DIY - Powerhead Filter

This DIY powerhead filter is a cheap, simple, yet effective filter that requires little time to make and only basic skills to build.

Parts Needed 1 size 0(1/2 cup) tupperware container 1 piece of filter media (pillow batting works great) 1 rubberband 1 powerhead		Tools Needed 1 Cordless Drill 1 5/8 inch wood bore drill bit 1 3/16 inch drill bit 1 pair of scissors

The first thing to do is drill your holes in your container. For this you will need the body of your container, your cordless drill and a 3/16 inch drill bit. There is no set pattern for drilling these holes just make sure you drill a lot of them in the container. I would recommend drilling as many holes as you can without any two holes overlapping but, not to many that you weaken the container to the point that it could collapse while in use. Drill your holes on the bottom and around the sides, just make sure you don't drill any holes in the rim of the container as you will still need to put the cover on it before you are finished. The second step is to drill a hole in the cover of your container. For this you will need the cover, your drill, and a 5/8 inch wood bore drill bit(your size may vary depending on the size of the intake on your powerhead. To find out the size you need, measure the opening of the intake of the powerhead and use the closest size drill bit to it. You want a snug fit so, make sure you don't use a bit that is larger then the intake opening.) To drill the hole all you have to do is find the center of the cover and drill it. In the center of the cover there is a indentation in the plastic so, just line it up there and you will have a perfectly centered hole. The third step is to add your filter media. For this you will need the filter media, your scissors, and a rubberband.(A note about the filter media. I have found that batting works best for this. A fabric store is a good place to buy it. If you have a piece of filter media from a whisper or something like that, just take it with you to the fabric store and buy the batting that is closest in consistency to it. You should be able to buy it by the yard, which is very cheap.) First, cut a piece of media that is at least large enough to cover the bottom and sides up to the rim of the container. Second, put your rubberband around the container as close to the rim as you can get it. Third, cut the excess media from the container. Well, your almost done, all you have left to do is put the cover on the container and slide it over the intake of your powerhead. Now you have a cheap, efficient and easy to build filter that you built youself. Enjoy!!! □ DIY Filter Tips Cut a bunch of pieces of filter media at one time. Make a second filter so you always have a clean one ready to go. Put charcoal inside the container for added filtration. Make sure you put some sort of screen over the intake to prevent charcoal from getting into the powerhead. When removing the filter place a sandwich bag over it to prevent waste from getting all over your tank.

Disclaimer: By building this DIY project you agree not to hold the author or the owners of this Web site responsible for any injury or bodily harm you may cause to yourself or others. Always wear safety glasses when working with tools and keep chemicals and power tools away from children. Read and understand all safety instructions pertaining to equipment prior to use