How to make a easy DIY Aquarium Filter for BETTA FISH | Sponge Air Pump Filter

ADVERTISING

LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard

Shop now »

NOCO Genius GEN5X2, 2-Bank, 10A (5A/Bank) Smart Marine Battery Charger

Shop now »

RHINO USA Boat Trailer Transom Straps (2PK)

Shop now »

LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder

Shop now »

Seaview 180 V3 Full Face Snorkel Mask

Shop now »

Most popular comments
for How to make a easy DIY Aquarium Filter for BETTA FISH | Sponge Air Pump Filter

Live comments
Comments on YouTube

vlogzs with shirley - 6 years ago

You

High Jerry - 6 years ago

very cool,but for the price of the pump you can get a small filter used for the same tank size(not hating)

Detra Isham - 6 years ago

I decided to go to Walmart and get a bubbler for my betta tank. I got a long rectangular prism shaped air thing. I got it all set up, looked great. I thought the current was a bit strong but the bubbler didn't have any setting to lower the blow of the air. I realized that my betta was just sitting on the bottom. Doing nothing. It was breathing tho. It has been about 2 weeks since I have used it. And he still just sits there!! What do I do?!

God's Word Only - 6 years ago

Current might be too strong and gets the betta really tired. Try using a plant or something in front/Cover the bubbler to reduce the flow.

lamia fahem - 6 years ago

Hi, i like your videos, I will try this DIY filter, i love it !! But i need help for my none cycling tank, its a 5.5 G with 3 betta female fish since august 28th, the ammonia is always 1 to 2 ppm, no nitrites no nitrates , how should i do ??

Red Production - 6 years ago

I feel like this doesn't help because it could be break and unsafe. Maybe I just use a plastic bottle because it's safe and doesn't break.

FabFish - 6 years ago

cpk can you sub me?

London Horses - 6 years ago

If I made this filter how should I clean it?

maddykeeko - 6 years ago

London Horses 2:30

Nicole Power - 6 years ago

is this enough for a 10g? My filter pump broke and i need a filter asap

Margarida Silva - 6 years ago

How and where did you hide the heater??

10. comment for How to make a easy DIY Aquarium Filter for BETTA FISH | Sponge Air Pump Filter

Aishah Azlan - 6 years ago

Thanks for your video sharing. Hi from Malaysia

Crystal Airtail - 6 years ago

Uhh, does this really work? For bettas? I haven't been able to find a perfect filter anywhere online!

Venus FlyTrap - 6 years ago

THANK YOU!!! I seriously have searched EVERY channel that would show me how to set this up in a simple step by step manner. I'm new to the betta fish community and was lead to believe the same "They can live in a mason jar" lie after buying 2 of them. You are so very helpful and have been helping me take responsibility of caring for my bettas the correct way ♥

Jack Attack - 6 years ago

Lifewithpets did a good job at making one similar to this, but explained a little more, just for anyone who was wondering what each thing did and all. :3

Geoff Saunderson - 6 years ago

You do need holes at the bottom of the vase in order for this to work you know? I'm sorry to say that this is in no way an effective filter, tho it would be if it just had some holes at the bottom to allow tank water to be sucked in.

Brianna Harter - 6 years ago

As the air bubbles move up they do create movement cause even without holes some water is being moved by the bubbles.

Could it be more effective yes.but it still does help.

Geoff Saunderson - 6 years ago

Brianna Harter no! Water is not moving through the filter just air! The idea of an air stone is to creat suction, your missing the most fundamental action of a biological filter. If your still confused look at some bio filter diagrams. You only have to have some holes at the bottom of the filter and it will work fine, your design is perfect just for one massive flaw!. I don't care what you do but I do care about kids going out and wasting there money on this useless thing, and have the fish suffer. Please kids don't follow this, if you want a diy filter go to king of diy page. He will show you in easy steps.

Brianna Harter - 6 years ago

The goal of a filter is to create a enivorment that beneficial bactetia thrive in.in the regrade the filter is really effective cause the bubbles create a oxygen rich enivorment,with a lot of water movement and surface area.

CoolgirlHK - 6 years ago

For the filter fiber can I use pillow stuffing or some kind of stuffing. I have some stuffing that I use to make plushies.

Chris Bright - 6 years ago

CoolgirlHK as long as it doesn't have any added chemicals. Look at the package, if it says flame retardant then you can't use it.

Iqbal Fakhri - 6 years ago

poke poke poke

Rajeswari R - 6 years ago

How to clean this

bob everett - 6 years ago

Dose this work for other fish?
Need quick

Gorgeous Bettas - 6 years ago

Yes, it does work depending on the amount of fish. If you have 1-3 small fish that don't produce a huge ton of waste, than this is a good option. Hope I helped, feel free to ask anymore questions!

ice cream swirl 1010 - 6 years ago

yes I made one!

20. comment for How to make a easy DIY Aquarium Filter for BETTA FISH | Sponge Air Pump Filter

Amelia's Menagerie - 6 years ago

i have made this with a fish bowl and a mason jar, the filter my twenty gallon and ten gallon :)

Akki Terr - 6 years ago

You're definitely not the only person who want to make her filter look cute :)
Awesome !

Jakkie Tea - 6 years ago

This filter doesn't work...

Autumn Swift - 6 years ago

Would I be able to use a candy jar from Yankee Candle? And could I use the aquarium gravel that is already in my tank?

