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

How to build a DIY bucket filter. More commonly known as a DIY aquarium cnaister filter.
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HOW TO Build an XL aquarium canister filter - PART 1 ► goo.gl/r9ThQR
DIY aquarium filter media ► goo.gl/EW8v2m
Build a smaller canister filter ► goo.gl/LlZV7S
Uniseal Hole Size Chart
Uniseal for 1/2" pipe (UNISEAL-0050) = 1.25 Hole Saw
Uniseal for 3/4" pipe (UNISEAL-0075) = 1.25 Hole Saw
Uniseal for 1" pipe (UNISEAL-0100) = 1.75 Hole Saw
Uniseal for 1.25" pipe (UNISEAL-0125) = 2.00 Hole Saw
Uniseal for 1.5" pipe (UNISEAL-0150) = 2.50 Hole Saw
Uniseal for 2" pipe (UNISEAL-0200) = 3.00 Hole Saw
Uniseal for 3" pipe (UNISEAL-0300) = 4.00 Hole Saw

[@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!

[@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.

[@thekingofdiy]

Follow me on Facebook for LIVE video TODAY► facebook.com/uarujoey XL canister filter PART 1 ► goo.gl/r9ThQR

[@jovelmohammed633]

+The king of DIY . hey man, great build, i currently have a 150 gallon tank, would a 2100gph pump be too big to use for that aquarium and this filter?

[@thekingofdiy]

Original video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn2VaGSmgM6Sp7s

[@larrycrowson4740]

Ok, this has been a disaster trying to build the 6 gallon filter, it leaks like a pig! I cant get it to seal. I used vaseoline on the seal, then started using a rubber mallet tryinh to seal it but NO LUCK - HELP

[@ryanhack545]

I made this for my tank. A word of advice. Just buy the actual think. This is way to much of a headache. After you get it done it’s great but.... if I could go back. I would just buy a canister filter.

[@b.artale8517]

Follow your directions exactly. Works for a few minutes then loses its prime. Stops. All hoses checked, no leaks. Defective pump maybe? Any ideas. Lots of work. Replayed your video 50 times.!!

[@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)

[@weasome3089]

I don't know if anyone else had this problem but I did. So I can't get the water to stay in the bucket, it just ends up going to the tank and the water pump then makes this wierd noise. Help me plz

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@LunkerFishing]

Please pay attention here! You say you prime your system by gently sucking on the pipe to get the water to flow out of the aquarium. You did nothing to take into account the volume of water that is able to leave the aquarium compared to the water entering. If the water is entering at a rate faster than the outflow the aquarium will fill over the top and spill all over your house. If you lost your prime on the outflow the same overflow will happen unless you engineered the reservoir to hold slightly less water than the aquarium can hold overall before it overflows. In our example you have the inflow spraying in such a way to cause bubbles to flow into the corner where the outflow pipe is. That can easily contribute to the bubbles entering the outflow pipe, a loss of prime, and an overflow of the aquarium. Also, as another already commented about. Never use vaseline on a rubber seal. The petroleum based vaseline will destroy the seal over time and again, leak all over your living room floor. Silicone based plumbers lube is the only thing you should be using here.

[@smokey1174]

Your not the smartest…. this works the exact same way as any canister filter it will pull and push what ever the pump is pulling from the tank as the bucket is sealed you need to prime it as any other canister filter

[@olemengenge]

Bucket + PVC + others accesories + Pump+ spending Time = better for me to go straight and get a FLUVAL canister filter. 👍 also this pump look too bulky. But thank you for sharing

[@roberthull7355]

Anyone else having vacuum leaks on the lid and uni seals? The pump will run for only about 10 minutes before it starts sucking in to much air and would eventually burn out the pump any one have a solution?

[@anthonymartel8611]

I have the same problème. Did you found a solution ?

[@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..

[@MrHoney2U]

Nice and affordable. I may have missed it but would add another valve between the bucket and pump so when you clean the water doesn't run out

[@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.

[@sbwetherbe]

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

[@joshtull4306]

i might be missing something but how can it be claimed this can be done for $25 or less but the pump is $75?

[@heyhihola9484]

Josh Tull He says the total is $125 ... The bucket, lid and seals were $25.

