The BEST DIY aquarium filter for any fish tank

[@jthlb]

I've seen hundreds of videos on KZbin, but this video is the most beautiful one for it is an educative and same time so simple to do and not expensive at all, I admire your work and I'm sure I'll be enjoying watching all you videos, I must not forget to say that I found your channel only today, thank you very much

[@davidhatton8109]

This guy is a hero...

[@nanettedecker7981]

True!

[@caewalker9276]

Inspirational would be a better word.

[@danm8004]

​@@caewalker9276why? Define both.

[@sseeaahhaawwkkssrule975]

😂

[@antowanstanback8017]

Indeed

[@clee36]

Years and years later, with all the hi tech things you have, you still have time to make an awesome diy video.

[@itisworthitifithelps]

What I do is to oversize the width of the the sponge by one inch and set it stuck in the corners, so the sponge becomes a concave shape. You do not lose any filtration power doing this and it looks great from the front and sides too.

[@jbizz1320]

Makes sense. I see this thing pulling it self in after some time.

[@itisworthitifithelps]

@@jbizz1320 Also I trim the edges a little downside so there is not so much sponge against the back glass at the corners, this is not necessary but it helps the fit.

[@tuemose22]

you can also, just mount the mat. on the backside of the tank. so its like a background, where algees and things will grow. to make it looke, super naturally. theres a fish store i dk, he does that to all smaller tanks. and its basicly maintain free. like if you built a backgroundfilter. know its mostly i dk, we use those. but backgroundfilter are kinda, the most perfectfilter for tanks

[@mikefrost1312]

​@@tuemose22with the sponge just "being there" it'll grow all kinds of algae & stuff regardless!

[@tuemose22]

@@mikefrost1312 yes that the beautifull thing, nature covers the matten fillter. so it looks natural, i love it

[@kala6576]

The truest form of budget DIY ❤. Still remember watching your Cichlid egg tumbler build and making one myself.

[@xXxSasukeTakaxXx]

I'm amazed you actually stuck this long on KZbin mad respect my man❤

[@dazellis8057]

The king of Do It KZbin dont lose to the tube

[@jtostros]

I am running an air filter set up on four 20 gallons (one fish tank and three turtle tanks) and have been looking for more ideas on how to improve my system. This video really provided a strong educational foundation for future innovations for my system. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@johnjrkean7008]

Idk what kind of turtles u have but I have a painter and red ear slider and as they get bigger n grow canister is a must they pee n poop like dogs lol

[@aquariumhacksbymarcus5653]

What I like about Joey is that he is not trying to promote one product over another or one site over another simply get it where you can get it get it cheaper then let it work for you You see this is a real aquarium hobbyist

[@heiaheiaheiahei]

I've been following your channel for years, since I saw your DIY filtration projects. Never thought there still room for improvement, but you'd just did it, well done Joey.

[@JasonsPlecosCichlids]

I run matten filters at home and at my fish store. Only time they need to be cleaned is when the water behind the matten is lower than the other side. I have a 374 gallon tank at home, matten only, corner style for almost 4 years now, never cleaned them yet.

[@JURA8275]

I'm seeing this type of filter for the first time ... Really liked it . I'll use it in the future for sure .

[@magentalesagegaming433]

My gosh, every tank I build will be filtered this way, I genuinely learnt something today, thanks 😊

[@Mike-ud7hc]

So this handles both the biological and mechanical filtering? So no need for ceramic/lava rocks?

[@eveningclicks7767]

You can always add those things behind the sponge if you want. It's a large sponge though, so it's gonna hold a lot of the good bacteria and catch waste. (Assuming your tank is balanced).

[@Ygblitzz]

A good idea would be to silicone 4 small pieces of acrylic right before the foam in each corner of where the foam meets so it has a nice it place to slide in and stay put .

[@godsangryhands4499]

I ALSO made your water bottle version for my 5g tank.. It Worked GREAT!! THANKS AGAIN JOEY!

[@YTfrosty_bionic]

Bro this thing looks insane, not what I was looking for but glad I watched this, I was going to use a 20L as a canister filter for my new 120Gallon but I watched this video in awe 🙏🏼❤️ you my good sir have captivated me yet again! I’ll definitely save this for later when I have more tanks I’m only at 5 rn

[@brent245]

I have a 350g, I'm using a 75g tank stuffed with foam pads as a sump.The pads fill top to bottom and front to back. I have about 28" of solid foam the water is going through. Pumping about 2600g/hr. I also have 2 jumbo sponge filters down in the sump. Works great so far.

