DIY External Filter

damian01211

Hi guys,

So I've been owning a Fluval U2 for almost a year and a half. Quiet good but its a nightmare to clean...

I was thinking of building myself an external hang on filter. Not sure if its gonna be a trickle system or more towards the sump version.

I couldn't find an acrylic sheet in my town. I went to my local co-op and I got offered a plastic sheet with dimensions of 3 x 4 foot by 4mm thickness. Its an clear plastic.

So here's my question, can I use this plastic sheet or should I order the acrylic one of the internet ? What else do I need ?
I do have ceramic media for bio filtration, I have Fluval Bio max too, Sponges too. I guess I'd have to use a aquarium safe silicon for this, should I get carbon for this ?

What pump would be the best for this, I have 80L tank. If U2 is able to filter my tank 5 times per hour I've presume something with output of 400L per H would be suitable for this type of application.