Easy DIY Aquarium Bucket Fish Tank Filter

[@AquariumCoop]

*Do yourself a favor and subscribe so you get more videos like this from us.* bit.ly/2Yez7yl

[@kingkato21]

What size hole saw for this project?

[@greatlakesreefing9671]

kingkato21 he is using both 1in bulkheads so with bulkheads it’s larger hole due to plastic on outside cuz “1in” is the hole in bulkhead so for a 1in bulkhead it’s a 1 3/4” hole saw....see a lot of people drill with same size as fitting and it’s way small so at least +50% of fitting size for drill bit but from experience definitely use 1 3/4” for a 1” fitting.....45mm hole saw for our metric friends

[@Noel-qi7ku]

You should drill the lid first and set it on top of the bucket before you put the bulkhead in the bucket, so you don't have to hold it.

[@juancarlosmiguel6341]

what kind of water pump is?

[@morgan21639]

CÓMO HACES PARA QUE NO SE SALGA EL AGUA POR LA TAPA.???????

[@carlsei3396]

8 years later and this is still a gem. Just want to make note that the link provided for the bulkhead is actually for a slip-thread, but what you actually need is a slip-slip bulkhead.

[@intelbreak]

Great informative video! thanks! for others, If you are worried about blockage and possible disaster, use two outlets, cut one higher than the other. If you see one day water is flowing out of the secondary tube under your filter you will know immediately that the primary is blocked and maintenance is in order. Aim for double the size outlet than inlet as a rule of thumb with any overhead filter.

[@adonaiyahteemann4030]

If you drill the lid first, you can use. The bucket as a stand, and not your lap.

[@charlescox2840]

LOL right!!

[@joewwilliams]

Or in either order and wait to install the bulkheads until both holes are drilled

[@johnwyatt3677]

Got to love good old common sense.

[@scottsfowler]

PVC = Legos for practical purposes...I love the Aquarium Co-Op DIY/hack vids!! you have saved me so much $$$!!

[@mikeb1189]

Just made one of these. I'm pretty happy with it and myself. Mine has a strong airpump, 300 gph water pump and 3/4 bulkheads. She seems to be trucking along and it's so nice not to spend a fortune on filtration and finally feel like I have enough. Thanks Cory

[@genecundel4793]

Hey Cory, I am a fan of your channel and just wanted to make a comment. Most battery powered drill have a very useful feature on them that a lot of people don't take advantage of. On the nose of the drill there is a numbered rotating collar which allows the drill when set to the screw position, to slip at the numbered torque setting which you select before tightening clamps, screws or whatever could be damaged by just letting the drill run full out. Thanks for all your positive energy.

[@sheenaschoebel7430]

My favorite part, "One of those don't drop your camera in the water scenarios" Lol, love this DIY, it's genius. Going to attempt one for my pond. Thank you! Love your dedication and the work you put into everything to teach us.

[@mrpreparedallthetime1099]

oh my gosh 1 wk and BAMM! super clear! I can now count all my fish 150 of them. thanks again

[@AquariumCoop]

Glad to hear it.

[@kingkato21]

What size whole saw do we need? I have everything but that and I dont wanna buy the wrong one.

[@Ian-qw1zb]

Made this filter 4 years ago and it is still running my turtle pond with two red ear sliders in it. The water has been Crystal clear ever since great filter..... And I really only service it two or three times a year it works

[@costinhomescu2010]

Crystal clear isn't always best

[@therenaissanceman8563]

I have a 660 gallon tank with numerous Rainbow trout in it. I run two pumps with the bucket filter at 1000 gallons per hour. I connect to the bucket on the side. I finally got it to flow without any back up. Rainbows have to have a high water flow.

[@FishBehindGlass]

Great vid. It shows this can be done with need for specialized tools. Minus the bulk heads, every part and tool can be found in the average garage. Simple, inexpensive and can be easily modified. Really great vid.

[@AquariumCoop]

+Fish Behind Glass Yep. It could be done without bulkheads too, but DIY bulkheads etc tend to leak and have more problems so it's a part I'd rather just buy.

