HOW TO: Build a CHEAP aquarium SUMP filter

In today’s video I show you how to build one of the most effective types of sump filter for the least amount of money.
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DIY filter media ► • HOW TO: DIY aquarium f...
DIY wet/dry trickle filter with bucket ► • HOW TO: build an aquar...
Original wet/dry trickle filter video ► • Cheap and Easy DIY Aqu...
DIY wet/dry trickle filter ► • HOW TO: Build an aquar...

[@ianrice3464]

Just wanted to say, I've been running this on my 125 gallon for over a year now. Running quilt batting, plastic scrubbers, and lava rock, with a $15 Amazon pump. The results are absolutely amazing. Pushing probably 800 gallons an hour and water quality is insane. Thank you for this! Takes an afternoon, but well worth the time!

[@imin2461]

just wondering how its like after 2 years?

[@leeterboy]

I used this to build a 4 drawer setup for my 2 55 gallon tanks connected with a water bridge and I also used the overflow that you showed in another video to get water from the tank to the filter with a sponge media in the top followed by filter floss “polyfill” followed by plastic scrubbies. I used the last drawer for a pump to my aquaponic grow bed. The only thing I did different is I drilled a second small hole in the top to insert a tube for when I use my gravel vac, that way I don’t have to worry about the water getting to low. I love this setup and plan to use it for my other 55 gallon tank.

[@silencedknight]

This thing is amazing, I built it for the purpose of clearing space in my tank (Had Marineland hang on the back, UV sterilizer, and thermometer) as well as more powerful filtration. This thing gave me so much more space and put those items below my tank, creating a much better appearance. I utilized your weir system (which I'm so glad that came out) using .75 inch pvc pipe and the 1.5 inch for the weir itself. I had to quell the noise but was easy since I drilled the holes right where the original end cap was. Simply took out that end cap, drilled a hole large enough for the .75 pipe to fit through and it worked like a charm. Wanted to continue using chemical filtration (via Carbon) so just got some mesh bags and placed it under the tank as well.

[@thekingofdiy]

In today’s video I show you how to build one of the most effective types of sump filter for the least amount of money. Get the ultimate DIY book ► thekingofdiy.com Follow me ► facebook.com/uarujoey DIY filter media ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6qwgKKpeqiHiNE DIY wet/dry trickle filter with bucket ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3vXdmmAoalqjsk Original wet/dry trickle filter video ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4utc6BubrKosLc DIY wet/dry trickle filter ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/gImwoWiql9iaoc0

[@polotucu]

Hello .... I have some questions for you ... 1 I can use sea sponges that are usually sold for sponging as bio filter? and 2 I was given a bowl of about 600 gallons in acrylic 2 "thick 84" long 60 high and 36 "wide. How many gallons I can have the sump? and how many gallons per hour can be the pump? will be freshwater. arowanas, pacu, peacock bass, and that kind of fish..... gracias

[@lnkrishnan]

+The king of DIY The biggest problem for me is the sourcing power heads for driving water in and out of the main tank to the sump, and proper interconnects for the tubes. Being in India, finding good power heads for this is a nightmare - people fleece ... a power head that might cost 15 dollars in the US is sold the equivalent of a 100 dollars here. It is frustrating. :( What power heads do you use? Can you share links to those?

[@polotucu]

bath sponges

[@beating2]

+Lakshminarayanan Krishnan Yah even in UK i find it had to find cheap powerheds capable of lifting water that high. Unless you are looking to spend more money on the powerheads than the actual filtration system.....

[@ilmgwamh]

+The king of DIY How can you acheive this style while also having a an overflow system such as herbie or beananimal styles? They require the hose that goes into the sump to be submerged.

[@JustinDancingHawk]

Brilliant! I would never have thought of the tower idea! Thanks Joey!

[@julianmorgan8454]

Thanks for the ideas as always Joey :) I have to wonder though how important or not it is to use food grade plastics in this kind of job? I recently bought a garden hose for a DIY job and the smell when I opened the packaging was so strong I ran a TDS test running RO water through it - the TDS was 50-75 ppm higher once it had run through the hose. Not sure how long that would continue but I wasn't going to take the chance when food grade hose is available. Likewise food grade plastic containers are available on Amazon - some really huge 90 litre containers and of course bins and stuff for animal food storage. I havent seen sets of drawers with food storage grade plastics but perhaps worth looking for? What are your thoughts?