[@ChrisGuts-th4vg]

Saltwater Brent ?

[@richardurdaneta530]

Thanks brother, been watching your videos for about 17 yrs & you always amaze me ❤

[@bryanjordan8876]

You gave me a great idea just now. I've got a 2.5g and 5g tank that I'm using for shrimp and betta tanks, but I've also got a 20g just sitting in my closet. I'll use this filter to split the 20 gallon and have 2 10ish gallon tanks for my shrimp and betta and It will look a lot nicer and more room for them, as well!

[@terminalpsychosis8022]

I have a rounded corner "Hamburg Style", but use it for the intake for an external powered canister filter. MASSIVE extra filtration, and no babies can get sucked into the intake. Reduces times between filter cleans too. Like an enormous pre-filter, that's a filter on it's own as well. And as so expertly shown here, VERY economical to build. The output just goes into the tank like normal. Either one outlet, or like mine, with many holes to distribute the water flow.

[@BenOchart]

Great DIY filter. 30ppi matten sponge might very well be the best filter media on the hobby. Thanks!

[@juliorivera870]

Great idea 💡, i love different ideas 👍. My idea was a screen that takes the whole bottom of my 55g , a bottom screen, remember all waste & food settlement goes straight to the bottom, so i connected a hangover filter to the bottom screen and i never have to vacuum the bottom of my tank.

[@darrylm92]

I have that exact same air pump set up and it is in my living room. Very loud and annoying. I found that placing the pump and the manifold on one of those foam drawer liners helps reduce some of the sound it creates. It is not much but it does help. Especially with the manifold which has a tendancy to vibrate on any solid surface it comes in contact with. Good to know they only last a few years, mine has been running at least 1.5 so better get another on order.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

In my 128 ltr ( 80 x 40 x 40 ) with multifasciatus I’ve added two czech airlifters in 25 mm and a 4” 20 ppi in the end. Plenty of water travel and quiet too. Really a high effective filter.

[@KontraBoY67]

I used this filtration Systems long time ago for my shrimp tanks, i had 4 15g tanks and Split them in the Middle with Plexiglass so i had 8 seperate tanks and i siliconed in the Corners of the tanks Plastik corner sticks where the sponge Comes in a round form to get a nice corner filter

[@erinhallmakes777]

where can one get that foam in Canada? also do you have recommendations on air pumps? specifically smaller ones but even a brand.

[@poormangarden4614]

I'm working on my fish room I know how I'm going to filter all the tanks thank you really appreciate what you do

[@jackparkin1339]

Omg Joey that looks really bloody easy I'm setting up a German blue ram fry tank soon I think I'll use this method cheers Joey

[@hardybryan]

I have that same pump but larger. There is no quieting it, but placing them on a thick, soft cloth helps as much as it can.

[@andrewthorne6653]

I have wrapped filter floss around the pipe to cover the holes, but my pipes are in front of the filter mat there more to aid tank circulation. Love your comment keep up the good work

[@NiX_aKi]

That output is divine! It's like a stream trickle ❤

[@hke111us1]

you are truly a king in aquarium DIY

[@DanishnSonic]

I can't wait for the new projects Joey! I've always loved when you build new projects and maybe this time, why not add a little more pazzazzz to those filters

[@JJ-ji9xx]

Tip: sometimes i put multiple pipes and airstones to get more waterflow, i also add bags of bio media behind the filter

[@darkiee69]

You could just put a powerhead on the pipe instead of using air.

[@JJ-ji9xx]

@@darkiee69 yes totally, + stronger flow, less noise but - more expensive (cost of the powerhead and electricity), prone to breaking (especially if you live in asia and get the made in china ones)

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

I made one which sits in a corner. It houses the heater and an pump. Works great, I never have to clean it as the shrimp and fish do it

[@carlostavaresjr958]

Awesome video and great seeing you doing this little DIY filters again! I like my water lines where you can't see them. I like it clean like that. Are you making your own lids or did those tanks come with lids?

[@raycooper2287]

Awesome video, can you have 3 or 4 pvc pipes with holes and returning 4 times more , 4 air stones 4 pipes more water turn over yes ?

[@Jack-gh3vs]

I might need to set up a 40 gallon this way for an African butterfly fish or two and some petricola catfish. The adjustable flow would be perfect for them.

[@areacode911]

This is pretty cool. I assume you cannot havea substrate in this type of setup?

