I've seen hundreds of videos on TH-cam, 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
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 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.
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
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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).
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 .
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
@@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)
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!
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
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
14:06 this has me thinking, what if you had the base in a tea'd setup(instead of the endc capped) an the bottom tea with the holes in it to draw more water flow?
@@darkiee69 yes, (kinda like an anchor ⚓ shape, )but the T at the bottom, for the water inlet, an the top the same(in video)as that is shown, an maybe a few holes near the bottom just to help promote the start of the flow?? I got an idea fer a kiddie pool pond, with larger then 1' critters
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.
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.
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.
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...
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?
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 !
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?
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!
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 😂
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.
Yes there is lady, I think her name is Rachel with a TH-cam channel and she has a 150 gallon planted and she uses is a pre filter for her fx6 so she doesn't have clean her Fx6 filter EVER only the mat.
I've seen hundreds of videos on TH-cam, 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
This guy is a hero...
True!
Inspirational would be a better word.
@@caewalker9276why? Define both.
😂
Indeed
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.
Makes sense. I see this thing pulling it self in after some time.
@@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.
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
@@tuemose22with the sponge just "being there" it'll grow all kinds of algae & stuff regardless!
@@mikefrost1312 yes that the beautifull thing, nature covers the matten fillter. so it looks natural, i love it
I'm amazed you actually stuck this long on TH-cam mad respect my man❤
The king of Do It TH-cam dont lose to the tube
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
Years and years later, with all the hi tech things you have, you still have time to make an awesome diy video.
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!
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
The truest form of budget DIY ❤. Still remember watching your Cichlid egg tumbler build and making one myself.
I'm seeing this type of filter for the first time ... Really liked it . I'll use it in the future for sure .
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.
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.
I ALSO made your water bottle version for my 5g tank.. It Worked GREAT!! THANKS AGAIN JOEY!
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.
My gosh, every tank I build will be filtered this way, I genuinely learnt something today, thanks 😊
So this handles both the biological and mechanical filtering? So no need for ceramic/lava rocks?
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).
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.
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 .
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
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!
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.
Great DIY filter. 30ppi matten sponge might very well be the best filter media on the hobby. Thanks!
Thanks brother, been watching your videos for about 17 yrs & you always amaze me ❤
Back at it again. Been watching you for years!!!
Always goood stuff Joey!!!!!!
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.
Saltwater Brent ?
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.
where can one get that foam in Canada? also do you have recommendations on air pumps? specifically smaller ones but even a brand.
I good mileage out of seahorse quarantine tanks with this filter. Pods love to colonize in these filters and the flow is perfect.
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
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
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
you are truly a king in aquarium DIY
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.
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 ?
Joey where would you recommend getting the matten foam from? I’m also in Canada and can’t seem to find a affordable option.
Swiss tropical
looks great! what kind of paint did you use on the sponge and output? thank you
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
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
Tip: sometimes i put multiple pipes and airstones to get more waterflow, i also add bags of bio media behind the filter
You could just put a powerhead on the pipe instead of using air.
@@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)
Your so good at making tanks and filters that u should consider making them for customers❤😂😂
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!
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.
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
10:37 i wonder if this pump filter set up can work fer a kiddie pool sized poond?
I got a corner matten filter kit from Swiss tropicals. Love it and works the same.
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
1:30 a simple union glued to tile would be cheaper and open ring allowed silicone bead on both sides
can you add Bio ball or any other media behind the sponge since there is alot of space
14:06 this has me thinking, what if you had the base in a tea'd setup(instead of the endc capped) an the bottom tea with the holes in it to draw more water flow?
A T with two 90 deg angels with pieces of pipe drilled and capped at the ends?
@@darkiee69 yes, (kinda like an anchor ⚓ shape, )but the T at the bottom, for the water inlet, an the top the same(in video)as that is shown, an maybe a few holes near the bottom just to help promote the start of the flow??
I got an idea fer a kiddie pool pond, with larger then 1' critters
You're totally the KING OF DIY Sir 🎉
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.
What kinda paint did u use for the end pipe
i cant find a responce to anyone asking about this :( !
It surely has to be a non toxic.
Hey Joey, great reminders. Can you provide a link for us here in Canada for the 2" foam? Not the easiest to find
Ebay
I actually just finished building a large HOB filter for my goldfish tank. Planning to install it tonight.
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.
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?
Could you do the t-split with the sponge in the middle and turn that into a sort of sump or refugium?
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.
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...
@@PMeer-gc7kw yes.
That 45°! You're a fn genius!
That output is divine! It's like a stream trickle ❤
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?
Damn, I somehow (stupidly) wasn't expecting this filter to be as rad as it is!❤ I definitely want to build one of these!!!❤❤
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!
This is pretty cool. I assume you cannot havea substrate in this type of setup?
So cool! I love watching the process and can't wait to see the finished results. Keep it up my man!
Nice idea, cheap and simple, but what about the filtration power? Can it make the water crystal clear?
nice job. excellent filter in looks and efficiency
classic joey diy video. i love it!
Watching your journey has been awesome. Keep growing and going 🙌🏽
This is awesome. Could you use this in a saltwater tank? I have a 125-gal saltwater tank.
What an awesome video. Thanks mucho for sharing!
Thanks for showing this filter. I appreciate your time and explanation
you are right... much better looking then sponge filter
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 !
How do you know when to change the foam or do you?
Keeping it simple & efficient , as usual. Much appreciated!!!
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?
Besides cost what the difference in just running sponge filters? Ive been looking at corner sponge for small betta tanks
How do you manage to clean it, with substrates, plants and other scaping at the bottom
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!
Je monte ma prochaine installation comme sa,Merci a toi.
Hi, what’s the size of the aeration stone? I can only find .6 inch. Is that enough?
Yo Joe... Shout out from Dublin Ireland 🇮🇪... Love the DIY videos.. 👍👍
You are one of the Heroes of our Century😍😍😍👊🏽👍🏽💪🏽
Nice video. What would u recommend for a 125 gal on the sponge size ? I used the pvc pipe just wondering on size of sponge
The foam will need to be 4” thick.
Really really helpful. Thank you for sharing this!
Can't help but pressed the 👍🏽 button for this kind of video
Can you show making one for a 30-40 gallon split for fish breeding? Also how would this due for a discus tank?
💜lovely i can't have fish but i allways love watching them
Instead of 2in thick foam can i use 1in?
Thanks Joey. Would I be able to put plants behind the filter so my cichlids don't eat them? Thanks again. Love your DIY projects still.👍💚🇦🇺
Yes, if they get sufficient light.
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 😂
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.
Is the pump powerful enough to use a really long airline, and put it in my neigbor's garage?
Can we use that in a planted set-up? With substrate and all?
Yes there is lady, I think her name is Rachel with a TH-cam channel and she has a 150 gallon planted and she uses is a pre filter for her fx6 so she doesn't have clean her Fx6 filter EVER only the mat.
I have a 120 gallon.. would one of these be enough for it?
What spray paint did you use?
Does it work with saltwater fish as well
thanks a lot for sharing your ideas
Super interesting video I’ve Sean deans fish room using them and always wondered how they work might do this to my 20 g !
This is an awesome idea man
Does it matter if you use black pipe or white pipe? Does the cylicone type matter?