Cheap Homemade Filter

This is the completed filter.  The most expensive parts were the two union fittings that make cleanup so much easier.   Sitting next to the filter is a pre-filter that attaches to the pump.  It contains ceramic media that also help with biological filtration.

This is the top bucket.  It nests inside the bottom bucket.  I used  male and female PVC adaptors and aquarium silicone instead of a bulkhead fitting.  I drilled about 3 dozen 3/8" holes in the bottom of the bucket so that the water drains into the bottom bucket.

This is the bottom bucket.  Again, I used male and female adaptors and aquarium silicone instead of a bulkhead fitting.  Inside this bucket, I keep about 4-6 inches of lava rock that never gets disturbed.  This rock harbors the bacteria for the biological portion of the filter.

This is a 5 gallon paint strainer full of activated charcoal.  It goes inside the top bucket.  On top of that I put in about half a bag of pillow stuffing.  The very top layer is a very porous prefilter, very similar to an air conditioner filter.

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