Cheap Filter Cartridges.

I bought a Penguin Bio-Wheel 330 because I really liked the large filter baskets and the bio wheels. I went to the lfs today to pick up some cartridges for it; $9 for a three pack!

So I decided to make my own.
You need a used cartridge (yuck), some aqaurium silicone, filter pad material, and some media (optional).

The first step is to cut the old filter pad material from the plastic frame. A utility knife makes short work of it.

Now cut a section of the filter pad slightly larger than the frame. I used a filter pad that had carbon in it, but regular filter pad material is perfectly fine (and it'll be cheaper). If you want, you can fill the frame with media of your choice.

Now apply a few drops of silicone around the frame. Unless you are filling the frame with media, don't apply it all the way around because it'll be easier to remove later. Place the frame silicone-side down on the filter material and put something heavy on it. Let it dry for at least 12 hours, more if you used a lot of silicone.

This cartridge cost me about $1.50 to make, but if you buy your materials in bulk, you can make them for a lot cheaper!

~albert17~