[@aniruddh-chakravorty]

Bro I made canister but water pressure lifts up the lid what to do? It starts leaking water 😢😢

[@thomasmortinger4842]

He said in the video you have to place the pump on the backside of the filter sucking the water through it not pushing it

[@aniruddh-chakravorty]

@@thomasmortinger4842 I have submersible pump dude he used external pumo

[@mattfisher401]

DIDN'T WORK. leaked everywhere. Uniseals didn't seal well and the gamma seal can't handle any head pressure it leaked on BOTH seals.

[@anthonymartel8611]

Have you fond a solution ?

[@mattfisher401]

@@anthonymartel8611 No, there is no solution. It won't seal. Unseals work if there's a perfectly round hole. That's difficult to do in soft plastic. Chatter marks from the drill are a big problem. The head pressure blows past the bucket seals. I tried sealing it with petroleum jelly and plumbers putty. Neither helped at all.

[@singhhsv100]

try n try again...lid leakage problem still there ...not a good design...then i did some changes in design and its working ...i make a hole in aquarium upper side ..with gravity water comes down and then with return pump it returns to aquarium ..that is the better design...video will be uploaded soon........

[@shapst3838]

i built this setup to a tee, however.... the bucket empties faster than it's filled, and the pump runs dry and shuts off... is there a pumpologist around? is there an equation i'm missing? anyone?

[@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

[@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.

[@hiseminence2073]

Have had some issues all along. I will try wider diameter PVC from tank to filter to make Bigger&Faster. Pump often too fast above setting #2

[@dawhiteman7033]

Did going to a bigger intake pipe solve the issues?

[@junk-removaljonesboroga4557]

Been fooling around with the build for a week now. I love it for about eight hours then starts pumping air. The gamma lid is a joke first had problems with screw on top. Bought better gasket the 378 Buna. Then the connection piece or ring to the bucket leaks a tiny amount of air but after eight or so hour needs another prime. I have eliminated any other chances of any other components leaking. Could someone recommend a better container or better gasket for bucket or move pump to above bucket or throw tank and filter in the back yard. Thanks in advance for any help folks.

[@vm013]

i had the same issue, 378 o-ring helped, and I am thinking of permanently silicon-ing the plastic ring on the bucket. also, adding fish safe silicone lube helps

[@AquaStudent]

Good follow up to the first video. I feel like you're missing a ball valve on the other side of the union coming from the tank. (not a problem in your demo since the return line is above the water level but in a real tank this would likely be a an issue). This would only be required if the outflow from the canister is below the water line in the tank (I fill my tanks up beyond the trim so all my outflows are below the water line). If we don't have a way to close the return line to the tank during maintenance water will siphon back down through the pump until the return is exposed to air. This is definitely more economical than an FX6. Love my fluval and eheims but man, commercial canisters are EXPENSIVE! Tank on Joey.

[@chunkymyster08]

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

[@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?

[@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?

[@danielszabo7740]

Gamma seal is leaking like a sieve. I'm $200 into this now, and can't make the damn thing quit leaking. fantastic. Going to try using a regular bucket lid.

[@AmberHowboutno]

Were you able to make this work?

[@elkabong7631]

I just finished this build, works superbly but the cost will be closer to two hundred by the end of the day.

[@COOPERSCICHILDS]

thanks I used a lot of your DIY'S saved lots of money

[@coreyroberts2831]

Just an FYI, NEVER use Vaseline, it is petroleum based and degrades plastic. No telling what it would do to the fish if you got it inside the filter. Use a food grade silicone , like the ones used on interior seals of water softeners.

[@brettfry4936]

i just got done bulding this an it works good but for some reason if i let it run for ablut 10 mins the water level inside the bucket starts to drop any one have any ideas what i could have did wrong

[@GuitarLessonCharts]

Use the ball valves to increase the input or decrease the output

[@bobmccann8431]

Suffering from the same problem myself. Only thing I can come up with is either the lid or the uniseal is letting air into the canister under vacuum, because the pump is pushing more water then the supply can flow by siphon. I think revolutions might be on to something by limiting the flow of the pump. Any luck with your design?

