HOW TO: Build an XL aquarium canister filter with a 5 gallon bucket - 2 of 2

[@kylestivers4606]

Nice build. You don't want to use vaseline for your seals because vaseline breaks down rubber. You should use 100% silicone plumbers grease to avoid your rubber breaking down and then leaking.

[@TekPrimeMIA]

Dow 111 is what we use for o rings in marine submersibles

[@robertsalazar2700]

Tek P I use Vaseline 😅

[@chase_vaseleou]

FYI don't build this. It leaks, search the comments, tons of people with issues, even after buying a better gasket. Any one try a water cooler? Like Igloo?

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

@@chase_vaseleou I worked at a company that used igloos for drinking water. Even the ones with screw on lids leak a bunch. Also, because they are insulated they way they are (double wall with foam between) they would be very difficult to waterproof as far as outlets and inlets. My solution to the lid leaking (what I assume you're talking about) is to use a normal lid, and just put the filter ABOVE the tank. No way for water to overfill, and no way for the lid seal to leak, since the filter doesn't have a siphon going into it. Yes, it is ugly, but it can't leak.

[@Jayfighter08]

@@chase_vaseleou I was leaning more towards igloo ..glad someone( you) mentioned it!

[@jjermzz]

When you guys say gamma lids leak, do you mean it leaks water out or it's sucking air. I had the filter working for a week and I ruled out the jebao, because I tested it in my tub. I'm going to change the o-ring soon and test it. But does this system need to be sealed.

[@notkyler2088]

Hello, im slightly confused on the PVC sizing... you mention using 3/4 inch but are using 1 inch uni seals. Will the 3/4 inch fit the 1 inch uniseal? Are certain portions different size PVC? Thankyou

[@CriptopediaBTC]

Great idea! Did you manage to do it in an aquarium? (Not just demo?)

[@charleskiplinger9904]

Thanks for the idea Joey. Built one for a 350 gallon tank and it cleaned it up within three days. Am working on a three canister system for an aquaponics system. Love the ideas, keep them coming.

[@lr1902]

Hi....you have to fill the bucket with water first before you plug the pump?

[@kevinbetham8268]

hello i watched your old video of rhe pvc pipe canister filter but i dont have the height required for store that canister. so i figured why cant i use a 5g pail and searched it and sure enough you have a vedeo already. i love it. but wat size bucket or how much lava rock is needed for 75-100g thanks hope to hear back

[@hv9356]

@The King of DIY I built this filter and it's working. Things I learned: Don't put the pick-up too low in the tank, BECAUSE, when you shut the pump off, the siphon effect is too great, and it pushes water out of the gamma seal. The pump that you recommended is awesome, I like the speed controller. Full speed is too much for a 3/4 return, I may try to go bigger. With a 3/4 return it likes one click over half way. It's been 1 day and the big grime is gone but it's still a little cloudy, BUT NO more smell. Overall, this was a great build and I enjoyed it...Thanks!!

[@hv9356]

Here is my next revelation. The reason the siphon broke befor wasn't because of the return level. It was because the pump was turned up, causing air pockets in the bucket, when the pump turned off the air pockets broke the siphon... At low speed when turned off, it leaks badly. The siphon needs to break with these gamma seals of you will have a mess.

[@hv9356]

3rd revelation, Try to keep as many bends a turns equal on the intake and return sides. Not saying you should load up on turns but it seems like if there isn't a balance, the canister either run too full/leaks or too fast dry drips through/annoying. They pump speed selection helps a lot, but it takes time to fine tune.

[@hv9356]

I have it tuned in very well now. I drilled one small hole in the return and feeds about 203 inches below the water line, this way if it siphons and leaks out of the gamma seal, the container I have the whole set up in can handle it.

[@afrozaamin827]

Hey Joey I wanted to build this for my 60 gallon turtle tank,but I can't find lava rock in my area. Is it okay if I use plastic pot scrubbies? And does the same apply to a discus tank (switching lava rocks for plastic pot scrubbies)?