[@gnilrack]

1:10 did anyone else think the tower was huge until his hand entered the shot? haha

[@nicks_aquatic]

Shall be trying this for my 800 ltr tank. As I'm running 6 large sponge filters on it atm as the FX6 was using alot of power.

[@victorviuaquarismoalternat6517]

Great, here in Brazil the aquarium equipments is very very expensive we think this products is cheap on USA but at all you help us with your know-how, thank you so much!

[@traviscarlton4269]

could you make a video showing how to get the water in and out? I do not uderstand how you get it cycled . I understand the pump will put it back in the tank but how does it get into the sump from the tank

[@Sussybaka80800]

I know right

[@pearljameric]

Nah bro he already covered it in another video. Lol

[@mundomoney1176]

Maybe let the water flow down naturally

[@nicholasaaronrose]

I believe it works on a siphon

[@MbunaMarcus]

1:26 things must be good Joey...wearing a Versace shirt while doing a sump build is quite gangsta ;)

[@nielsmanders1091]

great filter. maybe you could do a video about the best Christmas aquarium presents!

[@sthaaz]

Just curious about the third trickle part !! Does it have holes in the bottom ?

[@dsfishing3726]

Aqua Theory yes

[@jtull01]

I recently got back into the hobby. Boy this is the best channel by far! Joey is a one super man! I am hooked.

[@PatrickR216]

+The King of DIY , fairly new to the hobby and I would like to build this set up. I am just a bit confused on how to get the actual filter running. How would the system in take water and outtake water back into the aquarium? Thanks for the help

[@emmanuelnocete4366]

Patrick Roberts same i hope he goes back to this video........or really any help is needed and will ne accepted

[@alexguitar841]

Patrick Roberts you need to make an overflow to have the water from the main display tank run down to the sump and a pump to return the filtered water back to the tank. he has videos showing you how to do this as well. good luck!

[@sophiegamwell1816]

Patrick Roberts I

[@josecoto379]

Alex G. So when you make the overflow on the display tank , how is it going to go through the trickle tower ? So it can go all the way down? Do you make a hole on the top of the trickle system so water can go down thru all the filter media down to the sump, to the pump and back in the tank ???

[@141richo]

i think you need a water pump in the sump and a drain bung on the aqurium at the desired water level

[@williamgazca963]

quick question what's The name or model of that pump that's transferring the water from pump to tank? hope that makes sense thanks bud

[@bobbiejoforeal]

Yeah I don't understand how they are getting water into tank and then into sump

[@storchz8128]

I know this may be a dumb question but I've always been wondering how do you balance the flow from the overflow going into the sump and the pumping it back into the tank with pump?

[@adwhitex]

Recently found you're channel. Good on you. Just picked up my first aquarium in many many years and got a complete used system and I'm looking to significantly increase filtration. The tank is in the family room and want to make sure whatever sump setup I install it's whisper quiet. Is the raining action of this system loud?

[@SevroAuBarca04]

Great video as usual, ive been wondering what to do to filter a new 220 gal i picked up. Thanks to this video I just got back home from walmart and multiple dollar stores buying all i need to build this filter. Got all my stuff for just under 50$, thanks Joey. So this tank im setting up has 2 built in overflows, how should i go about plumbing them to the filter? There are 2 inputs and 2 outputs, how do i set that up?

[@PokerKing1993]

I know you have used lava rock in the past for filter media, can you use that here as an alternative to the pot scrubbers?

[@atellismarin4607]

lava rock in an emerged style filter could be a problem as waste may collect where water impacts the media and water will then channel around that spot, that's why the popular media for this application bio balls have a lot of open space simply to avoid this issue. Lava rock is good just for a submerged(the media is fully submerged in a lot of water) you could put lava rock in the bottom container and keep the water level over the bottom drawer.

[@awesomeguy3982]

Josh Elliston kk

[@djayiamme7240]

Hi how do you use this on the aquarium? Like how does the water flow from the aquarium to the sump from the sump to the aquarium?

[@sambucci8544]

Very cool. One question. In the third drawer on the bottom how are the pot scrubbies suspended? Is it just the water level making them rise to the top?