[@GuitarLessonCharts]

@robert Restricting the flow to the pump didn't help? Cause you could also try lowering the pump and raising the filter, or even increasing the diameter of the intake lines or reducing the diameter of the output lines. Another thing to consider is the lengths and rise of the pipes, and all the bends, turns, and different diameters on all the pipes. all those things can restrict or increase flow, as well as pressure.

[@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

[@racheldolezal5039]

Think I will put a tee upstream of my pump with a ball valve and hose adapter to allow pump to discharge to a sink for easy water changes?!

[@jaymcluvin6809]

Hi Rachel, I had an interesting debate with my girlfriend about you the other day. I support you in every way, Your awesome!!

[@Billy28376]

@@jaymcluvin6809 wtf.

[@nusai_itbd0208]

@@jaymcluvin6809 এসইও বাহ বাহ বাহ

[@nusai_itbd0208]

এ

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@dgodfrey5322]

do you think you could do a video on a diy gravel syphen

[@marvinstober9330]

Plz do

[@goodwater2020]

I'm having multiple problems with leaks. Pump keeps getting air n won't stabilize? Help! Gamma seal is goodn no problem. I used flexible hose

[@roberthull7355]

I’m having the same problem pump won’t run mor than 10 minutes.

[@nicoleelliot2037]

I’m having the same issue

[@mikefrost5481]

Pump is likely too big.. it's pushing water out of the bucket faster than water comes in

[@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.

[@douglaswesley2203]

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

[@WatsitTooyah]

Going to build one for my 40 gallon turtle aquarium, definitely getting better media than shown. update: Drilling holes in my bucket right now. I got 1/4" too large uniseal so I have to use some larger fittings to make a tight seal. Careful when selecting sizes for these, 1" ID pvc will fit a 1" uniseal.

[@noobsaqua]

Did u get it to work?

[@WatsitTooyah]

@@noobsaqua no it leaked pretty bad.

[@noobsaqua]

@@WatsitTooyah 😅 so I better buy a readymade one

[@WatsitTooyah]

@@noobsaqua sumps are great for DIY

[@noobsaqua]

​@@WatsitTooyah Ok but I am a beginner so I'm confused about that should I use sump + canister, as sump alone might be less for a planted aquarium? maybe I'm not sure. ?

[@03angienjimmy]

Can you do an update on your diy canister plz???

[@samuraisblade2817]

Can this work with an outside pond?

[@perseverance1577]

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

[@brianpickens730]

This is a awesome build. Thank you for sharing.

[@thekingofdiy]

+Brian Pickens Thanks Brian!

[@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

[@DJDashzn]

A really fantastic video. I am seriously going to try and do this. One question though, how does the bucket fair under pressure? One of your biggest fans from south Africa all the best.

[@abdonluna5324]

I cannot for the life o me get that screw on lid to seal, it leaks everywhere and I have the pump pulling from the canister. Anyone has any ideas/experience with this issue?

[@billyjoe1666]

I do as well

[@ericthomas5558]

Me too. Im looking into different buckets now. Need to upgrade tanks like a month ago

[@billyjoe1666]

@@ericthomas5558 just don't understand why it won't work properly.

[@idaschouest3642]

may I have a list of parts and sizes for this build?

[@scottbrown7617]

Did any of you that have built this get a list of sizes for the PVC pipe and ball valve? Would you please share if you did?

[@keristone2491]

3/4 inch

[@Inzo5678]

1’’ uniseal with 3/4’’ pipe ? In part one he said 1’’ uniseal so I’m confused

[@Static823]

@@Inzo5678 1" is the outside diameter of the uniseal

[@AmberHowboutno]

Don't use uniseals! They're terrible on curved surfaces. I used 3/4 inch slip bulkhead fittings and sealed them with aquarium sealant and they work great.

[@kchedville]

I been building my filters for a few years now just like this- they work great except now recently seems i always have problems with the Bucket Screw Caps leaking around the rim when the pump stops for any reason, even made a metal tool to tighten them Good -- seems the manufacturer is getting sloppy on their manufacturing of them, just ordered 2 new Lids a while back and built 2 new filters and both would not Seal, and they can be a pain in the Arse to unscrew if put on with the help of a Tool. .... getting Frustrated.

[@anthonymartel8611]

I have the same situation. Have you found a solution ?

[@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

[@icon1073]

The lid leaked instantly. Like... gushed out

[@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.