[@jimsinclair4571]

Where do you get bulkheads?

[@carlwagers9829]

@@jimsinclair4571 I think any hardware store or Amazon.

[@MichaelClark-uw7ex]

I like that you have the filters above the tanks. I had an Eheim canister years ago that sprung a leak and drained my tank, never had another below tank filter since. The 75 I'm setting up will have a corner HMF to hide the pump and heater with a bucket trickle filter in the cabinet above the tank. Should make water changes easier too.

[@jupekai4601]

I made a similar one out of a 2G bucket but I used ceramic media - a mix of aquaquarium specific ceramic rings I got on sale and broken terracotta pots I got free from the garden center (they were cleaned, soaked and made fish safe before being put in the bucket). In total the whole thing cost my £17.67 to make and runs my 120 litre community tank. It's water tight so it's sat next to the tank not above it. Never thought of adding an air stone though so that's an addition I think I will make so thanks for sharing that, great idea!

[@adhimas]

I suggest for the top filter that you show on the near end of the video, you can remove the last separator, and add a pipe on the output in a similar idea as the output pipe on your bucket. That way you can fill the last chamber with more bio filter.

[@reneehawkins7266]

My husband and I just followed these instructions to build this filter. It is going now. Seems like it will be good for the turtle.

[@dennisyee2879]

Renee Hawkins how has this worked for your turtle? I have 4 in a 180 gallon tank and have been meaning to make this. Please let me know

[@audpicc]

I am planning on making these for our RES. I have two males in separate 75gal tanks bc they fight lol. NO way I'm paying canister filter money twice! I'd love to know how these worked out for you and your turts

[@dennisyee2879]

Andy Harrison it worked awesome I recommend this method. Greatly! Make sure you use just bioballs though. Maybe some filter floss to filter some of the finer waste out. Keeps my turtle tank well and maintained. I clean mine once a month-2months. Make sure you add some type of movement in the bucket though as I didn’t and have mosquitoes reproducing in it.(can be bypassed by using a air bubbler or small 40gallon pump). My load is quite abit for this as I have 4 turtles and two sets of convicts that have 100+ fry each. One per 75 gallon will work well for you though

[@DaWhiteMan01]

Dennis Yee so you made it exactly the same way? What do you use as a filter before it enters your pump? It's kind of funny you use it for a turtle and and piece of food can get logged in the intake on the pump so once again WHY

[@dennisyee2879]

Da Whiteman I do not have anything blocking the intake so the food etc. Can be pulled through easily. 400gph submersible return pump style. Works great and do no have any problems

[@bluerthanindigo55]

One of the greatest DIY tips ever! Thanks Cory!

[@joshuadecker1305]

Cool. Very similar to the aquaponics setup I'm planning, but a larger scale. Good to have reassurance and proof of concept before I build it.

[@DROY2004]

On plastics ,run your drill & cutter backwards until bucket is scored, then run it forward or if thin plastic, keep cutting hole in reverse, does not jerk & buck & holes are smoother. Shalom!

[@AquariumCoop]

Parts List affiliate links: Never Clog Airstone: bit.ly/2IDcc5V Bio Balls: bit.ly/2IDcc5V Cobalt MJ-1200 Powerhead: bit.ly/2IDcc5V PVC Cutters: amzn.to/1T6UecP 1 inch Bulkhead: amzn.to/1UNASJv

[@logicmonkey1034]

No cloth to keep the fish poop out? Certainty that leads to cleaning more often than needed or less fish because you have to compensate for all the poop bio load right?

[@mohsenabd]

why you inter inside the bucket from top you can in from bottom

[@cassalamon]

Would the size of the one tho built in the video be good for a 50 gallon? And I've heard that you should go twice as big as the companies tell you because they dont include the aerobic cycle

[@BunnyTAlks]

Can I use 3 of these bucket filters for a 5feet tank. Will it work?