[@DaleMeaney]

yes, I would think that plastic pot scrubbies would work great... and cleaning / transporting the canister to a sink would be easier and a little lighter.... however the lava rock is cheaper than buying 30 or so 6packs of pot scrubbies

[@dwade551]

Getting air coming through the gamma seal lid for causing my water coming back to the tank to have a ton of bubbles in it.. tried buying a 2nd lid nd it made no difference.. maybe pump is pushing more water in than it's pulling? Any help wld be much appreciated thanks and awesome videos man!

[@sbwetherbe]

Just wondering, a little over a year later, how the Jecod pump is holding up?

[@josephstinson8017]

Hey buddy I like your Bucket filler it's really nice... I was wondering if I gave you the diagrams on a sump pump if you could build it for me and what you would charge

[@louismastroguiseppi]

Great canister filter il like to build one for sure but my question is how loud is the pump

[@jtjames429]

Just look into the pump it should say

[@tombijster7225]

Hope i can get a reaction on this, so if i put 3 or 4 buckets in lin with al the different kinds of media and on of those buckets with the floating swirling media and maybe a uv light in between the pipes and on the end a pump. I could run my 1000L tank easily?

[@xdiavels9261]

hey Joey do you use these type of canister filters

[@raterNAZ]

So how is it holding up after all this time?

[@BreauxSegreto]

Did you use a larger ball valve on the bottom uniseal? Thanks

[@UltimaStealth]

Hi Joey, I was wondering if you could also use the 6000 pump. The 4000 is harder to find and it costs about the same. However I have seen where these pumps should be submerged. Is it OK for them to sit outside of the tank?

[@damianhenry5217]

Hi all need help... what is your solution for power outage? When power goes it still syphoning n leakes.... any way to fix or get around it?

[@perseverance1577]

You're brilliant and a blessing to those on a fixed income that enjoy the hobby

[@danielherrera1208]

DIY king I have the same pump and was trying to use it with a small canister filter like the one you made and after a while water stops flowing and the pump isn't able to pump, could you give me some pointers please? on what I should to fix it, can it be that when I fill it up with media it will work better?

[@chunkymyster08]

Is there a recommendation for a check valve for this DYI filter?

[@jcribbs5819]

I am going to build this as I was just pricing the FX6. My question concerns my individual filter and animals. I currently am using a defective 306 with six large goldfish and a 3 yr old turtle in a 55 gallon tank. First questions -->Will this neutralize all the nitrates etc or will I still need to add the "stuff in the tank" to do that? I currently am using fluval liquid additives plus I have a de-chlorine bag and charcoal bags in my filter system with all those little pads they say I need.. Am I understanding this that the lava rock replaces all of that? What about new tank syndrome when I first start it? Do I still need to add a bio booster? Thanks, Jenn

[@ranjanty]

Joey, my pump has to be submerged. I'm going to put it in the bucket to pump into the 55 gal. tank. I really don't want to put it in the tank. Do you see any problems with doing it that way? Also I was going to use k1 in the bucket along with sponges and polyfill or should I add another bucket just fort the k1 media?

[@JamarHotep]

Id like to make one of these for an outdoor pond using solar. WOuld I use a air pump or do I need a submersible pump.

[@eastlosbetos]

What kind of pump do you use to push the water back up? I can't seem to find and of that style.

[@sarahgolden4665]

Okay so say I get one inch uniseals. The whole is drill in the bucket has to also be one inch? And what size pvc pipe fits in it securely?

[@sirbreakemstuff]

mine leaks very badly at both of the gammaseals. i screw it on very tight. is there any other premade watertight container i could use

[@davidcrispell8501]

Would this be overkill on a 10 gallon single specimen betta tank?

[@RileyWileyTomato]

David Crispell you would kill it

[@davidcrispell8501]

Freshwater tanks how?

[@RileyWileyTomato]

David Crispell the flow would kill it because of stress and that would aggravate the surface bettas breath atmospheric air

[@RileyWileyTomato]

David Crispell you done need that big of filter get a sponge filter or a weak HOB

[@dragon2nutsonu994]

David Crispell lmfao bruhhh 😂😂😂 why would you use a 5gal bucket to clean a 10 gal tank 😂😂😂 you dont even need a canister filter for it just get a 20 gal filter and it will do beyond great lol made my night

[@teddysmith2290]

Hey, Joey! I know this was long ago, but I would love to see a video of a build of this with the vinyl tubing you mentioned. I tried finding the pieces myself, and I ended up with a Frankenstein type monster. Please help!!!