Animallover0236 - 6 years ago

would this work of a 10gal betta tank with other kinds of fish in it

Jakkie Tea - 6 years ago

My water is becoming cloudy with this filter.

OkamiLeilah - 6 years ago

I just made this same model just with a mason jar and was wondering, i read that it doesnt really filter water from other comments...just curious what your results were and also sadly my air pump doesnt adjust..how could i lessen the bubbles coming from it?

Maris 2 Quar - 6 years ago

Can this be used for axolotls?

CLONEORCLOWN - 6 years ago

I know this video is kind of old but is it OK if I use cotton balls for the second sponge?

Splendens - 6 years ago

Yes! It's basically the same thing as filter fiber.

Michael Reyna - 6 years ago

What are those floating plants ?!?

30. comment for How to make a easy DIY Aquarium Filter for BETTA FISH | Sponge Air Pump Filter

Kevin Mullernberg - 6 years ago

wait so, does this really keep the water clean, or what?

Veronica D.B. - 6 years ago

Kevin Mullernberg you still have to do water changes of course but I have one in all my tanks and it works pretty well. It catches all the poop and uneaten food.

helena thomas - 7 years ago

I have made a filter for my tank. I use a medium size vase, I put the air tube in first then some carbon in a stocking, then some gravel in the vase, some polyester fiber on the top also 1 scrubbie. Maybe you can help me if I missed something. I have a 29 inch fish tank. please text me back

Sandwichs33 Last Name - 7 years ago

is this connected to an air pump?

Duane Vigue - 7 years ago

If the "jar" was made of a sponge, this would work. There is NO "surface area" to pull the waste through, so this "filter" really isn't filtering at all.

Mike 5545 - 7 years ago

Thank You! This mini filtration is perfect for my 1 gallon bowl. My Betta loves it, it cleans all of his waste, quiet, cheap (i made mine for only $8), perfect size, and I always see him play with the bubbles ^~^

Mike 5545 - 7 years ago

He's doing great, very active and healthy. The filter is doing a great job of keeping the bowl clean, I do water changes every 2-3 weeks. I'm gonna move him to my 20 gallon later on in my community tank, but I need to find out if he's aggressive or not.

What's up guys? Scarce here! Roleplay - 7 years ago

Mike 5545 how's your betta doing? With the filter is it ok?

Pork Ball - 7 years ago

could i have this under the sand in the beck of my aquarium with 3 cm sticking out the top

Victor Cruz - 7 years ago

do I need to cycle this

Pork Ball - 7 years ago

any filter needs to be cycled because it needs bacteria to build up

Aaron Yong - 7 years ago

Much like how a sponge filter works, you should have another hole for water entry with a different direction from the bubble exit for maximum "water pulling" effect.

Fins FurLife - 7 years ago

I've tried this and have gotten algae on my filter floss

i like fire - 7 years ago

can u use a sponge instead of filter fiber?

Shakthy S - 7 years ago

This is so useful ..thanks alot for the beautiful idea

Yoongis Arm Veins - 7 years ago

this is to clean the water and give fishes oxygen? so i could use this instead of my standard?

Per Shop - 7 years ago

It depends on the size of your tank but this can replace smaller filters. However, I think there are slightly better designs where the water really will be sucked through the cleaning layers before going out through another side of the container/bottle, etc. so that you don't get water coming in and going out the same side, which makes it unsure how much water is really getting cleaned.

BigRalphSmith - 7 years ago

There is only one problem with this design.
The unfiltered water flowing in to the filter shares the column with the clean filtered water leaving the filter causing them to mix and immediately contaminate the filtered water produced by the filter..
A better design is a tube or pass-through container rather than a closed bottom container.
This way, the unfiltered water flows in to the filter from the bottom and leaves from the top. The unfiltered water is not mixed with the filtered water and the flow rate is greatly improved.

Felix Yi - 7 years ago

awesome!!! so making this

Saltdogo - 7 years ago

can you use pillow stuffing for the filtration? XD

BigRalphSmith - 7 years ago

Any polyfill product which says "100% polyester" on the package is fine. (No additives like mold inhibitor or fragrance).
The polyester quilt batting is ideal because it is in layers and is easy to handle.
So, yes, as long as the pillow stuffing is 100% polyester, you can use it for filter media.

PetKeeper 323 - 7 years ago

nice!

B Yip - 7 years ago

Thank you for being a simple woman who uses nothing mechanical to build the filter like the guys on youtube. Like where will i get a metal cutter? You well explained the filter too. Ty

BigRalphSmith - 7 years ago

You get a metal cutter at the hardware store or a home improvement store.
You walk in, tell a salesman what you want to cut, and they show you to the appropriate tool.
Simple enough?

Family FishKeeper - 7 years ago

So would this also help put oxygen inside the tank ? I wanna try this for my guppies

BigRalphSmith - 7 years ago

A word on oxygenation.
Everyone thinks that if they put an airstone in their tank, that that is what is "pumping oxygen in to the water".
That is not how it works.
Bubbles in the water do very little in the way of introducing dissolved oxygen in to the water.
The secret to highly oxygenated water is surface agitation.
Over 90% of the oxygen dissolved in water is absorbed at the air-water interface, the surface of the water.
So, why does putting an airstone in the water help oxygenate the water? Because it causes surface agitation and the rising bubbles drag water with less oxygen to the surface where it can be exposed to the air-water interface where the gas exchange occurs and the real magic happens.
A powerhead that is blowing no bubbles but causes a steady ripple in a wide area on the surface of the water will oxygenate the water even better than an airstone blowing bubbles.