[@cassalamon]

@@BunnyTAlks depends on how many gallons it is

[@guitardave3028]

Just goes to show that we fishkeepers don't really need to spend a lot of money buying expensive canister filters to optimize our filtration systems and also add more water volume per tank to maximize amount of fish per grow out tanks...ingenious!

[@DaedricAngel]

Great video, I am a fisherman and I have converted a broken deep freeze into a live wellor baitfish that I net or catch to be used as live bait when catfishing. This setup will be perfect for what i need, since my pond filter broke, lol.

[@AquariumCoop]

Should work pretty well in a setup like that.

[@migueleespinosa2632]

The second time I see this. The only thing I thought of that would make it much more efficient, other than different media, is add a sponge pre filter at the pump inlet. It would keep everything so much cleaner and easier to maintenance.

[@judyhobday4760]

My pond is a 300 gallon plastic cattle tank sunk in the ground to the rim. I am going to get the equipment you demonstrated and make a filter for it this week. Thanks for the instructions. Makes the process look very do able for me. Much appreciated.

[@luigigreen9823]

By far the best bucket filter build I ever watched! And I have seen many! You rock Cory!!

[@luigigreen9823]

Oh my I've seen it before!! Still the best most simple bucket system

[@mannydefelice4370]

The puffer on his shirt is so cute!!

[@JustinDancingHawk]

Pillow stuffing poly-fill is great media for a filter!

[@loganrexroat3063]

Do you have to contain it in a mesh bag?

[@Grayman_WWJD]

🔥❤️‍🔥 friggin awesome... I'm using these when I do my back yard above ground ponds. Thanks Cory ❤️‍🔥🔥

[@derrellterry6911]

This project really surprised me, I really save lots of money and also my water is cleaner and my fish are very happy thanks for sharing your video🤗 God Bless you extra ordinary 🙏🙏🙏

[@drewbot89]

Another awesome idea! Thanks for explaining every step so thoroughly, and the theft behind it. I watched your hot rod on the back filter video and tricked a few of mine out. I'm thinking of trying this next! Thanks Corey.

[@drewbot89]

Theory not theft haha

[@ionescurazvan913]

I really appreciate you taking the time of getting this project on camera and showing us how to do it. I also want to build this setup and your videos are practically all I need. I also wanted to ask you if I would need an extra air pump to stay in the IBC itself, besides the one in the bucket. Could you also expand on how much fish can an IBC with this setup take? 200 lbs? 400 lbs? Thank you.

[@steven.h0629]

Pro Tip: Cutting Thin-Wall PVC that easily crushes before cutting.. Grasp the long end with one hand and give it a spinning motion.. cuts like butter without crushing..

[@mikeb1189]

If you have to cut with a power saw, like I did wrap in duct tape to prevent endless shattered egdes and nerves!

[@MJ0U812]

Drill in reverse problem solved.

[@DuzzyDobbin]

This video is going to make my mother extremely happy I’m going to make 2 of these 1 for each of her outdoor ponds. As she has gotten older and her sight worse she can no loner see her her fish through the greenish water. These will clean it enough for her to see. A question could I use a coarse sponge pre media balls?

[@michelleirby7587]

Cut your outflow 1/2 to 1/4 inch larger than your in Flo this way the water pressure will not overcome your pump there’s also a bulkhead called a uniconnector this bulkhead will attach to the side of a rounded bucket I find lava rock is a much cheaper alternative to buy a media and will grow just as much if not more bacteria also their rubber seals available for 5 gallon bucket‘s that will seal the top of the lid so that your pumpkin withstand more pressure without leaking These Seals still allow for your bucket to open and close and are usually available on Amazon or somewhere like that if you follow these steps your canister can handle a 1000 GPH pump and Ken filter a tank upwards of 200 or 250 gallons or even a small pond by the way great video very easy to see how you were constructing everything and nice descriptions

[@801DREADLOCKS]

Link to side bucket bulkhead?

[@roxyqueen5076]

hi Michelle..jeez I really wish that you could do a video where we can see how to construct this..I need more pressure ..That little small cobalt pump he had..well I got one just like it and it doesn't pump very well at all..I need a lot more water flo and pressure.

