Aquarium Matten Filter

thingiverse

This is a Matten Filter. This was initially designed for PetCo 5.5 gallon Aqueon Rimless tanks. However, this will fit, and can be easily modified, for use in any tank up to about 20 gallons or so. The stl file marked "Side" can be scaled to any length necessary to fit your tank. For larger tanks, one in each corner will provide WAY more filtration than necessary, but my motto is "Never just do, when you can overdo". The stl file marked "No Top Bar Version" is just that. It holds the foam fine in all my tests so if you don't want to mess about with the top bar, just print that version. Make sure your bed adhesion is good because the print with those tall side flanges can be knocked over as they go up a long way. Ask me how I know that. The little "L" shaped keys might need a brim when printed unless your printer is really dialed in. Trim off any elephant's foot or the keys won't fit in the sockets. I glued everything together with epoxy as superglue doesn't like PETG very much. Use PETG as it is aquarium safe and will not dissolve in water like PLA eventually will. Both versions have a 25mm (about an inch) rim at the bottom so you can use these filters in tanks that have bottom substrate like sand added. Most Matten Filters are foam top to bottom which makes removing the foam for cleaning a PITA if you have substrate in your tanks. This version uses 1" (25mm) foam I bought at a craft store. Cut the foam 180mm wide by however tall your tan is. There is plenty of room behind the filter to install heaters and airlift tubes. Use aquarium silicon to stick the filter in the tank. You only need to seal the outer perimeter to hold it in the tank. More silicone is just not necessary. There are tons of YouTube videos showing how to install Matten Filters although most a simply sticking a flange on the tank side and bending in the filter foam. I wanted a bit more refined solution. If you make this, please post photos and post a comment if you need any questions answered.