Family FishKeeper - 7 years ago

Creative Pet Keeping thank you

Creative Pet Keeping - 7 years ago

Yes, but its means to handle a small bioload. If you want something more effective..using a water bottle instead of vase with holes at the bottom for better water flow would work.

Sami Yugiohs - 7 years ago

Will any glass container work for this? I got a smaller glass vase, thats shaped differentlyrics. I assume it doesn't matter right?

Briana M Grace - 7 years ago

Sami Yugiohs It doesn't matter :)

Brenna Saxton - 7 years ago

Ohmygosh that betta on the left is BEAUTIFUL. What breed is it?

50. comment for How to make a easy DIY Aquarium Filter for BETTA FISH | Sponge Air Pump Filter

Blossom Buddies - 7 years ago

How many would I need for 20 gallons? When I do get a Betta I think that's the size I'm going to get

Lukas - 7 years ago

Does this really help keep the water clear and reduce ammonia/nitrates? I have some substrate (colored gravel) and the same exact filter fiber and an air stone. Just a smaller glass container.

Al Vara - 7 years ago

Easy carbon in panty hose rinse sponge wrap it around an air stone rubber band that's it forget the other stuff waste of money

makayla marie - 7 years ago

I did this in my 2.5 gallon and I was amazed with how well it worked ❤

galaxy star - 7 years ago

Can I use cotton instead of polyfill

BigRalphSmith - 7 years ago

No. Cotton is not suitable for aquarium filter media.

Felix the poop cat - 7 years ago

galaxy star I wouldn't use cotton. I'm pretty sure it will disintegrate over time. Not sure about the air stone part though.

galaxy star - 7 years ago

And can the tube be without air pump? I don't think my airstone will fit.

Amanda Galindo - 7 years ago

Can I use polyester fiberfill instead of filter fiber?

Lukas - 7 years ago

They are the same thing I believe.

spongeroby1 - 7 years ago

this creates an agitated water surface which disrupts normal betta activities at the water surface. bettas naturally prefer still surface water. and it looks silly.

Amazing Jenny - 6 years ago

spongeroby1 I actually like this

BigRalphSmith - 7 years ago

spongeroby1
I obviously caused you some negative feelings.
I apologize. That was not my intent.
I sincerely appreciate our exchange.

spongeroby1 - 7 years ago

BigRalphSmith oh you don't want to be confrontational with your long pointless response. when we were younger we kept fighting fish before all the modern equipment and technology of today's fish keeping. it was simple and they thrived. this is a non confrontational response... hahahaha thanks for the entertainment.

BigRalphSmith - 7 years ago

spongeroby1
"to replicate natural conditions is the rule..."
We already know that that assertion is not true.
Why do you think that so many animals of so many different types live so much longer in captivity than in natural conditions? It's because their environments are set up to favor their survival rather than being left to chance. We know why some "unnatural" conditions are better for animals than natural ones and that's because we understand their biological needs. Even biologists and zoologists disagree with you on that one.
Second, it is definitely NOT "nature's rule" to keep it simple.
Have you looked at the systems and process that result from the natural selection engendered by evolution? "Nature" is the all time champion of generating Rube Goldberg device style results.
I could start listing them if you would like me to.
Look, Bettas do better in water with a little surface movement than they do in stagnant water. Bettas do better in water with higher oxygen content than they do in water with lower oxygen content. Those are such obvious facts that I don't understand why you would want to argue against them.
Feel free to disagree or state otherwise but I think it's pretty clear to anyone who's willing to go research this stuff.
spongeroby1, I'm not looking to get confrontational with you or argue. If you want to run with those ideas, have at it. That said, I think it's demonstrable that you are incorrect on these two assertions.
Best of luck and thanks for sharing.

spongeroby1 - 7 years ago

BigRalphSmith nah, to replicate natural conditions is the rule, and nature's rule is 'keep it simple s.....'

BigRalphSmith - 7 years ago

spongeroby1
Agreed. I'm not sure how that applies to my comment but I'm definitely on board with the "KISS" principle however I'd call it a guideline rather than a hard and fast rule.
The better water quality rule is definitely a rule though.

spongeroby1 - 7 years ago

BigRalphSmith here's another rule 'keep it simple...... '

BigRalphSmith - 7 years ago

spongeroby1
Just because Bettas can survive in stagnant water in nature does not mean that is what's best for them. Bettas prefer good water quality just like any other fish.
Here's a rule written in stone for keeping fish, any fish; better water quality is always better for any fish than worse water quality.
Any Betta will always do better in water that is more oxygenated and is not stagnant as opposed to living in stagnant water that is less oxygenated.
Plants are great. Water changes are great. Stagnant water is not great. Even for Bettas.
The ability of Bettas to "breathe" air directly from the surface, when the water they are in is oxygen depleted, is a survival mechanism and is only that, for survival, it is not a "thriving" mechanism.

spongeroby1 - 7 years ago

Mr. Purple yes i do need to comment as you did. and they do live in stagnant waters. plants and water changes takes care of oxygenation.

Mr. Purple - 7 years ago

spongeroby1 if you don't like the filter you don't really need to comment, you can easily lower the flow and I agree with ^ in the wild bettas still do have some flow. It's also better for gas exchange and prevents stagnant water.