[@Tom_Prendiville]

@@roxyqueen5076 then get a bigger pump 🤔

[@seanharrilal572]

Wow you sound more knowledgeable than this guy i need help!!

[@cryptoastronaut8130]

Hey bro can you suggest good silent pump to use in canister filter in my bedroom my aquarium is 50/55 galon

[@tonylewis850]

Just love that filter easy made works great it’s a shame not many people make these over here in the u.k thanks Cory for sharing this great idea. Tony

[@fishfishfish9837]

Great Video. So many people post DIY videos amd make it very unclear on how to actually DIY. Great job...

[@n2kois]

The air stone insert was very smart... Thanks

[@jessl1934]

I wonder if a better design would be to put a T-junction on the inlet and outlet pipes, ideally with some 45° offsets so that the water moves in a whirlpool both as it comes in and flows out. Think like a wacky windmill style pattern. This would take a little bit of extra work and more material but it should create enough current in the filter bucket that you wouldn't need any airflow to disrupt channelling. The inlet T-junction would probably work best with narrower outlets to create some additional pressure for a whirlpool.

[@goliathfox]

Thanks for the video. This seems so much simpler to use and clean up next to my Sun Sun canister filter.

[@RRRCCCDDD]

Great. This saved me a ton of money and had a lot of fun making. Thanks

[@pruittfarmswolfenterprises3573]

Impressive Cory. That bucket filter seems like a REAL WINNER far as inexpensive filtration is concerned!

[@M21assult]

awesome. I hate YOUR design with the bucket having to be raised, but I just realized I can put both bulkheads in the lid let one run through the top to the bottom and the other has a tube that goes all the way to the bottom :D

[@chriswhite2577]

On the output line going back into the aquarium, I added a PVC “T” and cut a 1/4” slit in two 4” pieces of PVC and put an end cap on one side and added that to the “T”. Makes a nice waterfall.

[@jmgraydz]

I was in the aquarium co op last weekend! Although what you are doing doesnt actually make sense. Canister filters do it so that they can double the filter length because it filters down and then up. It would be easier to fill media wise without the tubes and just a valve on the bottom to adjust the flow.

[@gxrluv]

Building this right now for my breeder outside tank :P thank you so much for these videos!!!!!!

[@carlosvillanueva8530]

If you make the exit pipe even with the surface of the water in your pond and add a 90 degree elbow the filter will be quiet and agitate the water at the surface for oxygenation and to clear the surface of protein build up and dust. It will also let you know when to add water due to evaporation.

[@margaretcolquhoun4111]

Great filter. I know I'm late, but may I make a suggestion? You could drill the hole in the lid while it's still on the bucket before you drill the hole in the bottom. It would make it a lot safer!

[@JosePena-if2xh]

Bruhhh! You're a bad ass genius bro!😶😶😶🤓🤪🤪🤪🔨🐢🐠🐡🐟🐬🐋🐳🦈🐙🐚🦀🦞🦐🦑🐌 awesome thanx!💪👍👍👍👍

[@shesellsfish]

I love learning new DIY aquarium tricks and tips.

[@AquariumCoop]

+ShelbyRae Lane Me too!

[@MyTyeman]

Awesome DIY canister.....love your work

[@brianburke7839]

hey great video! Im building a 1000 gallon indoor pond and this is so fantastic! Instead of 2500 I will be spending 250! Thanks for taking the time!

[@petec6690]

@14 min's (approx) you can just get the right size adapter and hose.

[@tommyjames137]

Great video! Good to see another tinkerer cutting costs and making high quality stuff. Do you still need to do water changes with this filter? If so how often and how much? Thanks

[@frankallen8440]

Thank you so very much. I've been wanting to build one for a long time for my turtle pond.

[@fishroombum3771]

Another classic ACO video.

[@AQUANUT]

That is one neat filter Cory.. It kinda got my creative juices flowing. I think i am going to make one like that to try it out. I think i might add a layer of fine filtration in there some how. Its not like there is no room. Great video bud, i have been wondering about these filters for a while.