[@AquaticDomain]

I love this filter! I am going to use this my on my new 10g and 20 long tanks. I also love the idea using it as a divider. I have the same pump running my central system in my fish room. I currently have 9 tanks and plan on adding about 5-10 more tanks. So far it's been great. My pump is behind my wall, so I can't really hear it.

[@familiareyes5210]

How thick did u get ur foam if I may ask? I got a 20gal long. Is 1in thick good or 2in is the standard?

[@vicweast]

You do great content, thank you for the effort! Lot's of value added, you deserve the viewers as this is actually superior content overall.

[@davidhalas]

Thanks for showing this filter. I appreciate your time and explanation

[@MateyGardelOriental]

You also can glue the pipes to the bottom of the tank and to the side just using silicone instead of the tile...And even set 2..One at every corner..>(will help with stability also.)

[@mariabuniva]

looks great! what kind of paint did you use on the sponge and output? thank you

[@cichlid_kings]

Keeping it simple & efficient , as usual. Much appreciated!!!

[@TexasForever88]

Watching your journey has been awesome. Keep growing and going 🙌🏽

[@fingerplayer]

Nice idea, cheap and simple, but what about the filtration power? Can it make the water crystal clear?

[@ridether1122]

Back at it again. Been watching you for years!!!

[@AXLzonderE]

I'm thinking about setting up a snail breeding stand. And this filter system could be really useful for that system to keep it at low cost. Thanks!

[@cheyannetaylor137]

Could you do the t-split with the sponge in the middle and turn that into a sort of sump or refugium?

[@fbisurveillancevan1635]

I good mileage out of seahorse quarantine tanks with this filter. Pods love to colonize in these filters and the flow is perfect.

[@martincregg]

Be careful if using for fry. I made this filter and added it to a 20 gallon. Worked really well. I kept the flow low so as not to create too much suction. My fry were 5 weeks old but several got stuck in the mesh of the filter material. Use less coarse if using for very tiny fish.

[@PMeer-gc7kw]

Are you sure that the fry was still alive when they get stuck? Do you use 30ppi or maybe 20? I am curious because I want to making 15 the nekst week or so...

[@martincregg]

@@PMeer-gc7kw yes.

[@gabrielbennett5162]

I actually just finished building a large HOB filter for my goldfish tank. Planning to install it tonight.

[@johnhatmaker7351]

So cool! I love watching the process and can't wait to see the finished results. Keep it up my man!

[@edgarc7613]

I got a corner matten filter kit from Swiss tropicals. Love it and works the same.

[@buzzell93]

Actually, A pothos vine is the best aquarium filter. No joke.

[@bigdaddyfindogg]

Have you ever seen a Czech airlift for a matten filter? Swiss Tropicals sells them, but I've seen a few diy versions. More water flow with them. I'd love to see you diy one. You're the best sir!

[@krittorsfood]

This is awesome. Could you use this in a saltwater tank? I have a 125-gal saltwater tank.

[@edwin_cho]

Why do u hv to use an air stone in the pipe? Can it be done without an air stone? Because i think the air stone is blocking part of the pipe, isn't it better to do without? Thanks

[@WiiHunt95]

Can you show making one for a 30-40 gallon split for fish breeding? Also how would this due for a discus tank?

[@alexgalati2420]

can you add Bio ball or any other media behind the sponge since there is alot of space

[@deviantaj]

Joey where would you recommend getting the matten foam from? I’m also in Canada and can’t seem to find a affordable option.

[@crawfordwice]

Swiss tropical

[@TarasAquaria]

I'm glad you did this video. I've been thinking of using that filter system and converting my tanks over to them and wondered how to make them. I'm looking forward to seeing the new tank setups!

[@aquaprism8992]

You're totally the KING OF DIY Sir 🎉

[@StoneAquatics]

Super interesting video I’ve Sean deans fish room using them and always wondered how they work might do this to my 20 g !

[@Celticninja011]

just for making the aquarium so clean looking with being able to hide all the wires and filter makes this filter idea so worth it. But at that price? I am changing my filters soon

[@MarkLowCarb]

Fish learn to eat left-over food off the sponge. I had a particular female guppy that liked swimming into the output pipe. Tip: put the pump inside your base behind a closed door, as low and deep as possible, will make less noise. Airline tube is cheap, an annoying buzz is not. I made two, one just like this (from Joey's PDF book) and another one inside an artificial rock with a few drilled holes on the top (that is just a big shell) and plastic bio-balls. It also makes a hidey-hole as it has a "door" for a lizard.