Armored Wings - 7 years ago

spongeroby1 That's why you turn down the flow on the air pump so it doesn't move the water to much. The water isn't completely still for wild bettas, so that's not something you should look to create with pet bettas. A small filter flow is just fine for them. All fish need filtration in order to be healthy, you can always hide it in some plants if it looks weird.

Hannah Renee - 7 years ago

But how well does it clean

justahappyfish - 7 years ago

Is this only for betta? I want to make this for my goldfish

Hannah Renee - 7 years ago

justahappyfish Goldfish produce a lot of waste. They are much dirtier than bettas and would need a stronger filter

Patty Bell - 7 years ago

get vase and rocks from dollorstore or doller tree

Patty Bell - 7 years ago

cool gonna try looks cute too hi from Minnesota tx for sharing patty bell you can get stuff from dolloer

Heather Andre - 6 years ago

that's where I got most of my stuff and my pump I got from walmart it was less then $7 dollars with tax.

Tyra O'Bryant - 7 years ago

I love it! Great info, thanks so much for the wonderful idea! :)

Carlo Lanuza - 7 years ago

I can use pillow stuffing

Brooklin Mercedes - 7 years ago

is this way cheaper than buying a filter?

strawberryyogurt0 - 7 years ago

+Brooklin Wheeler ... it's usually cheaper than buying a filter, not always, but do-it-yourself (DIY) projects are usually less expensive.

lil thirst - 7 years ago

does it only have to be gravel or can I use colored rocks

strawberryyogurt0 - 7 years ago

+king panda ... gravel is pretty much small sized rocks, so colored rocks should work as well.

Citers Yik - 7 years ago

Would it still work if the bubbles come around in small bursts?

jai2 Gomez - 7 years ago

I love your plants...

jai2 Gomez - 7 years ago

can we use bigger vase???can we use charcoal instead of carbon?where can we buy carbon? tnx

Cianna - 7 years ago

how many gallons is your tank? it's beautiful and so are your bettas!

Cognitive Discharge - 7 years ago

what are the tiny plants floating the top of your tank?

alexis nightshade - 7 years ago

Jason Greene they're mentioned in a couple other videos, they're called water lettuce, its quite common in the wild for fish and most of the time fish will nibble at the roots as a treat

Whisper Irus - 7 years ago

T -T THANK YOU!!!

Connor Winfield - 7 years ago

Thanks,I will def use this:)

Miss Mac - 7 years ago

Thanks for this tip, made 2 yesterday (with some tweaks) and my boys love them :)

Marcin - 7 years ago

Swietne

Queencool45 AJ - 7 years ago

745th like ^_^ this is a great idea!

marielephant1 - 7 years ago

I know the carbon is important, but I am thinking about making a small one of these for my hospital tank. Would this DIY work well if it didn't have the carbon?

Per Shop - 7 years ago

You also don't want to use carbon in a hospital tank, since often the carbon may clean or absorb the medication.

Miss Mac - 7 years ago

Carbon is used to clear the water as well as remove odours, it's not necessary in a filter :)

sumacdude - 7 years ago

Bravo!!!!!!

Goaticorn - 7 years ago

Aren't you supposed to change out the air stone every few months though? I think this would be a pain in the butt to pull apart every three months just to change the air stone.

Goaticorn - 7 years ago

ooh hello fellow unicorn xDD But yes, that makes sense. I have just a plain tube with a sponge around it rn and that actually does wonders tbh. My water levels don't ever get bad. (But I still do weekly water changes.lol) But I would like to have that filter media in there for added filtration. This should help quite a bit. xD

Miss Winter Fox - 7 years ago

Goaticorn you can use a pvc tube with holes at the bottom to get the same effect but with easy stone removal

Gracie & Payton - 7 years ago

So cool my betta has light filter and the light changes colors and he freakin loves it he loves to look it swim around it and awesome vid!!!

DeadlyxXxNightShades - 7 years ago

where did you get the tank and lid?

Srichardson43 - 7 years ago

cool build! I would personally use crushed up lava rock for the biological filtration

Kaiya Welch - 7 years ago

Did you end up liking the air pump you bought in the video or do you suggest the other one that you linked from amazon?

Creative Pet Keeping - 7 years ago

I own both and I seem to like both the same. So far that have not broken on me which is awesome.

Caleb Williams - 7 years ago

how does this filter the tank?

AbyssAbbison - 7 years ago

It works like your average sponge filter

Brianna Harter - 7 years ago

as the air bubbles goes up it creates a vacuum sucking water into the fibers.plus the water movement encourages beneficial bacteria to grow which breaks down the waste.

Alexis Wilson - 7 years ago

I used a mason jar

hanyoualchemist - 7 years ago

I'm going to try this for my betta tank with cycled media from my goldfish tank.

roup - 7 years ago

Good vid, but i would use a different source of media for the biological filtration.

Mary Smith - 7 years ago

I want to know your experiences w/the divided tank. Did your bettas flare at each other at 1st? I just put mine in and they can't stop staring at each other and flaring.

♔Lies - 7 years ago

Dammit you sound perfectly like my sister but you speak much more cutely..

Jasmine Gomez - 7 years ago

Thank u I did this

TheGreenAnnaconda - 7 years ago

So if you change the carbon monthly, how often do you change the filter fiber?

Splendens - 6 years ago

I would replace it every few months, but squeeze it out in the sink when it's dirty. Since the bacteria lives in the gravel, you shouldn't have to worry about restarting the nitrogen cycle.