[@dawhiteman7033]

What size of pump are you going to be using?

[@johnmursch8147]

@@dawhiteman7033 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.

[@dawhiteman7033]

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]

@@dawhiteman7033 im gona be plumbing mine with 1" for the input and output.

[@CriptopediaBTC]

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

[@adamw9471]

I can’t get the lid to stop leaking when the pump is off. I’ve tried everything any help would be great thanks.

[@donovanchilton3]

Did you find out how to fix??I just did and dealing with same problem.. I'm thinking of putting another small ball valve on lid to regulate air pressure??

[@AmberHowboutno]

I'm having a problem with the gamma seal lids not being airtight, so the pump doesn't draw water out of the tank. Too bad he didn't address this in the video!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@oldiron1223]

I'm doing research before starting construction of a 300 gallon outdoor goldfish pond. Any reason I couldn't up size this using a 45 gallon olive barrel? I have a source for 15 and 45 gallon polyethylene barrels with screw on lids. Right track...Wrong track?

[@Zburgz]

oldiron1223 I think that would be perfect for a pond. It’s an identical concept just on a much larger scale. Obviously would need a larger pump and tons more lava rock with supplemental mechanical filtration but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work!!

[@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!!

[@Elephant90]

The gamma seal always leaked when i turn on pump, i used method absorb with pump of base bucket up into the tank, can you help my problem, please 🙏🙏

[@theamazingmarti812]

were you pumping water into the filter or pumping it out?

[@Elephant90]

Yes i pumped water into filter, I used method like pluval filter on videos

[@theamazingmarti812]

@@Elephant90 pumping water into the filter from the tank creates alot of pressure as joey said in the video and can cause leaks. where as pumping water out of the filter creates a natural vacuum to get water from the tank. actual canister filters pump water to the tank out of the filter and not the other way around.

[@nickborchers9688]

This would’ve been much more helpful if you listed the size of the pvc you used

[@Dassick89]

It looks to be 3/4" intake and 1/2" to the pump and outlet. He also mentions the intake is all 3/4" @ 4:14

[@yosiaeve532]

hii Joey, im from Indonesia and i like to watch your channel. i've built a filter system like you did in this video, before you post it in here. I got some problems with this system, when the power cut out (electricity seems bad in my town), the aquarium got sucked because there's no pump to flow the water into the aquarium again. and resulting a flood at my floor. can you help me to figure it out? maybe some automatic soaked off when the electricity is out? thank you in advance, sorry for my bad english. and i cant wait to see an enlighten from your channel.

[@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?

[@bigredcichlids3776]

Didn't work out for me. Leaked at the gamma seal lid and the top uniseal, spent over an hour getting the water mopped up... :(

[@SB-ih5cw]

Has anyone tried this build? I'm concern with air lock when filling the canister.

[@raterNAZ]

So how is it holding up after all this time?

[@jeremyboyll3543]

I am very interested in this build however there are 2 fatal flaws I have found for this in my research, 1. A standard bucket bows under the pressure of the water in aquarium when under the aquarium and 2. The gamma seal cant handle the pressure and causes a leak. I'm trying to find a good way to remedy these for a long term application I'm considering using a 90mil screw top bucket maybe that will eliminate the chance of bucket rupturing under pressure and screw top maybe I can get to seal better than a gamma seal. DIY king Joey please advise or anyone else please recommend.

[@nicoleelliot2037]

I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. Mine keeps leaking at the uniseal

[@anthonymartel8611]

My did the same. Have you found a solution ?

[@MrAmberoze]

I replaced the uniseals with standard bulkheads. They work just fine on the curved bucket too. Just tighten them down well, as the bucket is flexible enough to flatten out under the bulkhead and create a good seal. My issue is the gamma lid, as the leaks always come from where the lid screws in.

[@Tinker_Nerd]

I remember someone talking about how the gallon rating on a filter isn't always an accurate representation, it's more about the bioload that the filter is able to do. That being said, could one of these theoretically filter a 1000 gal tank with a relatively small bioload?

[@thomaspinter8456]

You really should aim to turn the water over about 4x an hour

[@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?