[@thekingofdiy]

+Sam Bucci Floating. I didnt have enough to fill it. If i did, they would be in their tight and not float.

[@sambucci8544]

+The king of DIY ok thanks.

[@The314moses]

This is amazing! Thank you!!

[@pack13sheet]

Hi Joey, I've been watching more and more of your videos. I'm really enjoying all the information and the passion you have on this hobby... please make a video comparison of the best beginner tank brands that you think is a good start (and brands to stay away) especially for someone who wants to start this hobby... God bless you --- from SK

[@luminoustrail7640]

A very good idea that I obtained from a previous Joey video. My sump have an addition in the first level below the polyfiber, I put a box for finer particles using felt found in Walmart.

[@BoY860]

thought of doing something similar, probably using pvc for the filter media but i think i might replace the bigger bin with a tank. For some reason i dont trust the tub holding water i feel like its to easy to break. Have you had any issues using these tubs for sumps?

[@Spyking832]

+The king of DIY I'm getting a 20 and 29 gallon tank ready to cycle and I need to figure out filtration. I plan on both being pretty heavily planted tanks. I will use the 20 for some African Dwarf frogs I have grown to love and the 29 for a school of tetras or similar fish. To make it more convenient, would you recommend filtering the two tanks using one sump? I've read about the pros and cons but I was wondering what you think. Also, would this sump cover the needs of filtration for my tanks, or would I need another system of filtration? Thanks in advance!

[@chrishofmann3028]

Great video. I'm curious I would like to do a sump and linear air pump for my future fish room(thinking around 10-15 tanks to use the sump) do you think this would be good sump to use? If not what would you recommend. Thanks

[@jenxu2]

Hi! I love your diy options! I have a question. Can I use a smaller set of drawers? I want to create a sump for my 55 gal but I'm not sure how big it needs to be? Help?!?

[@davidk165]

Joey, I'm wanting to build this type of filter on my tank, the tank is 200g. Is there a specific size sump and drawers needed to to match the size of my tank? Also is this capable of replacing the 2 externals I'm using now? Dave

[@hooktraining3966]

Okay, so I understand how most of it works but I do have a question about the output of the main tank. Do I need a second pump to pump water into the sump? If not, how do I make sure that the overflow is putting water in the sump as fast as the pump is taking it out?

[@reedgoede7903]

Snek Nek siphon out the water down the filter

[@lionelluther1649]

You can build a PVC siphon several videos on KZbin. You can customize different shapes and even paint it to match the background

[@ArtyMars]

You just make sure the out put that is gravity feeding water to the sump, only has a hole big enough to JUST trickle out enough water, you can essentially just use a standard twistable tap attached to the end of the pvc syphon i suppose to regulate water output, also, if the pump brings the water back up into the tank is submerged inside the fish tank it won't burn out if the tap gets clogged or whatever and the sump isn't being fed any water for whatever reason, breaking the circuit. Also if you're using a syphon system, the pipe that goes INTO the tank to send water down to the sump would need to only go in so far, all these prevent the tank being drained or the sump being over filled etc.

[@abdullahmohammed1842]

It's Perfect. But I have a question about the connecting of pipes through which water will pass. So can you tell in detail about it? Thank You.

[@Vassenden_yt]

Joey! Thank you for your ideas and videos. Could you show any good ways, other than the overhead sump, to filter the water above the aquarium, and not under?

[@thekingofdiy]

+Vassende I already have a few videos on that. Here are a couple: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3fGmqKIiqiUbMU kzbin.info/www/bejne/fILdiIZmfNx6rK8

[@freddievara8117]

How does the water get down to the sump gravity?😳

[@BATTLE-TANK]

thanks brother. its very easy to make. thumbs up !!!!!!!!!! for you video

[@altopstwo3934]

I luv it however can you speak to weather or not these are made of materials that donot leach out PBA's and other unwanted chems?

[@dstrbd223]

What style filtration system do you prefer? I have been looking heavily at canister filters for the 75gal I plan on getting, but have recently started reading more about sump systems. What are your thoughts?