8ftbed - 7 years ago

TheGreenAnnaconda uhhhh, when it's dirty?

john zindler - 7 years ago

thank you

UnicornFarts - 7 years ago

Thanks! I really needed to know. Well I better start!

Madison Slaughter - 7 years ago

Instead of gravel, would I be able to use sand?

Becky Suzanne - 6 years ago

Creative Pet Keeping How often do you need to do water changes with this type of filter? I made one for my rescue betta's tank (2.5 gal) but I'm not sure if I need to be doing more water changes than with a store bought filter. :D

Creative Pet Keeping - 7 years ago

For the filter you need a larger surface area for the bacteria to grow on..while they can grow on sand I think it would be much to difficult.

VexiWolf - 7 years ago

So I have a 1.5 gallon tank for my betta, which I just got 4 days ago, and my current filter that was modeled for the tank burned out--again. It's the second time it's happened, and I don't have the money to just go and buy a new tank+filter.

How big or small does this filter need to be to make it work? I don't have a lot of space to work with so any advice would be awesome.

UnicornFarts - 7 years ago

Please reply

UnicornFarts - 7 years ago

One question how does the filter turn on and by that I mean make it start up? You are my betta keeping idol! Keep making vids on betta!

Creative Pet Keeping - 7 years ago

Aww, thanks. When you turn on the air pump the filter starts to work through the circulation of air.

Derp MC Derpington - 7 years ago

Ty so much i was so desperate because i had no more money for aditional fltering left and my betta was geting beat up in my main tank and i had no place to put my baby Platys so he was homeless xD

Kaelee McCoy - 7 years ago

Is this ok for a 10 gallon tank?

8ftbed - 7 years ago

Kaelee McCoy If you meant starting the "nitrification" cycle, no you haven't. You're just blowing bubbles. You need a fish to produce ammonia which will trigger the first good bacteria that feeds off of it and converts to nitrite, which triggers the 2nd good bacteria which feeds off nitrite and converts to nitrate which is harmless to fish unless in highly concentrated levels. There are ways to kickstart a new setup from an established tank, but I've cycled many new setups with fish, no problems. You just have to commit to a 15% daily water change and don't freak when you go through the cloudy stage just before it's cycled, about 2 weeks. When it clears you're good.

Kaelee McCoy - 7 years ago

+Eden Grace I have already started the cycle and I should be able to get my fish in a few days

Voeris - 7 years ago

You know, they also sell this in what is called a "corner filter", it's the same thing, but more divided so it's easier to take out, open, and switch the air stone. It also directs the water it pulls more directly to the media.They usually look like a cube and are made of plastic or acrylic, and are cheap. Look into it.

Eden Grace - 7 years ago

Great! As long as you have a filter to grow good bacteria and keep the water clean. Make sure you start the nitrogen cycle before you add the fish.

Kaelee McCoy - 7 years ago

+Eden Grace well turns out my tank comes with a filter(I didn't get to see it until yesterday because my dad bought it) so for now I will use that but I might later on make this instead

Eden Grace - 7 years ago

Well then great job for giving your betta a great habitat. Still use a bigger vase though, but not too big. A little bigger than the one in the video but if you only have that size or smaller it will be ok. Just do a water change every week. You can go to www.myaquariumclub.com where you can ask a question and experts will help you :)

Kaelee McCoy - 7 years ago

+Eden Grace I will only have 1 betta in it

Eden Grace - 7 years ago

You could make 2 for a 10 gallon, or one if you only have a few fish.

Marc Geolingo - 7 years ago

I think a small pvc pipe down the middle will help the flow better so the bubbles can rise properly and not get stuck up the media

Miss Mac - 7 years ago

Yeah I found it created huge bubbles as well, which my Betta didn't like..so I just put a pvc pipe down the middle, works great!

Goaticorn - 7 years ago

I think it would also ensure easy air stone changing too.lol. I was like this is amazing but the air stones I have atm break a part in like three months and it would be a pain in the ass to change them out.lol. (Don't worry, I only bought a 6 pack that was on sale. -___- Should be done with them about 6months from now - le sigh - I knew better than to buy sale items at pet stores.lmfao.)

Foxgirlgamer - 7 years ago

Thank you so much! I will make 2 of these for each of my bettas tank...again thank you.

100. comment for How to make a easy DIY Aquarium Filter for BETTA FISH | Sponge Air Pump Filter

Erwin S - 7 years ago

hey guys ,how to bredd a Betta fish?

miguel peneyra - 7 years ago

Can i use charcoal instead of carbon? Pls help

miguel peneyra - 7 years ago

Is filter fiber same as glass wool? Plz reply

miguel peneyra - 7 years ago

Is this same as corner filter?

Maya Relva - 7 years ago

I love this! looks so much nicer than regular filters aswell :) new subscriber ❤️

T. L. - 7 years ago

My mom was a skeptic, but I convinced her to drive me around so I could buy the necessary items :)

SoftGlitch SongFanmadeVocaloid - 7 years ago

+Creative Pet Keeping I have a filter like that but will it work with gold fish?

DOHCness - 7 years ago

Love it! I cant wait to try this, it looks awesome and has the functionality that I'm looking for. Thank you for sharing this!

Amanda Donaghy - 7 years ago

I love your you tube HELP with my fish tanks! And how your girly like me for fish tanks! PLEASE keep it up!

Lenox Marco - 7 years ago

your creative girl

miguel peneyra - 7 years ago

Hello. Can i use this in my guppy tank? Do i have to clean the gravel, fiber and glass(how to clean it) pls reply

Miss Minka - 7 years ago

Is there a way to get it to make smaller bubbles? Is it because I packed the material too tight or not tight enough?

