- 1). Measure the available space in your aquarium filter to determine how much room you will have for your filter media. If you have store-bought filter media that fits, this can be used as a reference.
- 2). Cut a piece of 1/2-inch aquarium sponge or low-density packing foam to fit within the filter box. The foam should fit snugly to force as much water through it---rather than around---as possible. The foam will act as your mechanical filtration, replacing the need for store-bought filter fiber.
- 3). Determine the type of material you would like to use for your biological filter media; biological filter media will provide a "home" for beneficial bacteria, which help to break down ammonia and other toxins in the tank water. Porous, non-degradable materials make the best choices for biological filtration, and include unglazed ceramic, terracotta or more aquarium sponges.
- 4). Cut or break the chosen filter media into small 1- to 2-inch pieces, and place in the filter compartment in front of the mechanical filter media.
- 5). Rinse the mechanical filter in hot running water periodically to remove debris.
- 6). Rinse the biological filtration components every few months in a bucket of used aquarium water---do not use tap water, as this will kill off your colony of beneficial bacteria.
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