3D printed hang on filter?

[Privateye]

Hi guys,

I'm not a 3D printer guy yet. Not even a novice. I'm 3D-curious. If I wanted to print a hang on filter, with the box, intake, etc...What 3D printer would you recommend that could accommodate that complexity? Time isn't really an object but I'd like to know the expected time for any suggestions over an hour or two. I'm trying to figure out if it's economical for an aquarist like me with many aquariums to invest in that. Again, I'm less than a novice so I apologize if this is a stupid question. Don't worry about an impeller seat and stuff - I won't use one. Just a box with an overflow and an intake tube.

Thanks!

 

[coralfishreef]

You could try something like an inside the tank filter. Water flows in from the top past filter media and then gets pushed back out via a powerhead.

There may be a file in thingiverse that you could use as an example such as this.

Internal Aquarium Filter by Zackary1201

I wanted a fluval spec aquarium but I didn't want to pay for it and I was bored so I designed these walls to do the same thing. Just use silicon to seal all the edges, the middle, and between each wall. For the "pump slide/knob" I used this for a Vivosun 120gph pump. Those pieces just slide...

www.thingiverse.com

As far as 3D printing goes. I’ve printed out some basic prints such as media chamber inserts, filter floss cups, brine shrimp hatcheries, LED light shades, and tube holders. They all take a long time. Small prints take hours. Large prints can take days. I have an Ender 3 v2. In hindsight I should’ve went with the v1 because of there being more guides and support for the v1.

PLA prints are fairly easy, but not recommended for in tank use. PETG prints have been very problematic for me. I haven’t tried a PETG print in a while, because of the high amount of frustration.

It’ll be much easier for you if you have someone nearby that you could get assistance with setting up and calibrating the printer, understanding file settings, and troubleshooting problems.

 

[Privateye]

As a guy with no resources other than the internet (Youtube taught me to drive stick-shift 6 years ago and I've driven nothing else since) am I under-equipped? I need no inserts at all. Just the filter box in an appropriate plastic would be great.

 

[Ls7corvete]

Basically any printer that fits the box on the build plate. Though to be honest aquaclear and Walmart hang on filters are pretty cheap. Any larger and acrylic is recommended.

 

[mdb_talon]

As a guy with no resources other than the internet (Youtube taught me to drive stick-shift 6 years ago and I've driven nothing else since) am I under-equipped? I need no inserts at all. Just the filter box in an appropriate plastic would be great.

You could certainly do it and figure it out without a doubt, but there is a learning curve for sure. Will share my limited experience as an example.

I am a novice 3d-printer. Like to consider myself reasonably intelligent. About 2 days into my 3d-printing experience though i was close to getting out a sledgehammer. First few hours i could print nothing. Finally got the hang of that and started using ABS rather than PLA and that is where my frustration really started.

So many tries of printing without being able to get good bed adhesion when using abs. Lots of warping issues, etc. After a lot of cussing and a bit of learning i can now print small items with ABS just fine. However i would struggle a lot with trying to do something like a filter box. When printing larger items i still have a lot of issues with warping(and related cracking/seperation) as the ABS cools at different rates(going to eventually build a box to enclose the printer to hopefully help with that).

As for how long it takes you should plan on many hours of printing for something that size. Ideally you can make it as modular as possible so its not all a single print. Otherwise when something goes wrong 18 hours in it is very frustrating.

 

[coralfishreef]

If you’re just looking for a hang-on filter I’d recommend getting an Aquaclear or similar and being done with it. 3D printing is time consuming, can be noisy, and sometimes gives me headaches from the melting plastic. There is also having to make sure the bed is always level and clean, nozzle is clear and clean, keeping the room temperature stable, along with many other minor annoyances. I wouldn’t recommend buying a 3D printer to save money.

But, if you like creating things and can get past the “sledgehammer” amount of frustration when learning, it can be very satisfying finally getting that print to print like you wanted.

Like to consider myself reasonably intelligent. About 2 days into my 3d-printing experience though i was close to getting out a sledgehammer.

;Joyful

 

[Privateye]

Great info guys, thanks! I didn't realize it would take that long, and it's good to know about the warping risks in advance. The modular idea is a good one. I have a few Aquaclears. They are great filters. I'm guessing those are injection-molded. Probably a better option if you're making a ton of them!

 

[BurtG]

I'd be hesitant to use a 3dp as a hangon filter just because they naturally can be a porous... id be afraid it would start dripping and leaking over time.