[@The_Matrix_I_Am]

do you still need charcoal with a set up like this?

[@ronniles9732]

Where you get your parts from? My pump came with the black input flang (not sure if that is what it is called) however you have two of them on your pump.

[@roscoepm]

Hi, I built your system a month ago then yesterday the power went out in my house and a lot of water leaked from the top of the bucket. I tried to seal it better with no results. Any tips ? Also my intake pipe holes run the whole length of the pipe. Would it help if they where only at the bottom? I feel that it will still syphon out. Thanks

[@rikuuuuamx1783]

Put some small float valve on your filter incase a power outage happens when the water is full inside your filter it could shut off

[@rikuuuuamx1783]

Another way is adding a hole on the water level in your tank the intake pipe.. so when the water is low it would stop the siphon.

[@kennethproshek6197]

hey Joey, is it true on the bucket exploding and leaking? bc I want too do this build yet I don't want it to break on me really fast

[@tanekdrachonae]

Hi Joey, do you know what I could do to make this suitable for a 40 gallon breeder tank? I am still unsure on FOWLR or freshwater, but this seems like a good way to go as far as filtration.

[@richardstoehr3631]

I am building a temporary holding tank for my fish for the winter. Its only 50 gallon. Can I get away with a 396 mgh pump or do I need more. I only have 5 fish. My pond is not deep enough for fish to make it though the winter, small pond. Was also thinking of using some charcoal to help in filtering process along with lava rock and a mechanical medium.

[@Naveen-t7o]

Nice 1 bro👌 Love from INDIA 🇮🇳

[@justingarcia1394]

can i put the pump in the filter instead? if the pump is not amphibious

[@kylezarr2214]

What's the best size pipe to use for this build also what is the inlet and outlet size of the jecod dct4000

[@DaWhiteMan01]

I have the same question... Video looks like input is 1" and output is 3/4" but I'm guessing

[@kylezarr2214]

He does say he used 1" uniseals but im currently building this and decided to go with the jecod dct6000 instead of the dct4000 so im curious if that will change my sizes my pump will arrive this week so I guess we will see

[@JacobIrwin-i7j]

How are you using 1in unseals but are using 3/4 pvc pipe?

[@SCRIDify]

Great video thank you! I made o e and have been through two gamma seal lids, first one was the original, second was the gamma2, both leak at the oring drawing in air until the output starves of water. I'm contemplating installing a vent tube higher then the tank to relieve internal pressure on the gamma seal.

[@AmberHowboutno]

I'm having the same problem. Still researching how to make the lid airtight but easily removable. I like having control of the filtration media, but the container is hugely challenging. Also, this is not a cheap project. $200+ so far. If someone doesn't care about what media gets used, just buy a pre-made one!

[@ericthomas5558]

Im having the same problem but have a lot less investeas in mine. Did anyone figure out the leaking gamma top?

[@AmberHowboutno]

@@ericthomas5558 nope, not yet

[@donnyl420]

I have a 90 gal tank. Using under gravel filter ( dual) was wondering if I where to switch system what would you use. I live in apartment so room and noise a factor. I have not had many problem with current system but just got black convicts and population will grow. I have a twenty gal that I'm going to breed flat head minnow in for fun and fishing. My filters are from Walmart and hang on the back of tank connected to gravel filter on bottom. This would be twice the size I need but would that be a bad thing maintenance wise?

[@jasoncartwright2050]

Great video. Can I use the same sort of diy filter for a pond? I have a bath tub I'm looking to make a pond out of and have been looking for a way of filtering it by using the overflow hole as inlet to filter and the taps and/or plug hole as outlet. The bath isn't going to be sunk in ground so it safe for the kids. Thanks

[@MrJessieaileen]

Awesome video.. im interested in building one.. how much flow rate of a water pump do you recommend for a 30gal tank?

[@rachelbishop9925]

Jessie Aileen the typical rule of thumb is to take the yank capacity (30 gallons in your case) and multiply it by 7. The number you get is the gallons per hour that should be filtered for your tank :) so, 210 gph for you.

