How to make a DIY wetland filter.
How it works:
Your overflow will drain directly into the top level of this unit onto filter floss. Then rain down into the second level, containing media. The second level filled with bio media will be highly oxygenated, encouraging nitrifying bacteria growth. The second level will then rain down into the third level that sits within the body of water in your sump. The third level will be filled with bio media that will act as a refugium.
Things you will need:
- Drill
- Filter floss
- 3 drawer plastic storage
- Scrubbies/Bio media
Notes:
Before you begin this project, you will need a sump and you will need to be certain that your DIY filter will be capable of handling the gallons per hour you intend to achieve.
Step 1:
Remove all drawers from your plastic storage. The top drawer will be used for filter floss and the middle will contain scrubbies or bio media. Both drawers will be constructed the same. For my project I drew a 1” grid system and drilled a 1/8” hole at every cross point
Step 2:
If you choose to utilize the bottom drawer of your 3 drawer storage, add more bio media into this section. Drill multiple 1/2” holes in the front or sides of the drawer. You can add a circulation pump into this level to allow more water flow if you choose.
Step 3:
Once your overflow plumbing is installed into the top drawer, turn on the return pump. It will take a couple of weeks for the necessary bacterial growth to occur within this wetland filter system. Take to stocking or setup guides to determine when to add more livestock to your aquarium before moving forward.
Notes:
This setup only allows for skimmers to be installed AFTER the full filtration and refugium cycle has been completed. Live rock can be used as media in the third level of this system. Overflow MUST be plumped into the first stake if this system.
How it works:
Your overflow will drain directly into the top level of this unit onto filter floss. Then rain down into the second level, containing media. The second level filled with bio media will be highly oxygenated, encouraging nitrifying bacteria growth. The second level will then rain down into the third level that sits within the body of water in your sump. The third level will be filled with bio media that will act as a refugium.
Things you will need:
- Drill
- Filter floss
- 3 drawer plastic storage
- Scrubbies/Bio media
Notes:
Before you begin this project, you will need a sump and you will need to be certain that your DIY filter will be capable of handling the gallons per hour you intend to achieve.
Step 1:
Remove all drawers from your plastic storage. The top drawer will be used for filter floss and the middle will contain scrubbies or bio media. Both drawers will be constructed the same. For my project I drew a 1” grid system and drilled a 1/8” hole at every cross point
Step 2:
If you choose to utilize the bottom drawer of your 3 drawer storage, add more bio media into this section. Drill multiple 1/2” holes in the front or sides of the drawer. You can add a circulation pump into this level to allow more water flow if you choose.
Step 3:
Once your overflow plumbing is installed into the top drawer, turn on the return pump. It will take a couple of weeks for the necessary bacterial growth to occur within this wetland filter system. Take to stocking or setup guides to determine when to add more livestock to your aquarium before moving forward.
Notes:
This setup only allows for skimmers to be installed AFTER the full filtration and refugium cycle has been completed. Live rock can be used as media in the third level of this system. Overflow MUST be plumped into the first stake if this system.