Adding a filter to a water pump

[flybyferns]

Hi guys and gals

I am working on my new set-up for the Fire Bellied Toads, the set-up will have a water feature which will cascade down some slate stones. My question is how can I filter the water, because the filters that I have found can't be used as water pumps for features, because they don't have enough power to pump water, and they need to be in water that is too deep (keeping in mind that I will have water for the Fire Bellied Toads at between 2 - 3 inches deep only. If I connect a foam filter sponge just at the end of the water pump is this enough, or is there some other trick that you guys have been using to filter the water.

I will be adding either a fresh water snail or 2 small tetras to help clean up excess waste - which I've used in the past with some great success but I am looking for some alternative options that could work nicely for this sort of setup.

Thank you in advance.

Idea for pumping water and filtering simultaneously : Purchase a little be bigger capacity (able to filter more water ) than you need. Rig tubing ( clear plastic- home depot ) on the output valve, of which will push the water. It will not be really strong but it works. You could also turn the filter on its side if it's too tall it its upright position.

[RabidWombat]

I used a fluval external canister filter on turtle tank. The canister did a great job cleaning the water (this large red-ear slider produced a lot of ****!!) and has a lot of pressure on the output.

These are meant to be under the tank and they have plenty of pressure to supply a water feature. You just run hosing for both your intake and output, with the output dumping the water at the top. The amount of pressure may actually be too much to dump all of it on the water feature. You can easily remedy that with a T value. One output goes to your water feature and one to main pool. Also, partially close off the line going to your water feature until you have the desired pressure. They're a bit pricey, but something similar should do the trick.

If the parts list comes out cheaper I'll probably make one when I'm ready. If that interests you at all here's a link: HOW TO: DIY Canister Filter - YouTube

RW

[Buck Rogers]

Now these are the great ideas I have been looking for! Thank you so much everyone.

One question; will the filter work on its side?

[deranged chipmunk]

Most likely, depends on the pump

[RabidWombat]

I haven't made the DIY one yet. It's on the to-do list of the next two months. I think most of the time these are standing. You get some help with gravity/suction on the intake. I'd think you could lay it on its side, but you may just need a slightly stronger pump.

[deranged chipmunk]

oh ****, my apologies, i missed the post previous to mine. not that canister filters won't work on their side, it is not wise to lay them down. unless you LIKE draining your tank.