Miss Minka - 7 years ago

+cypher I already have a valve for slowing down the rate of the air pump and it doesn't change the size of the bubbles. It only changes how fast they come out.

cypher - 7 years ago

There are attachment pieces that you can buy that have an air flow valve. Also you could do what my roommate did and tie a knot in your tubing. It constricts the flow so you end up with slow bubbling instead of fast bubbling.

Mintybite - 7 years ago

Can you use any type of sponge instead of the fiber like a cleaning sponge or does it have to be for aquariums?

Sre_ Rich - 7 years ago

+Daisy Bear sea sponge are salt water and they wouldn't live and will decay(if thats the kind of sponge u talking about)

Daisy Bear - 7 years ago

+cypher i think using natural sea sponges could possibly work since there aren't any toxins in them like there is in regular kitchen sponges

cypher - 7 years ago

Please use fiber fill from a pet store! I used a sponge (brand new washed in hot water) and my fish died in 3 days. Even the hot water wasn't enough to kill everything on the sponge. Plus some sponges are chemically treated and will be toxic.

Sre_ Rich - 7 years ago

I think one of those plastic cleaning things would work I am NOT sure

SC Prepper - 7 years ago

Could you just use a small water pump to pump water into it?

Creative Pet Keeping - 7 years ago

+SC Prepper I think that might work well :D

Yvette Torres - 7 years ago

love this, shared with 3 of my fellow Betta friends!!! setting up 2 for my pickier Bettas tonight!

Saving F13 - 7 years ago

I saw this video like 3 hours ago and immediately went to walmart to find the stuff. I picked up a small pepper/salt thing and used it and bought the water stone (Had the rest of the stuff at home) and this is literally the coolest thing ive ever done. Thank you! I had a question, and i was wondering if i were to make one of these a little bigger would this work as a filter/bubbler for a larger tank? Cutting down the cost of starting a new tank?

SirenSea_Reviews_Aquariums - 7 years ago

it's very cute and creative

Evan Stepowany - 7 years ago

alternative option if you don't want to bother making it yourself (check amazon) Jardin Aquarium Efficient Economy Corner in Tank Filter (both require the air pump, but comes with all the needed materials and airstone.

Evan Stepowany - 7 years ago

+Creative Pet Keeping I would suggest adding additional holes at the bottom or sides, so the filtration effect is a little more active. Having inlet and outlet in the same place may cause it to just circulate the water near the top, bypassing the filtration altogether in some cases.

Creative Pet Keeping - 7 years ago

Good idea, thanks for sharing!

Animal lover 33 - 7 years ago

Hi!! I have 1 male Betta and a clown Pleco in a 10 gallon tank. There is already a store bought filter in that tank, but I was wondering if this filter would work for my tank to give it additional filtration. Also is it safe to use polyester fiber instead of the aquarium floss stuff? Please reply as soon as you can, thanks!

Leslee Vanden Top - 8 years ago

this is a great idea I love it I made 2 of my own but I modified it a lil by placing the air stone thru a tube that I drilled holes where the gravel ended and I cut the tube to just under the edge of the glass then did what is shown here

Micaela Sundberg - 8 years ago

Question: I have a 2.5 gallon tank. (so not very big) and I made this exact filter for my one male betta. and I altered the flow of the air tube to make it bubble less so it wouldn't make a violent current. Will the filter still work in my small tank? how do I know if it's doing what it's supposed to do.

Micaela Sundberg - 8 years ago

+Creative Pet Keeping
oh and one more thing. the heater makes the water stay at about 70 degrees. is that warm enough?? do I need a stronger heater?

Micaela Sundberg - 8 years ago

+Creative Pet Keeping
Thank you for replying it helped a lot. I have another question (sorry..)
the filter doesn't shake the water around too bad since I pinched the tube to make it bubble less. would it hurt to turn the filter off at night when I sleep? I feel like it'll stress him out or make him not sleep? fish need sleep too right? I think betta fish sleep at the bottom of the tank . and the water moves around at the top. should I turn it off over night? while letting it run all day when I wake up?

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+Micaela Sundberg Test your water parameters... if your ammonia/nitrate/nitrite don't go down then its not keeping up. You can compensate with 40-50% water changes weekly or you can add a second filter such as a sponge filter to handle the bioload. In theory, for such a small tank it should be able to keep up.

Ana Puiu - 8 years ago

Wow! Amazing vids, very useful! I thought about getting a betta for my birthday next year. My kindergarten buddy's teacher has a betta and lets kids feed and halp care for it. I also heard they can survive for two weeks without food, though it isn't too healthy. Is this true, I'd really like to know coz I LOVE ANIMALS AND WANT ALL OF THEM IN THE WORLD, but my family does go on short week long vacations every year. Thanks, I love you and your videos, INSTANT SUBSCRIBE!!

Azriel Crame - 8 years ago

Can I use this for goldfish?

schopenhauer1962 - 8 years ago

+Azriel Crame Yes, but it depends on the size of your goldfish, mine are turned into monsters within a year. If they are large, like mine they start turning your filter upside down.
I watched my goldies on the IP-camera (so I can watch my tanks and cats when I am not home) ... they were re-decorating the tank, plants, ornaments, rocks, driftwood .... When I am home they start to behave like little toddlers.
That's why i like my bettas and tropical fish ...

