3D printed Bio balls

[Stonker]

hi, I was thinking of printing some Bio balls for my new tank. Are there any reasons not to do this? I'm assuming that due to the layer lines there could be more surface area?
Thanks

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

I cant think of any reason not to do this, other than time and cost. Bioballs are pretty inexpensive, at least when buying in bulk and 3D printing them could take mor time that it may be worth

With tat said, you would be abel to experiment with lots of different shapes and designs

if it where me, i think I would do it as some sort of hexagonal bifrustum shape, and slice it 0 perimeters and no top and bottom layers with gyroid infill at say, 30% to 40%.

That make a very porous with lots of surface area , semi round shape that would be easy and relatively fast to print

 

[eb2292]

Yeah other than what Vivid Creative Aquatics said above about time and cost... I would stay away from PLA or other biodegradable materials. Use something like PETG or ASA and make sure you give it a good degreasing (vinegar/alcohol) bath before you put it into the tank as the plastics are oily.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Maybe print some buggy whips and stone tipped spears too. lol

On a more serious note, why would anyone want bioballs? Fish only? Maybe. Reef? Fowlr? I can’t see any use.

 

[Malcontent]

Whatever you do, don't print them out of lightweight PLA...