[@chrisjones6002]

+Robert Hathaway I currently have both a sump and canister filters on different tanks. Sumps are better in every way other than they can be noisy depending on how its setup. If you can go with a sump or just build one like in the video, they are much easier to maintain.

[@MrWinston982]

Definitely going to build one of these for my 55 Oscar tank. Been meaning to do this for years and you have inspired me to really cheap skate it. But holy hell I had to pause the video every 15 seconds to laugh at your accent. I love it! Keep at it.

[@MrJbree13]

perfect timing! I'm about to build one for a discus breeding system! thanks Joey!!

[@thekingofdiy]

+John Breeson This is the type of filter I used on my discus breeding system as well.

[@UnderTheTide]

Hi Joey, did you call the coloured items plastic pond scrubbies ? Sorry I couldn't catch that right and do I get them at Dollarama here in Ontario bud? I think you said Pot scrubbies right ?

[@sleepy_moto2788]

could you give me a link to that pump you use in your arowana sump? or any pump you'd recommend for a good sized aquarium sump?

[@Kenney9120]

I saw one video where a man ran an air line into the chamber with the bio balls because he said they were in a closed in space. Is this actually necessary or does the action of the water passing through draw in air through the spaces between the plastic parts?

[@Tom_van_Gerven]

Great Video Joey! I was thinking on building this for my first aquarium. I do not know what size it should be. I would like it to be as compact as possible. Does anyone know what dimensions both drawers need to be at least? I can use different heights. My aquarium will be 160 liters (42 gallons), and i was thinking of a flow rate of 800 liters (210 gallons) per hour. Thanks for any help!

[@nathansmith8216]

Hi i am looking at making a sump like this and i wondered if you could use Bio balls, please let me know, thank you

[@Wolfprincess90]

I really like it. I'm gong to try this :). Just one question, How often does the media need to be replace?

[@kye88]

The Scrubbies or Biomedia would last a long time due to what they are made out of. So you wouldn't need to replace them in a hurry. The poly pad would be replaced when needed. eg, when its black. each system will be different to when media will need to be replaced. if you decided to use charcoal this needs to be replaced monthly, as its designed to release toxins back into the water if used for extensive period of time.

[@leeterboy]

I used a spong media in my top drawer followed by filter floss in the second followed by scrubbies in the third and mine only needs to be changed about every 4 - 6 months. Love this setup.

[@souravgt2583]

very very helpful.thanks joey, you'r the best

[@LoveEye15]

In case of a power outage how long can the beneficial bacteria survive in a trickle tower?

[@TarantulacornerZa2015]

Hi, i have 2 terrapins (red ear sliders) living in a aquarium with small fresh water fish but as the terrapins need a lot of direct sunlight i have a mass amount of algae constantly growing in the tank. Is there any advice you could offer me with regards to this?

[@usgirlsdiy4639]

Shoot this is the best channel ever!!! ❤

[@piojosogame]

Man let me tell you that is awesome your video and idea.... i am watching you frem Mexico and I am gonna DIM but I have a question man, hope you can help me... I am gonna use the SUMP for my fish "betta" tank... the question is what and how many filters or levels in the sump do i need??? in this video I just saw 2 filters level... thanks man

[@jamie-ox8sg]

hi joey can i add a dam where the pump is in the sump so if the pvc overflow fails only a small amount of water from the sump will go in to the tank and stop tank overflowing on to the floor and possibly electricy outlets

[@chenderhan]

Hey, love the channel. You mention putting other stuff in the drawers-- I'm assuming you mean like other media for ben bac, or activated charcoal. I'm wondering about stuff I see at the stores like "zeolite" or ammonia reducing sponge cubes. Any input appreciated-- trying to do research for homemade filtering in a 150-300 gallon turtle tank.

[@Veritas1980-Chill]

How many GPH does the pump need to move?

[@ihsnshaik]

Awesome! Always killing it in the videos.