[@revydarkdust7853]

Oooooooh!! Thank you very mucho. I am going to build a canister filter, but its my first time and I feel nervius!!...but thanks for your video, I understand much better the function about these canisters filters.....sorry for my bad english, jejejeje...I send you good vibes from Guatemala City, thanks a lot!!

[@letsnotmakethispersonal6021]

I want to use this for turtles. then make way more waste then fish and it quickly overwhelms the filter. could I have 2 buckets sitting side by side and use the first one with no media at all and basically use it for a "solids settling tank" pre filter? or would the volume be to high and simply keep everything in suspention?

[@johnmursch8147]

Im actually gona be trying this for a turtle tank. I just ordered all my pieces i needed. Im gona make mine with 3 buckets. Ill let you know how it turns out.

[@DaWhiteMan01]

What size of pump are you going to be using?

[@johnmursch8147]

@@DaWhiteMan01 also i ordered these buckets from united states plastics corporation. Its called the ultimate pail for liquids. Its a screw on top 5 gallon bucket.

[@DaWhiteMan01]

I am using a elemental solutions 1110 gph pump and it's sucking all the water out. I'm using 1" input and 1/2" output.

[@johnmursch8147]

@@DaWhiteMan01 im gona be plumbing mine with 1" for the input and output.

[@vadergeta]

in the interest of being quiet could the pump be put in the aquarium?

[@paulp3807]

hey i looked at that pump and every site I go to say submersible only. should I still use it this way, has yours burnt up?

[@Jhon_999x]

is it ok if you place the motor inside the "canister" instead? so it would use less tubing and would also look less messy?

[@TrackLuvr]

Any tips or or suggestion for adding this type of setup to an existing tank? Is it possible to plumb it to filter multiple tanks? Ive got 3 tanks looking to filter via this one setup, a 20, 30 and 65 gallon...

[@ashleywickett9]

Hey joe . I built your filter but finding problems with the lid of my bucket as it keeps combusting and leaking. Any ideas ?

[@gliskhayward6648]

Mine is leaking too

[@Tommyt14]

Great Video(s) I have built this and have a question, "How full should the bucket be" that is do I fill the bucket and totally submerge the media, or do I half fill it and let the water fall through. Cheers Tom

[@pauljd86]

would this be the best kind of filter for an outdoor very small koi pond?

[@mudlakeoutdoors2497]

The screw in lid continues to leak on our set up. It will work for a while then all at once it starts spraying. No idea why. Any thoughts? It doesn't leak out of any of the fittings, just the screw in lid part.

[@mudlakeoutdoors2497]

I noticed you mention lubricating the seal, we did not do this but it doesn't leak until after roughly 2 hours of run time.

[@mudlakeoutdoors2497]

What we found is that there is too much head pressure with the 6ft of drop from the top of the aquarium to the filter. 2.75PSI which equates roughly to 350 lbs of force on the cover.

[@fbi1961]

I’ve been using this for my 1 gallon bowl with my goldfish for about 2 months but I was wondering can I use sponge as the mechanical filtration and never have to replace it ever couple days?

[@lazarusgaming7211]

What are those pieces that you place between the ball valve and the uniseal?

[@daslowlife]

im building a similar setup for a 10gal nano freshwater tank, any suggestions on pumps ?

[@domingoma]

Hi The king of DIY ¿Before the first time use of lava rock does it needs to be boiled? Thanks in advance

[@dafinestflower]

I have a 55gal with 2 goldfish had 10 but had some deaths when I was away wanna do a community tank what size bucket and pump should I use I'm new to this so I don't mind to have double the the filter action since i lack in keeping with my water changes

[@danielkleinrok537]

Hi Joey, first thank you. ok my question is can this canister filter work with my 70 gallon tank that has the bottom of the tank drilled, both intake and return holes are in the bottom of the tank. thank you, Daniel

[@mattroberts9569]

Great video!!! Can you use more then one bucket inline? Maybe 3 buckets?

[@mrzswalker]

I have a submersible pump...would have to drill holes at the bottom of bucket and use a container like you showed on the sump filter.

[@WillieBoboProduction]

Im having trouble with getting the filter to start, I use to have a fluval and you were able to "pump" water into it before starting but with this I cant, any advice?