[@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305]

Tried this but the seals for the tops just leak all over

[@anthonymartel8611]

Same for me the gamma lig is not sutable for presurized set-up. Not even waterproof

[@MrAmberoze]

I've got the same issue. Saw these videos years ago, and have only recently built it for myself, but the gamma lid leaks. They are advertised as waterproof, which I'm sure they are, just not good under any pressure. So I came back here looking for anyone who's made this same discovery and found a solution.

[@danieltravis1808]

Just made this myself, putting it to a 75 gallon. Everything works pretty well as described. Only thing I noticed was if the pump shuts off and you dont close the valve, water spews back out the lid of the bucket. Works great, but there is no fail safe if say, the power was to go off. Then you have a massive water mess everywhere. As the ball valve needs to be shut when pump is turned off

[@kevinbetham8268]

if the water is coming out of the threaded gama lid then not tight enough but if its coming out of the black grommet part in lid. why couldnt you build it different and actually thread the lid and screw in and silicone your fittings for ball valve? just a thought idk if thats the issue your having

[@kevinbetham8268]

also how many cycles does this big of a canister cycle the 75g tank? im lookin to build a 75g and wanted to do this idea but if its meant for 250g tank then might be over kill

[@bryancaparas6781]

What size pipe did you used? 3/4 or 1/2 is enough?

[@andrescontrerasvargas5865]

Hello, did you get a solution for that? I was thinking, why if you add an electro valve?

[@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

[@TheDankNugs]

So i have the problem, when i shut off any valve or power to pump the bucket spurts out water everywhere....

[@MacHamish]

We have a humble 55 gal tank with an Aquaclear 70 hanging off the back and we are finding it isn't enough. So I'm getting good ideas for DYI filters from your channel. 🙂

[@Hasans01]

Thanks for such great tips... some similar diy projects for saltwater aquarium shall be highly appreciated though.

[@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.

[@james5011]

Great video, but I don't recommend lava rock as a medium for quite a few reasons which you can easily google and verify. Depending on where the lava rock came from it can contain ALOT of heavy metals that slowly make the water toxic and there is no way to know how much heavy metal is in your lava rock unless you send it off and have it tested. 2nd is that some lava rock meant for BBQ's has either been treated with chemicals or exposed to chemicals so if you insist on using it I would recommend thoroughly rinsing then boiling several times changing the water. I have a friend that used BBQ lava rock and even though he rinsed it he found all of his fish dead the next morning. And lastly it does not take very long to become a very ineffective medium. Even though it has a large porous surface the pores become clogged very quickly to the point it just no longer works. It has been found that after time a smoother rock will work better then the lava rock because they become so clogged.

[@chaynes37683]

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

[@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.

[@jimmaruhn2047]

went back to store got new snap on lid it working fine now

[@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?

[@trueamerican1576]

Plumber Grease is a lot better. Vaseline actually is petroleum-based and will dry out seals. Great video

[@simonthompson4714]

G'day Joey, bloody great videos mate!! I realise this is pretty old now, but I have a quick question - why do you only use wool padding without the additional layers of coarse and medium sponge?

[@technologyproblems9360]

Hi Joe, I love your channel. Please! keep it up. I question though. Why it has to be air tight? I mean normal bucket could do that job. isn't it?

[@jimmaruhn2047]

put 16 j hooks around lid to hold it down been working good

[@IMAKENIGHTMARES]

Jim Maruhn do you have any pictures? I'm wanting to build this but not to sure after reading all these comments.

[@sadday101]

For about the cost of building one of these DYI filters, you can buy a Sunsun or Polar Aurora canister filter, both of which work great!

[@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?

[@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?

[@hj8607]

Would a HUGE TV with so so content source make sense ? (like 8K in a world with no available content ) Why is the ratio of sump to tank always a partial fraction ? Who really appreciates the system the most ? You , the designer or The occasional viewer ? A better sump source reduces the number of compensation 'circuits ' to adjust for the distortion in design . What is the actual ratio in nature ? Time for a paradigm shift !!

[@LusioEcarts]

Joey.. When you will be (almost) done with DiY for aquariums (you already did A LOT of stuff)... you can always do some DIY fixing things in the house or doing things for the house / Home projects for your (our) house ! We already know that you do a lot of things in this hobby... I'm sure you can have ideas for a house too haha

[@moanooga-9346]

our?

[@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.

[@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