White CD - 8 years ago

Would this work for axolotls? I know they need filtering but get stressed with moving water

KMc 11 - 8 years ago

Can you use this type of filter for normal fresh fish aquarium like gold fish ect... ?
Also does the water circulate efficenty?
Like does the water get drawn through the filter without have a whole under the filter?

KMc 11 - 8 years ago

Thanks for the reply..
what about a small 20 litre/ 5 gallon tank with 3/4 Guppies?

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+KMc 11 This would only work for one betta or two max. It snot strong or efficient enough to handle more waste ..especially for goldfish which are high waste producers.

Günter TV - 8 years ago

i am a hobby chemist and back in the day when i didn´t have a mask i just built a filter and connect it to my apparatus.
and it had the same princip as yours.

KMc 11 - 8 years ago

Great idea, gonna give this a try...

Anup Kuttuva - 8 years ago

Great video, I will try this.

AmyCummingsIrishDanceMom - 8 years ago

I'm totally making one. thanks

Betta Fish - 8 years ago

good idea

ClayArtGirl - 8 years ago

This is perfect for what I need thank you so much!!

Golden critter - 8 years ago

is the water suppose to be cloudy cause mines very cloudy when i did this

Golden critter - 8 years ago

well i only have one on a 3 gallon

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+sweet crista This will only handle about 2 bettas max. Its not strong enough for more fish, how many fish do you have? Btw, sorry for late response..I get about 200 new comments a day so its hard to keep track sometimes.

Golden critter - 8 years ago

+Creative Pet Keeping
please reply :) i need your help

Golden critter - 8 years ago

+Creative Pet Keeping i rinsed the sponge and not the gravel cause the gravel came from another running tank do i have to rinse it? and also my fish seem to not like it when i started the filter he started to be a little unactive and he always lay on the ground

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+sweet crista Did you rinse the gravel? Have you been doing water changes on the tank?

SevernRunAquatics - 8 years ago

This won't work. There needs to be holes on the bottom for water to be pulled through.

SevernRunAquatics - 8 years ago

+Creative Pet Keeping no worries I understand your train of thought :)

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+SevernRunAquatics I know, hence why I said I wish I could have drilled holes at the bottom. I'm not completely disagreeing. Although, when I tested the water my ammonia/nitrate is low.. so now Ima have to stretch out my water changes to see if its the water changes or the filter.

SevernRunAquatics - 8 years ago

+Creative Pet Keeping just because there's some waste in it doesn't mean it's effectively filtering the water. Not trying to argue just explaining what is.

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+SevernRunAquatics I've actually had waste collect in it and had to change the filter floss twice. For one ..two bettas max..you can get away with it but ant more fish and a mechanical filter would be best. I wish I could have drilled some holes in the bottom thought.

Jaynopho Games - 8 years ago

Does this actually work?? I really need a inexpensive filter

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+BettaFishLove Its possible to buy a cheaper small cartridge filter. I agree.

Hayley Maenle - 8 years ago

Yes it works, however this isn't a cheap method. Try looking at your Petstore for something cartridge based.

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+Jaynopho Games Yup, but only for a small tank and no more then 2 Bettas as its not very strong. I still do 20% weekly water changes and change the floss monthly as waste does get trapped in there.

Synfia ? - 8 years ago

this was really helpfull thanks!!!

Mackie Lenxton - 8 years ago

Would this work for a 10 gallon with a betta in it if i put one on each side? :)

Mackie Lenxton - 8 years ago

Awesome thanks~ ^_^

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+Mackie Lenxton Yup!

Sourlucas09 - 8 years ago

nice and creative video. To add to this, it would be good to also use lava rock for the bottom of the vase, then maybe fill the rest in with gravel, as lava rock is great for biological filtration. You can save even more money by buying 100% polyester filling at your local walmart rather than buying pet shop filter floss, as it is not harmful to the fish.

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+Sourlucas09 Very good ideas!!!

Purrfect Pusheen Cat - 8 years ago

Can I use aquarium sand instead of gravels ? because I dont have any aquarium gravel

Purrfect Pusheen Cat - 8 years ago

+Creative Pet Keeping Thank you very much

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+The Beautiful Unknown Betta fiSH There needs to be good water flow and some surface area for the bacteria to grow as well as oxygen to collect. So you need some sort of aquarium gravel, filter media, or as suggested earlier in a comment..a lava rock. Sand would not work.

BusyPetKeeping 101 - 8 years ago

nano fishkeeping - 8 years ago

The air stone does not make oxegen the surface agitation

Luna The Pomchi - 8 years ago

love this!!

Janice Pedraza - 8 years ago

Perfect... easy, and cheap. Love it!

Adhvika Arunkumar - 8 years ago

I have a 5 gallon bowl that won't fit this in, can I use a water bottle instead?

JacksonFowlerTV - 8 years ago

+Adhvika Arunkumar Common sense please.

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+Adhvika Arunkumar check the type of plastic used for the water bottle (to make sure its non toxic) and you can even poke some holes at the bottom (will make it work even better!)

Fancy Fancy Fish - 8 years ago

THANK YOU

jessica horner - 8 years ago

pillow stuffing is the exact same thing as filter fiber. but its cheaper and you get more of it. and you can get charcoal from the next camp fire you make.

