How to Make an Aquarium Filter Without a Pump

Most people have a dream of owning an aquarium. While getting one is not as difficult as you might think, creating a healthy and comfortable home for your fish can be challenging. A filter system is important to keep your aquarium clean and healthy, but if you don’t have the money to spend on buying one, you may want to consider making your own.

Building an aquarium filter without a pump can be really easy and fun. In this article, we are going to find out the most popular and easiest methods to make an aquarium filter without a pump.

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Why Is Aquarium Filter Important?

Aquarium filter is an absolutely vital component for those who are serious about keeping fish. Even though the tank does not require a large amount of maintenance, you need to keep it clean and healthy. You can’t skip on this part either as a clogged aquarium filter might break down easily or become too expensive to maintain at all if it gets clogged with organic debris over time.

Keep in mind that even something like a gallon glass jar with a few cups worth of gravel and water might be able to accommodate about 20-30 fish. This is because most aquariums have quite large dimensions, but if you plan on having many more than that (especially larger species), it would become really inconvenient and impractical to keep all those in smaller spaces.

This means that an entire system of filtration has to be made so they can survive together as a whole without stressing or bothering one another.

Different Methods to Make an Aquarium Filter Without a Pump

Here are some of the methods that you can do at the comforts of your own home to make an aquarium filter without a pump.

Sponge Filter Method

This type of filter is inexpensive, easy to make and can be used with any aquarium without a pump.

To start, we took two small sponges/boilies that were clean on all sides. Use your hands to get them really dry.
Next up, you will need some table salt and baking soda in order for the activated carbon powder inside the sponge filters trap heat-causing gases found in tap water. Make a mixture of both ingredients and put it into your aquarium’s filter container by shaking the contents well so that we get no dry powder left inside once everything has settled down.
Place this sponge on top of your fish tank, rim guard (if you require one) over its opening and fill up with aquarium water or debris for added effectiveness, but make sure there’s enough air space in between the two materials. Don’t forget to put the sponge around with all sides facing the stones, water and plants in your aquarium.
Now, it’s time for you to fill it up with fresh tap or mineral supplement before keeping your fish inside.
Once everything is settled down, turn on your lighting system and wait for at least 1 hour but 10 minutes should be enough if you have anything fragile using this method. After this period it was safe for the dehumidifier to start working, yet still cautious because we now have a clean glass in place filled up with your aquarium water and fish species inside.
This could last you 3 months to 1 year when your tap or mineral tablet is depleted but after getting more supplements, make sure not to mix-up contents until everything has settled down. After this period is complete, you might want to switch your water’s treatment in addition with new supplements as different kinds of dehumidifier work differently and also be extra careful not to overload the filter because by doing so, it could void its warranty!

Bottle Filter Method

One effective and easy way to filter the water inside your aquarium is by bottle filters, which are small cartridges that hold a large quantity of activated carbon. They fit on top of the existing fittings for outlet plugs or return valves and trap particles from entering your tank through them as well as bursting new bubbles into their body from water intake via bubbling air-outlet line.

Fill a water bottle with aquarium top layer water then place one on each side of the aquarium and remove the powerhead.
Wait till at least 2 hours before returning to daily activities (feeding fish, checking filters) when air becomes fully circulated through tank and maturation can be detected in bottom layer water (usually, between a 1-3 hour period).
From time to time when happening in your tank, remove the bottom layer water with other bottle. Then, replace it back.

Angled Filter Method

Angled filter can be attached to most aquariums without the need of a pump. It is really effective at catching debris that goes down with water automatically. The only downside is, this filter has a limited lifespan and will require replacement once it expires (2-3 years). Also, large fish may crush the substrate if they swim or jump up against them frequently.

Aquarium Siphon

Aquarium siphon is a small, hand-operated siphon made of plastic or glass. It’s ideal for providing aeration and can be kept on top of the aquarium to avoid collisions between filters and other furniture pieces in tank stand setups. They come with different nozzle sizes (the thickest ones are good for medium tanks). Moreover, they are also a good choice for smaller tanks (5 gallons or less) and do not require an air pump.

Bubbling Filter Method

This filter system, with activated-carbon cartridge, provides 10-day removal of organics in aquarium. In addition, it’s a good choice for the tanks with algae problems.

Bio-Wheel Filter Method

Bio-wheel filter uses several filters to provide mechanical and biological filtration, including one or more internal power filters (preferably the internal cartridge type), an external power filter, and a protein skimmer. This combination of components allows for maximum water quality improvement in smaller aquariums, while minimizing the cost of equipment.

Garden Hose Water Filter Method

Decorating with indoor plants has never been easier and another method is the garden hose water filters for aquarium use without a pump. A good set up for hardscaping is to place a few bottles into the tank area, using them as sponges catching fish waste etc. In addition, these water filters can be used to create a waterfall in the tank.