[@AquariumCoop]

+AQUA NUT There are ways to do it. I just choose not too after having done it. I found it to be too much work and clog up quickly so I choose to not catch waste there at all and take it out with water changes from the gravel/water.

[@AQUANUT]

Oh ok I guess it would be a pain to have to clean out 10 plus bucket every week. I wonder if i can come up with something that would be able to run without clogging up for an extended period of time. That much space for media at the fraction of the cost of a comparable canister filter is pretty appealing to me.

[@Jeffrow81]

Any chance you could link the hose barb and the hole saw? Trying to order everything from amazon besides the pvc pipe. Thanks for the video!

[@de82788]

Amazing amazing presentation as always I'm gonna build 1 some day!!

[@davidschneider9264]

Excellent filter , Cory

[@brettmartin764]

Super good project. Thank you so much!

[@kyles217]

An oldie but a goodie. Unfortunately now that powerhead is discontinued. Does anyone know of a good alternative?

[@1habicher]

Up with the top of the best, well done and easy to follow. Can not wait to have a go of it when it warms up. It,s winter in Australia but no snow or frost with me. Richard

[@DeformedDevices]

Nice clean hole. Super easy. Oh my.

[@HomeAquatics]

Awesome video man! I might actually use this idea to filter the two 350 gallon tubs I have outside that I'll be using for some breeding projects this summer. Thanks man!

[@AquariumCoop]

+Home Aquatics No problem. I think it'll work well. It's essentially what I use them for.

[@HomeAquatics]

Aquarium Co-Op I'm still messing around with the ideal setup for my system at the most cost effective price but this does seem like a high possibility.

[@degan185]

gasket on thread side will 100% leak. nobody do that on submerged or pressurized anything.

[@bigwigaquatics4129]

With that airstone already running, you could switch to Kaldness and that would be a perfect setup for a fluidized filter (just cap the outlet tube to keep the kaldness in).

[@AquariumCoop]

+BigWig Aquatics Yep totally, just requires the intake screen. I just don't like how loud the K1 filters are in my store is why I use this design.

[@patriciabushong3067]

Big fan. Love this idea. Need some guidance. I have a new 300 gal Rubbermaid stock tank. Currently 3 fancy gold fish and three shabukins. Plan on adding a couple more fancy fan tails. Would you tell me exactly what kind, how much filter media recommended for my requirements. Also where do you place the air stone? Should I try to center it? Is it beneficial to add more than one stone? I would like to have a UV light also. Any recommendations on installation placement? Looking fwd to your response.

[@fishymats873]

Very cool could you use that as a prefilter for water coming in to a drip system? Obviously with different media...

[@AquariumCoop]

+FishyMats Yeah there are lots of way to customize it. I'd have them with pre filters and drip trays inside of them before.

[@michaelfarmer537]

Great video! ❤ Saving money and doing a great job! 😅

[@DasFrenchman]

GREAT video Corey!

[@shannonrenis8063]

I can't find it someone already asked this question. How many gallons of water will this filter??

[@whyukraine]

You should do aquaponics in these bucket filters. Just cut some holes in the top, shove plants in, & let the roots clean your water.

[@whyukraine]

Also, free plants.

[@johnmartinez4943]

The way this is set up, it looks like it would make a nice solids separator the way the water is forced down and back up, kind of like a baffled sump.

[@AquariumCoop]

+John Martinez Yeah without the air stone it does collect solids. Which I don't like cause I like to remove solids with water changes :)

[@SamanthaNickole02]

I’m going to make one for my turtle pond!😃 Thank you!!😁

[@tholeetruck]

I like your idea. Very nice. I will try it out on my small 55 gallon tank.

[@M_T_F_96]

Great design I like it better than the straight in and out design I’ve seen. But If I put the outlet on the side could I use an elbow on the inside for the outlet pipe inside?

[@M_T_F_96]

I could run a short piece of pipe through the outlet hole to attach it too

[@ronseasyfixjustdoit5098]

I really like this filter it works great. I put different media's in it but that the great thing you can use what you want.