Heather Andre - 6 years ago

I looked at dollar tree they don't carry that stuff

Kyle Allen - 6 years ago

I was wondering about cheap pillow stuffing. At dollar general the cheapest pillows were like two for two bucks

jessica horner - 7 years ago

+Tijana Tumbas activated carbon has WAAAYYYY more surface area due to it's pores. charcoal can do the same thing as far as ammonia removal, ect ... but it burns out faster being less porous. so it needs to be changed more often. but it's free so

Sunaokami - 7 years ago

+jessica horner charcoal and active carbon are not she same, or at least that is what I was told my my aquaculture professor. Apparently AC has to go through some other special thermal processes. I like the pillow stuffing idea thou! We used something similar in our huge drip filters, works nicely :D

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+jessica horner I never thought of that, very interesting!

Brilliant Bettas - 8 years ago

Great idea you an amazing betta keeper +Creative Pet Keeping

Heey J - 8 years ago

Hi, Thank you for great video. Is this work for 10 gallon fish tank?

Heey J - 8 years ago

+Creative Pet Keeping Thank you so much!

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+Heeyoung Jung Something like this http://amzn.to/1TLtFJN the suction is a bit stronger then my DIY filter so it can clean the tank better. Mine is not as strong so it works well for a 5gal tank or smaller. So I would recommend getting that..it works similarly as it uses an air pump as well. The other solution would be to make TWO DIY filters like in my video and put one in each side of the tank.

You can ask all the questions you want, I don't mine. I like to help :D

Heey J - 8 years ago

+Creative Pet Keeping Thank you but what do you mean by stronger sponge filter? Should I add more?
Or different product.? If there is can you tell me which one should I get? Sorry I am really new to fish area.
btw I have 2 betta fish with divider :)

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+Heeyoung Jung This is meant to work for a very small tank with a very small amount of fish. For a 10 gal you might need a sponge filter thats a bit stronger.

Olivia T - 8 years ago

Would this filter be enough to filter a 10 gallon with 5 female bettas and 6 neon tetras? Thanks!

camille elizabeth - 8 years ago

That's way too many fish in one tank

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+squishiebundle I might not handle that many fish. You might need to either do two or use an extra sponge filter. Its meant for a very small tank with one or two fish.

Blazing Bettas - 8 years ago

I'm going to try this!

Blazing Bettas - 8 years ago

+Creative Pet Keeping OK:-)

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+Blazing Bettas Let me know how it works for you :D

Melissa Curry - 8 years ago

Ok thanks

Melissa Curry - 8 years ago

and do they clean and take I have guppies and angelfish I love angelfish and a very big sucker fish I swear he's the size of my tank

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+Melissa Curry For that many fish I would use a stronger external filter. The one I made is not effective for large amounts of fish.

Sleepy Bevan - 8 years ago

Hey, so i saw in the vid that you need to replace the carbon monthly, but what about the floss. im very very new to all this but i am obsessed with your diy vids

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+schopenhauer1962 Thanks for the info, thats actually a very important thing to check for.

schopenhauer1962 - 8 years ago

+Creative Pet Keeping Take care about the poly fiber, some are chemically treated (against mold). Read carefully the package before buying and using !!

Sleepy Bevan - 8 years ago

+Creative Pet Keeping oh thank :) i really appreciate your help, have a nice day :P

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+Bevan Fancy Like Judi said, You can replace the filter flos monthly or clean it. I would just replace it. With the rocks you can gently rinse every few months but font wash them. You want to keep the bacteria that grows on them. The poly fiber is a pretty good idea.

Judi Butz - 8 years ago

+Bevan Fancy I don't have this same filter, but I do use filter floss (actually go to the craft store and buy a bag of poly fiber fill for toys, quilts, etc, much cheaper) I change my floss when it gets dirty, but have heard many people just rinse it out and use again. Your choice.

DWSDARIUS FISH TANKS - 8 years ago

Wow, nice to see an aquarium diy that looks presentable, great video!

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+dwsdarius Thank you! :D

Maggie Christina - 8 years ago

This looks really nice!

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

If you liked this video be sure to give em a thumbs up, comment, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE! :D
The materials you need are:
The glass vase I got at Michaels Craft Store
Air Pump: http://amzn.to/1KIcykR
Filter Fiber: http://amzn.to/1PDule8
Carbon: http://amzn.to/1QHNRLA
Aquarium Gravel: http://amzn.to/1JJebUi
or
Biomax Media: http://amzn.to/1PDuz4X
Optional: Amber Glass Gems: http://amzn.to/1QHM3Cw

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+Brilliant Bettas I never realized that haha :D

Brilliant Bettas - 8 years ago

People keep betas in a vase as a tank and I think you are a amazing betta keeper for using a vase as a filter not a tank

Brilliant Bettas - 8 years ago

People keep betas in a vase as a tank and I think you are a amazing betta keeper for using a vase as a filter not a tank

Brilliant Bettas - 8 years ago

People keep betas in a vase as a tank and I think you are a amazing betta keeper for using a vase as a filter not a tank

Melissa Curry - 8 years ago

can you make one for a 35 gallon

Fancy Fancy Fish - 8 years ago

It would have to be very large

Creative Pet Keeping - 8 years ago

+Melissa Curry It would be the same with more carbon and possibly a stronger air pump. You can also make two and put them on opposite sides of the tank.

About How to make a easy DIY Aquarium Filter for BETTA FISH | Sponge Air Pump Filter

The "How to make a easy DIY Aquarium Filter for BETTA FISH | Sponge Air Pump Filter" video is part of the Betta aquarium category, which contains similar videos like this one.