[@shirleysw21]

Hi, Joey,I'm trying to do this project but got stumped on what I think is a powerhead pump? I was wondering do I need to buy 2 powerhead pumps? 1 for the tank and the 2nd for the sump? I'm planning on trying to build one of these for my goldfish tank. I've seen one in the tank for the video but didn't know what was and what it does or even if goes in water. I'm going to try to find others who made similar ones so I can understand. I have a 55 goldfish tank and mostly everything was brought there. One more questions. Common goldfish the ones sold in walmart for 13 cents can they get big? I got 18 but divided in 2 tanks temporarily before I jump wagon and buy something wrong. And if I had taken them back 2 months ago they would've been dead the after they were brought if not the same day. Haven't lost one but I'm reading and hearing they need a pond and I don't mind. I've seen videos of people who uses troughs, kiddie pools, plastic tote bins, and stock tanks don't know if they're okay to keep 18 or 9 commons. But I wanted asked someone who knows more. I'm more a visual learner then just a reader. Thanks for any advice given.

[@raulriosii]

So I made this filter worked like a charm only problem I had was a loud sucking, flushing noise looks like a lot of people had he same problem my solution to fix this was lowering the rate of the return pump and by lowering the rate of water being returned it completely silenced this filter runs awesome in my sump good luck !

[@raulriosii]

The noise was coming from my over flow from to much water intake

[@joet220]

Hey joey. Love your videos and ive built this in the past. Ive recently built one for my 55 and was wondering why i keep losing water? The water level gets low after about a week sometimes less

[@thekingofdiy]

evaporation. the main tank water will remain the same. The effects of evaporation will show in the sump. Top the water off when needed. I also have videos on auto top offs that will do it for you.

[@brycephelps8700]

hey i can not find the sizing of this or what flow rate or anything please help me and my girlfriend are planing on putting together a new 55 gallon tank soon

[@SlimTim_dirty_aquatics]

Very simple and effective sump build. Fired Up!!!

[@thekingofdiy]

+Slim Tim Whats up Tim!

[@randymoran6570]

will this set up be good for salt water tanks

[@bigbowlowrong4694]

Hey Joe, question that I’d be thrilled if you could answer. Can these plastic “tupperware” style containers be used as sumps on saltwater systems?

[@rubbishcodplayer3144]

bigbowlowrong yes they can mate

[@christopherhall130]

How big should the drawers be for various size tank? I want to make it for a 55 gallon tank

[@AhmedMohamed-sp4fj]

Good filter, thanks

[@youdontwantthesecrumbs3996]

Isn't it more risk to leaking around since you drilled holes all over the drawer overlapping the plastic stand that holds it, so water is dripping onto the plastic black stand, I just did a nice circle of holes in the middle of drawers to not overlap drips onto the stand

[@richardsees3177]

so I watch the video I buy the book your missed one thing THE TOP of the trickle tower no where do you say is it a single line is it diffused somehow or it just dumps on the top drawer with poly and pink filter ??

[@thekingofdiy]

Yup! Just let it dump in there!

[@jamesh6722]

I need some advice on building a sump for a turtle rack i am working on mainly on a decent but affordable pump that will filter roughly 400gph pushing water to a hight of about 6'5-7feet

[@markhill4302]

I realise this is quite an old video but is this suitable for a fish only saltwater aquarium if I added rocks in the bottom for beneficial bacteria?

[@ml9941]

how do we install the hose to the aquarium and pump after all the first steps ? thanks

[@alvarezphotoinc]

Did the plastic sump but the water in my sump keep spiking in ammonia don’t know what to do any help or advise? I lost a couple fish so far from the ammonia spike

[@timmlombardo9267]

Yay! Keep up the good work. I always like the cheap DIY stuff!

[@waleswideman1]

How does the pump system work

[@simonplacr6111]

How loud is this filter? I keep my 20 gal in my bedroom and currently have two internal filters (both 10 gal) because they are quiet. I'm looking into more external filtration but I don't want to have to deal with a lot of noise.

[@anashuddin4850]

Please make a video on DIY overhead sump(economical) for small tanks like 30 gallons. All your sump videos are for larger tanks.

[@sf62223]

Can I use a layer of Nitra-Zorb or Purigen in this type of sump??

[@ghos282]

Great for converting all of those Nitrites and Ammonia to Nitrates and Phosphates.. Could then use an Algae Scrubber follow up stage to handle the Nitrates and Phosphates.

[@x_Sotto]

do i need a heater that can heat a total water volume of the sump + aquarium or just the sump is okay?

[@rodvasquez1336]

Love this idea! Would this solution work for an aquatic turtle tank?