[@bran-qt7ds]

Five gallon bucket is an ideal size and works well inside, but what are people doing for outdoor use since these buckets aren't UV resistant. They get brittle in the direct Florida sun and i don't want to have to rebuild every year. Thanks

[@jefflewis5852]

Love this, just building my first pond with a stream so wanna make this filter, but would it work as a gravity fed filter system with the pump other side of the filter box to then pump clean water up to my stream, Any help welcome.

[@GotrekGurninsson]

We do the same style filter but use lava rocks for media. Cheap tons of surface area.

[@phoslurperr]

You could build a base or even use a cut off bucket turned upside down as your base so you dont need to set on top.

[@ReeveProductions]

Could I do something like this for a smaller tank? Maybe using an ice cream bucket or an old (well rinsed) dish soap bucket? What changes should be made to put it under the tank instead of over?

[@slimslim1762]

Thanks for your help, I made one out of a bucket but a need a better pump? what size do you use? My farther made this pond that has no filters, he has passed away with me looking after his project? I have 16 big goldfish now.

[@VillageVlogBD]

lovely idia😍👍

[@Specter1065]

How often should I clean the filter? Great video.

[@kingkato21]

I bought 1 inch OD diameter pvc with 1" Bulk heads. My plastic piece for my elbow is 1 1/4" Diameter for the part that goes into the lid.

[@fishroombum3771]

Great little filter DIY, thanks Cory! Keep 'em coming, looking forward to the next video.

[@badbassfishingco.1191]

When did John Elway start posting aquarium videos??!?!?! LOL! Great Videos!

[@lancegoins5422]

Does anyone know if an above ground swimming pool pump is strong enough to use on this idea ?

[@kevinklaas776]

Cory nice job!! Love your videos...one of the best. It would be cool to see you design an actual diy knockoff of the FX6 for use beneath an aquarium.

[@AquariumCoop]

+Kevin Klaas The problem with putting it below is it requires it to be water tight. Those connections can be a lot more difficult to make and I'm not sure I'm comfortable putting out of a video like that as if people do it incorrectly they'll flood their home and people will come to my retail store to complain.

[@kevinklaas776]

Good points.

[@susanstaples6171]

I am overloaded with guppy fry. This might act as a giant pooper scooper!

[@laciemaespencer6435]

Do you have these instructions in writing somewhere? Love this and want to try.

[@BenCheeksFish]

Awesome filter! Thanks for the idea!

[@AquariumCoop]

+Ben Cheek No problem. Thanks for watching and support us.

[@robertmoore1123]

Awesome build . When I finally get a camen that might work really good as long as it doesn't eat the tube . But could make a casing for the tube I bet

[@ShotgunAndAShovel]

pvc pipe probably okay? unless you get a psycho one, lol. or run it behind a solid piece of plastic it can't access, a wall.

[@lifer4jdm]

Cory.....you just blew my mind, I was looking at how a canister filter worked and if I could build it cheaper, YOU took it to a new level of cheap dude I live that, My question is could I use lava rock and if so how much do you put in, just below the top of the outlet tube?

[@kevinp595]

I am planning to build one of these for my turtle tank. What filter media (besides the bio balls) is used? How is it placed in the bucket?

[@andrewtarquinio6788]

Looks awesome -- but where do you get the 3/4" to 1/2" barb adapter?

[@isaiahmarion9718]

Lowe's

[@paulhowell8661]

Looks like if you wanted to use the same DIY filter for your home aquarium the outlet could be installed on the side at the bottom of the bucket, then of coarse add filter media with biological media/ installing the outlet on the side would allow the bucket to sit flat and add a return to the aquarium

[@jimtang1571]

nice video! could you pls let me know where to buy fish tank in your video? or how to build it?

[@BeOutThere]

I think if you put your air hose on the inflow side of the system it would suck/inject air due to low pressure created by the water flowing through the pipe. That way you could eliminate filter stone and I assume an air pump.

[@AquariumCoop]

+Grog BoJonJovi it only works if the pond is shallow or the pump is very strong.