[@LunkerFishing]

I know this is just a demo but if they followed your example there could be a major problem with water all over the house. The PVC glue you used is missing a component. PVC glue comes with a another can canned the cleaner. You use the cleaner the same way you use the glue but without the cleaner first the glued only joint can easily fail, especially those connections under pressure from the pump.

[@dmncanter]

They make primerless glue. I dont trust it, and nothing but the purple primer would pass inspection here, but its super low pressure. Itll probably be fine, id use primer too though if it was me just because im paranoid lol.

[@bretterickson6478]

I know this is an old video, but 1 have a 75 Gallon tank and would like to do this same set up.... should I get a smaller pump??? Or will this be just fine???? I know this filter does seem like over kill but I prefer more then less... but maybe I'm wrong there as well...

[@bluecollarfox913]

I’m amazed by this, such a simple thing to do. I’m ABSOLUTELY doing this for my 125. Love this.

[@DaWhiteMan01]

So you have to have the tank above the bucket filter for it to work

[@kennytruong4603]

hi joey, will the water leak where you put the uniseal? Do I put silicone at the uniseal?

[@Josh-sd8fd]

+Kenny Truong As long as the seal is installed as the manufacture suggests, it will not leak and no silicone is required or recommended. www.uniseal.co.nz/installation.html

[@jaymcluvin6809]

Do you have to prime the pump for this set-up to work?

[@christianalainrey8483]

What is the size of the uniseal ur using?

[@douglaswesley2203]

You're thee Man I get great 👍 ideas from you

[@kingkato21]

Joey, Would an inner intake & elbow attached to an up lift provide better filtration or no need?

[@ricardocedillo1606]

Hey Joey, I have an airline tube and strong power head on my canister filter, which is full of ceramic media. With both on, I only get tons of water going but no air or bubbles through the media. Does that mean my filter isn't really doing much besides mechanically filtering my water?

[@lr1902]

Hi joey...I just follow the instructions how make a canister with 5 gallons bucket...the same you made....and it doesn't work to me...I don't know what I did wrong..

[@rascb7]

I like this one the best. can this be used with a sump system?

[@thekingofdiy]

+rascb7 Im sure you could rig something up!

[@21tdarby]

Joey, big fan, but I just don't see how the gamma seal lid can work. I tried it on two canisters; one lubricated, another dry-fitted. They both sucked in air (at the screw top, no bucket imperfections) and looked like they would implode, and of course shot out water once the power was off :( They just don't seem designed to hold pressure. Now I have a good prefilter so I can safely glue these shut without worrying about anything other than long-term maintenance, so it wasn't a total bust, but I just don't know if I can trust these seals unless you have some new advice for me. Thank you for what you do, you and others like you are essential for the progression of this hobby. -Tim

[@rsearle7952]

Mine leaked to, tried everything to get the gamma lid to seal but no luck, not sure what type of solution to try next?

[@natesoju]

Hi is it possible to have a complete list of everything I need so I can go to the hardware store and pick em up (as you can tell I’m not a handy man)

[@nobvirusplayz5520]

I wanted to make this and add bucket lids as a separation for the different filter media's but they were previously used to store garlic in 10 litre buckets, so now they have a strong garlicky smell and I was wondering if it would be safe for my fish.

[@SweetVids007]

I have a 60 gallon tank that is 4ft in length, 1ft in width, and 1ft7inch in depth. Would I be able to use this same design, same size, and an ALEKO G2950 Submersible water pump?

[@prasanthgn]

Hi there. With this setup should I add activated carbon. Is it worth to add carbon?

[@jordan123089]

I've been looking to make this filter, but the websites i see say the jecod dct 4000 can only be used interanlly. is that true or can this pump actually be used externally (not submerged in water)?

[@brunofraga99]

It can be use external and internal.

[@davidcasillas6271]

love it. made this and the inline heater the other day couldnt be happier. works like a charm and my tank isnt filled with heaters and a nasty filter hanging on the back filter. Already had most of the stuff just had to buy $8.50 worth of pvc fittings thanks alot man.

[@nicoleelliot2037]

How do you get the gamma seal to actually seal? I’ve even tried a rubber hammer to get it tighter

[@andresgil1449]

it would not surprise me if what you build actually filters water better Joey! Nice job.