[@nathanhowes8579]

Hey Joey, great reminders. Can you provide a link for us here in Canada for the 2" foam? Not the easiest to find

[@Jeffrey-oh8lf]

Ebay

[@Alepoudiitsa]

💜lovely i can't have fish but i allways love watching them

[@eveningclicks7767]

This is super interesting. I do have a question about the sponge. Could a Kuhli Loach and other burrowing creatures theoretically wiggle past the sponge; like be able to move it enough to get by?

[@dvemuri]

How do you manage to clean it, with substrates, plants and other scaping at the bottom

[@alphabravo431]

Could you neatly wrap the filter around the pipe w/cable ties then just have a small footprint in the corner?

[@bryanc.6532]

Really really helpful. Thank you for sharing this!

[@jacklawer6389]

Gr8 video Where can i buy that foam im in canada? Thx Just subscribed!!

[@falcolf]

Damn, I somehow (stupidly) wasn't expecting this filter to be as rad as it is!❤ I definitely want to build one of these!!!❤❤

[@bobirwin1028]

Is the pump powerful enough to use a really long airline, and put it in my neigbor's garage?

[@Stallion-Koi]

Nice Joey perfect filters underestimated infact. For much larger tanks I'd prefer fluval Fx6

[@amx1820]

Can't help but pressed the 👍🏽 button for this kind of video

[@Red_Amir]

i bought a box made of plexiglass i putted the air pump inside and made some modifications for electricity wire and air i don't hear pumbing sound quiet and it wokrs perfectly and no overheat for the airpumb

[@khgn1234]

you are right... much better looking then sponge filter

[@GlassSurfing]

That 45°! You're a fn genius!

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Always goood stuff Joey!!!!!!

[@mercamg9312]

nice job. excellent filter in looks and efficiency

[@blairm3504]

Hey Joey, could you share the Amazon links for the sponge and air pump?

[@BreadOnDeckk]

Thanks for always teaching us new stuff 💙

[@JAR-xu1el]

Hi, what’s the size of the aeration stone? I can only find .6 inch. Is that enough?

[@inlikeflynt56]

What an awesome video. Thanks mucho for sharing!

[@Twinkley1981]

I’d really like to try that diy bio filter. You’re full of great tips. But honestly that pump would drive me crazy most likely it would be getting chucked out my window 😂

[@TC6268-Aloha]

Wow, you showed you can put the air flow filter in the middle. That way, you can have the adult fish and the hatchlings on the other side in the same water. You wouldn't need to make up another tank just for the hatchlings.

[@33alwright]

Yo Joe... Shout out from Dublin Ireland 🇮🇪... Love the DIY videos.. 👍👍

[@SkyeRiv]

You are one of the Heroes of our Century😍😍😍👊🏽👍🏽💪🏽

[@jaxxonfishroom]

My favorite would be the sponge filter

[@siamdelta9]

Sawatdee kop Joey,, Hello Joey.. Thanks for so many interesting & educating videos. And 1 question for you,,.. I will set up a new tank and considering this filter if you advise it will work with a 150 gallon tank with cichlids ? Look forward to your reply sometime soon. All the best to you with your life, your channel, your hobby & your fish !

[@alexteme4]

I have only one question. 6 years in the aquarium hobby and with a ton of DIY stuff I've created from filters, back-filters, CO2 generators and CO2 in general, *how* will you be able to put the sponge back in place considering you will also have substrate in the aquarium. Even if you user just gravel , how taking the sponge off and in again wont mess your aquarium? I mean everything looks cool in an empty tank.! Thank you.

[@hjdorn]

To get rid of the noise: Fill a bucket half with gravel, dump the air pump in and fill it up with more gravel. Put a bottle in line with the main tube and you get rid of the pulsations in the airline. Completely quiet :)

[@rhysdavis5726]

I wrap mine in a towel…

[@BurchellAtTheWharf]

10:37 i wonder if this pump filter set up can work fer a kiddie pool sized poond?

[@cliftonmartinez9621]

Where are you getting your sponge??? I can't find anything similar to this that cheap

[@jbizz1320]

Besides cost what the difference in just running sponge filters? Ive been looking at corner sponge for small betta tanks

[@AuriJas1]

This was crazy nice filter. Thanks man🤩🙌👍

[@anthonyw1382]

you said to drill 3/4 inch holes in the uplift tube. if I’m not mistaken, I think you meant to say 3/8 inch holes.

[@rockinrobert1]

By the way with those air filters I like to use a Sponge Filter underneath them that absorb some of the sound