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

[@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

[@clee36]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@kala6576]

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

[@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.

[@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).

[@godsangryhands4499]

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

[@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!

[@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 ?

[@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.

[@richardurdaneta530]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@BenOchart]

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

[@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.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

Always goood stuff Joey!!!!!!

[@buzzell93]

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

[@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 .

[@ridether1122]

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

[@johnhatmaker7351]

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

[@NiX_aKi]

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

[@hke111us1]

you are truly a king in aquarium DIY

[@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.

[@TexasForever88]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@cichlid_kings]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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)

[@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.

[@aquaprism8992]

You're totally the KING OF DIY Sir 🎉

[@gregor586]

Haha 😂nic nowego nie odkryłeś Stary sprawdzony sposób - filtracja hamburska

[@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!!!❤❤

[@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?

[@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?

[@gabrielbennett5162]

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

[@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…

[@BreadOnDeckk]

Thanks for always teaching us new stuff 💙

[@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

[@ScaRlaK319]

classic joey diy video. i love it!

[@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.

[@amx1820]

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

[@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.)

[@GlassSurfing]

That 45°! You're a fn genius!

[@danielvelez4001]

Your so good at making tanks and filters that u should consider making them for customers❤😂😂

[@mercamg9312]

nice job. excellent filter in looks and efficiency

[@venbapetsaquarium]

Thank you sir, i will trying

[@ariangeroy6035]

this is the reason why i watch joey

[@fbisurveillancevan1635]

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

[@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

[@mariabuniva]

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

[@khgn1234]

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

[@BurchellAtTheWharf]

This is an awesome idea man

[@Stallion-Koi]

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

[@bryanc.6532]

Really really helpful. Thank you for sharing this!

[@SkyeRiv]

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

[@33alwright]

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

[@edgarc7613]

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

[@WhatIsMisophonia]

If it's not being removed and cleaned, this type of filter functions like an undergravel filter, but vertical rather than horizontal. If a guy wanted to supercharge it, use both in the same tank.

[@budiawan1784]

Still cannot go with ugf..... I love put sand rocks woods and water plants.

[@WhatIsMisophonia]

@@budiawan1784It's possible to do a ugf with just about anything, including dirt, by putting a fine filter floss over a coarse filter, over your ug filter plenum (coarse filter stops fine filter from plugging up holes in the solid filter cover). That said, you may have to settle for low-flow filtration in such a system. Also, reverse flow may be a bad idea with sand because the water may flow up in higher volume in particular areas as the sand starts to get filled with organic matter; This can cause sand to fluidize in those areas, and if it's right next to glass, the sand can literally ware a hole in the glass.

[@budiawan1784]

@@WhatIsMisophonia oh, I'll keep note in I should stay in low flow filtration, If I do ugf. And I'll keep low current flow filtration. Your advice I do appreciate, as per will implement on acrylics tank. Acrylics ”weaker ”in scratch resistant than glass. Thank you Sir

[@erinhallmakes777]

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

[@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.

[@jaxxonfishroom]

My favorite would be the sponge filter

[@AlbertEspinRodriguez]

Back to the origins of the channel !! 👍

[@dominicmanuel959]

Thanks a tone for your constant sharing of DIY ideas. It really benifits me and I'm damn sure it does for all fish lovers across the globe

[@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!

[@AuriJas1]

This was crazy nice filter. Thanks man🤩🙌👍

[@inlikeflynt56]

What an awesome video. Thanks mucho for sharing!

[@Alepoudiitsa]

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

[@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 !

[@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

[@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 😂

[@renedecquir1931]

Back to DIY and I love it

[@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

[@ReyCos]

Je monte ma prochaine installation comme sa,Merci a toi.

[@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!

[@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 ?

[@fingerplayer]

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

[@litroffinespiritu]

thanks a lot for sharing your ideas

[@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

[@krittorsfood]

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

[@terra2468]

Simple and effective. Maybe other way to improve ( for the future cleaning) , is use 2 thin squares of 30 ppi instead one thick, so every some weeks you can take out and clean while the second one keeps the filtration

[@Cheesedream]

The smaller thickness will cause the foam to be too flimsy and bendable and there is no need to remove and clean the filter with any regularity. You should focus more on water changes and siphoning debris than cleaning objects and filters.

[@terra2468]

@@Cheesedream i understand, agree

[@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

[@seancoffey6982]

Really awesome thanks for sharing bud!

[@WahyuArdiKurniawan-wh2ib]

wow... thats a great idea. thanks 😮

[@ryanwhiskeycaissie9213]

What kinda paint did u use for the end pipe

[@problemaquarium]

i cant find a responce to anyone asking about this :( !

[@jimanast3593]

It surely has to be a non toxic.

[@LenHere]

Would you do this on salt water reef tanks??

[@torricx3011]

Putting a few inches of tubing on the input of the pump helps with the noise a ton.

[@freddievara8649]

Very cool JOEY the genius 👍😎

[@areacode911]

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