’m 100 percent going out and buying a planter box I’ve had some struggles with my 55 gallon salt water tank I have no room for a sump what so ever the tank is literally 11.5 deep 🤦‍♂️ and I’ve had a hang on back aqua clear 70 on it for about a year almost and it’s not working at all this I think could help me out substantially I’m just wondering should I still put a baffle into my display to pump the water from ?? I was thinking of doing a baffle right to the bottom of the tank on one side with the pump in it then having it flow back into the tank on the other side from the planter box tank is 49 long

[@justinejay7670]

I bought this book as a Christmas present to myself last year. It's my bible ❤❤🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@musician200X]

About to build this for a turtle pond filter. You're amazing. Thank you!

[@Leon-vp3vb]

I like it, industrial look of filter seems cool.

[@Steve0272.]

Great DIY vid bud 👍 , if you put the filter floss behind the large sponge it will last alot longer

[@zaingill1115]

The new filters will be absolutely phenomenal!

[@christoddheartogold]

I think that filter is beautiful! Mostly because it is simple and highly effective!

[@katelynoleary5766]

Joey, do you ever plan on releasing the book on any audiobook/digital platforms? I’m not a physical book kind of person and opening it up on those platforms would make it more accessible. I have been waiting to read it for years now but can’t. You are the reason I’m in this hobby! Love your work and passion for this hobby!

[@AndrewBeezy91]

If you buy the physical book you also get an eBook version as well that you have access to immediately after purchasing.

[@oldguygamer9511]

Download, save, print and make multi backups. I lost my link to download the book and Joey won't respond to help me with my purchase.

[@katelynoleary5766]

I didn’t know that! Awesome, I will do that now! Thank you!

[@rattdoggsaquariums4976]

Yes, you are right, it is a good chapter! Thanks Joey for sharing your knowledge!

[@TriniFishHobbyist]

Nice background for a pod cast!

[@zzospreyzz55]

He is right. It's a good chapter in that book. Book is pretty decent to help you build your own stuff. I recommend

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

Question: on the blocks, isn’t surface area in contact with the water important as well as the total amount of media? Wouldn’t breaking the blocks up give it a lot more biological filtering power?

[@jeffalbillar7625]

I thought the same thing

[@BaNaKeen]

The ceramic blocks are incredibly porous, you can see all the holes at 5:17 . So depending on your situation you could either get a very small benefit by breaking them or actually lose some surface area if you can’t fit as much of the tile into the filter (due to the shapes of the blocks not being a tight fit)

[@zielska123]

Also there is a benefit to having less surface area, anaerobic bacteria will set up inside the blocks where there is less oxygen in the water, and this bacteria converts nitrate into nitrogen, so great for keeping nitrates down.

[@bigjohn6458]

i gotta thank you Joey, my 125g oscar tank sprung a leak and with one your videos i was able to reseal the tank and give my oscars their home back again.

[@lilboat2819]

joey if you reallyyy wanna plug your book you should do a video where you build directly from the book! i think that might be kinda neat.

[@jyrex978]

Good question for ya. Does providing more than adequate area for beneficial bacteria create a good space? Does any bacteria over the amount die and create food for the rest?

[@jeremybrown5866]

Wish I could share a pic of my 60 and 55!!!! I have overhead sumps on both with alot of pothos in them!!!!! I used a tupperware that seals at the top, cut a hole in the top of that and used a spray bar under the lid!!! Put a sponge on the bottom and polli fill on top, works like a charm!!! 2 twenty four inch planters full of porhos and lava rock, works like a charm!!!! 55 same way, but one of the planters is only 18 iches!!!!!

[@Jurassic_jungle]

Where can yiu get this planter box great idea !

[@thunderfox53]

Loving the new setup Joey looking good👍

[@Aquadiction]

Great to see Joey back on the DIY, two thumbs way way up!

[@gavinsmith3508]

I made an extra over head filter box about a year ago and it works great I also run a canister filter to

[@supermanx8711]

I can understand not needing a check valve when the outs are lower than the IN, but when you turn the IN elbow downward, does this not make the IN lower than the OUTS? Or...is it where the straight part is located, not the end of the elbows?

[@danrich9794]

Love the excitement projects rock

[@Digitalfirex]

Joey... my basement literally flooded on Wednesday/Thursday. Water came up to right below my fish tank. Contents of the tank are all ok... but it got me thinking. I wanted to build a bigger tank in the basement. If I do, I have to consider flooding... so was looking at the possibility of a sump above the tank as opposed to under.

[@hadifox]

spirit diy is comeback ,nice...

[@dsag3366]

I've been looking for something like this for my turtle tank. Thanks Joey!

[@kingofmexico6290]

Great video as usual wanted to ask what kind of light your using and how is it with Coral

[@DylanFH15]

Hey Joey, you don't run a protein skimmer on the saltwater tank , can you explain the benefits of using one .

[@ronj9460]

If this is UGLY, I want an UGLY tank. Love it Joey, your the man.

[@yanjijay6752]

Looks awesome & relaxing in the fish room & plants would be nice if it was fresh water

[@naic4921]

Nice awesome video bro. Now I want to change my filtration. 👍

[@benjaminruth2595]

Nice Work and cheap Filter🤗🤗✌✌👌nice Sunday from Germany

[@michaeljesse1956]

nice video ,I have one over my 40 breeder, made out of a 36 inch planter.and I also use it for pothos, peace lilies, lucky bamboo.

[@antonneilandales5035]

Finally another diy project.

[@majordrakey9834]

Hey Joey, was thinking of building an overhead for my 55g Ryukin tank and you were the first person I thought of. I was wondering, do you think I could run one from the outlet of my canister filter?

[@psyblade100]

What pump did you use? Planning to make one, thanks

[@joeydr1497]

I actually designed one of these for my DT project in year 10 I did it as a hydroponics system with the brief “green products for the home” and the light was built in to the bottom of the filter

[@Aquafinity]

That’s very cool!

[@jonathan__g]

Hey Joey, any chance ONLY the ebook is available for purchase? I'd rather have that than the soft cover book.

[@kylemchugh276]

I have the fx4 on my 75 works good . Have you ever used it .

[@amberhalvorsen7197]

The best chapter!!!! I learned so much for that book, and still find little timbits throughout. Maybe I should buy a second one for a good copy. The one I use if full of sticky notes highlighted areas video titles for the corespondent tutorial and all kinds of stuff.

[@Damarius28]

That planter box filter is cool

[@jasongarland3165]

Brilliant! A filter like this would be great to stick from plants in as well

[@longdo8417]

Is the glue you using for the pvc safe for livestock? Can I use 100% silicone as substitute?

[@JokerrJKR]

Hey Joey. I suck at plumbing and I have a cr44 sapphire sump that has a 1.5” end to it that needs to be one with a CPR CS202 overflow external box with a 1” bulkhead. My plan is to get both ends at the same diameter and connect a barbed fitting to connect a flexible hose. But i don’t know what fittings I need in order to achieve this.

[@garethbaker3429]

Hi Joey, The way I like to think of the filter size is that it depends on how much you feed. The quantity of food gives the quality of pollutants.