[@jamesbigelow3025]

Joey can you do a( 2 ) 5 gallon bucket set up for extra filtration build?

[@AFreakinProblem]

I built a similar filter using these videos, however I ran into a problem with the lid leaking. Did some googling and it turns out that Gamma Seals are infamous for having defects and it's hit or miss with these lids. Doing some more googling I found on a gun forum that replacing the gasket with a fatter silicone o ring (size 378) fixes this problem. The o ring doesn't fit perfectly into the groove under the screw top lid and it does raise it a bit, however I can confirm that this does in fact fix the problem with it leaking.

[@hv9356]

I'm taking your advice and giving it a shot. Can't stop the leaking thus far, so for 7 bucks, what the hell. Thanks

[@immeee44]

I had the same problem so I gave up on the whole thing. Thank you so much for your input. I will give it a try. Where did you find such a large O ring? Online or at a brick and mortar store?

[@isicaptanyt1160]

AFreakinProblem use slicone

[@AFreakinProblem]

An Ebay seller had them, the one you want is under the description: FDA SILICONE O-RINGS 378 QTY 1 10-1/2" ID 10-7/8" OD

[@AFreakinProblem]

Slicone is only useful for gluing the lid onto the rim of the bucket. The actual screw top will require you to change the O ring.

[@AVelasquez22]

What sizes are the unions, uniseal, union & pvc. I’m at Homedepot right now and I feel crazy. lol.

[@Rattle_canned_restorations]

What did you end up with

[@shananedwin7085]

I'm currently building this system for a 100 gallon tank, I upgraded the pump to the 8000, what I wanted to know is can I add a second canister to this system, maybe a fluidised media option or something like that. Want to have alot of fish and I personally hate water changes. Love your videos trying many of your ideas

[@monkeyfistsye5505]

JOEY ! can i use lava rock for a saltwater tank media

[@edgararcega3046]

Is the green tubbing seen connecting the PVC pipe to the pump also 1 inch?

[@methamphetamemes]

Could you run 2 buckets connected to 1 pump? Like one for mechanical and and one for biological? Or hell even 3?

[@dileshbansoodeb4962]

hi i live in mauritius and i want to known what time is it at you place

[@thekingofdiy]

+Dilesh Bansoodeb The live video stats in 3.5 hrs from now. (it begins at 2pm EST)

[@Kitchai_Chan]

BEST canister filter video I've seen thus far..... And trust me..... I've seen hundreds

[@shapst3838]

well....I've seen thousands....

[@derickpassram3626]

...I've seen millions

[@robawtic2151]

I've seen billions.

[@sharkskullfilms3592]

I've seen trillions.

[@ssvibhute]

i,ve seen sextillions

[@taylordempsey3130]

Where can I find the barbed fitting for the pump? The one I got didnt come with a fitting for the input. I’ve been to several hardware stores and they don’t supply the size I need.

[@agnibeshde6627]

what's that pump u are using ?

[@fabfarm3729]

Could this be set up with multiple intakes and out flows to clean multiple tanks off the same filter?

[@chaynes37683]

Joey, I appreciate your clear, concise instruction demonstrations. You make a seemingly difficult task seem like a breeze.💨 Thank you

[@soulwebster2284]

In theory could use 2 of these on a 400gallon aquarium? Thanks

[@cichlidbro8566]

This canister will most likely be my first DIY in over 20 years of keeping fish! I'm going to upgrade to over 100 gallons for the first time and this would save me enormous cashola! I only have one concern.. at 7:39 I see some dripping where those coupling were glued. Is it a leak or just some droplets from the build as it was pretty fresh??

[@thekingofdiy]

+Cichlid Bro That was the hoses not being clamped is all. (As mentioned in the video, i would have clamped them had it been permanent. ) Although I did make a mess with the garden hose when filling up that tank! Luckily this was out in the garage, but the hose fell out of the tank when filling. (clamp let go).

[@cichlidbro8566]

+The king of DIY thanks for the quick reply! I figured as much. Just wanted to be sure before I made my decision when the inevitable day comes!

[@cd_924]

what size piping/ tubing did you use?

[@reveille4]

will the water be evenly distributed or should there be a drip tray?