Any aquarium needs filtration. Tiny particles of dirt, waste products of inhabitants, other organics tend to decompose gradually, releasing ammonia, which is harmful to fish. In order to avoid their poisoning, processes should be activated that turn harmful substances into nitrates.
Aquarium biofiltration is the conversion of ammonia to nitrites, and then to nitrates. This process takes place with the participation of beneficial bacteria living in the aquarium and depends on the absorption of oxygen. It is necessary to maintain a continuous flow of oxygen-enriched water in the aquarium, which is achieved using a filter.
You can buy a filter for the aquarium in the store, but if the price seems excessive, it can be made at home. The effectiveness of the work will depend on how much attention you pay to its manufacture.
How to make an aquarium filter yourself
To make a homemade biofilter for an aquarium, you need a bottle of sparkling water with a capacity of about half a liter, a plastic tube of the same diameter as the inner diameter of the bottleneck, a piece of padding polyester, small pebbles with a fraction of not more than five millimeters, a compressor with a hose.
The bottle must be carefully cut into two parts. One of them must be larger than the other, so that a small bowl with a neck and a large bottom are obtained. The bowl is guided upside down and pushed into the bottom with force so that it fits tightly there. On the outer circumference of the bowl, several holes must be made through which water will enter the filter. It is better to make holes with a diameter of 3-4 mm, arrange them in two rows, 4-6 holes in one row. Insert the tube into the neck of the bowl so that it comes in with a little effort. There should be no gaps between the pipe and the neck. The length of the tube should be chosen so that it protrudes slightly above the structure. At the same time, it should not rest against the bottom of the bottle so that water enters freely.
Pour gravel over the bowl with a six-centimeter layer and cover it with a layer of synthetic winterizer. Install the aerator hose into the tube, fix. When the entire structure is placed in the aquarium, turn on the compressor so that the filter starts working. Useful bacteria will appear in the working filter, due to which ammonia in the aquarium will decompose into nitrates.