[@rp101aquatics6]

Yeah definitely its really good for crystal clear water

[@nickolebonsell3967]

this may be a supid question but, how do I get the water from the tank into this filter then from the sump back into the tank? I have a 180 gallon tank, would this size work to keep it clean? thanks for any info!

[@stafonvoncamron]

You need to buy two filter pumps, remove the bottom from them and remove the pumps and add hoses to them. They both have to be the same so that the flow rate of water going out is the same amount going back in the tank.

[@dsfishing3726]

Get an overflow in your tank that brings the water down to the sump. Then return the water with a submersible pump

[@Athony767]

I don't know much about aquariums but I would really like to build something like this how would I get the water running down to the sump and the back up to the aquarium

[@CRE8LSM]

Hey can anyone tell me if i do this and use double pumps, one to take water into the tower from the tank and one to push it back to the tank, do the flow rates have to be changed to take the height the water pushes up into consideration?

[@Falconurbex]

We're do u put the water pipe in the filter do u drill a hole into the lid and stick it into the top of that or is it at the back of it???? If anyone can let me know about this I would appreciate it thanks

[@mannbub]

My question, my question is :I am going to use this as mechanical filter media in my freshwater sump(my tank is 150 gallon freshwater aquarium), can I just have the water flow consentrated at these filters or do I need to deflest the flow? if I need to, how would I do it? I am trying to replace this as mechanical media instead of using filter socks,Please answer.

[@ArtyMars]

ALSO - those scrubby things, if you can find a fabric store or somewhere that sells bolts of fabric / firm material exactly like those scrubbers, you can get like a meter of it for $2, probably even less, and if you buy it wholesale you could potentially have enough for ten sump filters for like $20 (y) not sure what the type of material would be called but it's for stiffening pleats in dresses or adding volume or bulk to puff out clothing but is a made of rigid porous mesh to minimise weight and like, keep it as a viable fabric haha (Y)

[@abushidiq7046]

i love watching ur video, and i need some advice, i want to make and aquascape aquarium, but its outdoor and 1500liters capacity, please help me

[@chiipanda7119]

what pump did you use bro :) wanna try heheh

[@RangerDink]

Has anyone ever considered making this on a smaller scale? I want to make a sump for my 6 gallon just for fun, and I'm sure its not hard to find smaller versions of this stuff. Would it work good, or even work period?

[@mrlazli]

I'm sure it would work for a small aquarium.

[@alexvieira4084]

so how often would you have to replace the scrubbies

[@karlmartin9525]

How does the water end up in the sump to how quick will it exit ? I want to do a sump

[@talonted1990]

another great video, keep them coming.

[@Rootsvidz]

hi, without power not overflowing the sump?

[@siffle4249]

How do you get it to fill and drain at the same speed? I used a pvc under a siphon and how do I get my pump to drain at the same speed

[@yoyofargo]

you can use nylon bird/deer netting instead of pot scrubbies for even cheaper surface area. it's an old aquaponics trick. a 100 foot roll of the stuff is like $15 at the hardware store.

[@nunchuckduck3843]

would this leak? After doing a bit of research, it seems like plastic totes are prone to leaking. What do you say?

[@larrykuyk]

would this style of sump work,for a small reef tank?

[@tommyma09]

can i do all three, chemical, biological, and mechanical filteratio? like adding a carbon bag to it or something?

[@edloo7826]

Tommy Ma yup

[@Unabrix]

Hey man, what is a good place to pick up some light defuser?

[@jamiewheatley91]

Could you use this for a salt water aquarium

[@SacrilegeOfFatalArms]

If the power goes out what stops the siphon from over flowing the sump and draining the tank onto the floor?

[@spacecats7832]

would a sump filter be better for a stock tank with a 12 inch turtle than a skippy filter?

[@pqzharold]

One of the best DIY filters I had on my 120G aquarium, only thing i hated though was making a DIY overflow -_- it kept failing after couple of months having leaked air somewhere that I can't figure out.

[@johnmartinez4943]

Check out Joey's custom PVC fittings video. Has your solution (and everyone else's) to the lost siphon issue. To spell it out- bend a U with PVC where you'd normally glue all those fittings over the top of the aquarium.

[@spudbuilt4308]

Would this work on a reef tank?