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airlift filter

A simple water filter for your aquarium
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updated December 8, 2025

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So I got this small aquarium for free and being a lazy guy I decided I'm trying it in walstad method which would allow me to run it with almost no equipment and low maintenance. Initially I even wanted to do it completely filterless; also because I hate pump noise.

Now it's just day 4 of my aquarium build and I'm already getting worried about the self-cleaning properties of my tank, in particular due to a thick brown mist building up on the ground. So I acquired one of these almost noiseless but super weak piezo air pumps (https://www.novaeuro.com/?a=produkty&opcja=show&idprod=1934&idkat=3) and a simple air lifter (https://www.novaeuro.com/?a=produkty&opcja=show&idprod=795&idkat=4&idpodkat=48). Unfortunately the pipe is too thick for anything but a surprisingly loud gargle, so I needed to print a better alternative.

I made the pipe of a smaller diameter and gave it some more space for adding the bubble stone. Smaller bubbles, less noise - and maybe even a better lifting effect. As always with my designs, I have almost no clue what I'm doing here. Don't know anything about water filtration or how other people are designing their DIY filters... and I swear, I wasn't trying to make a bong here! So if there's anything obviously wrong with it, I'd be happy if some expert could point out it's flaws. So far it seems to do... something... maybe I'll try the stronger version of the pump when it turns out it's not enough.

The whole thing consists of a bottom part, an upper part and a clamp to allow rotation of the assembly + attaching it with a suction cup (this one was included in above mentioned aqua nova air filter) to the glass. For assembly and support suggestions, just have a look at the pictures I made.

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