Anyone have experience 3-D Printing a reactor?

[George Villasenor]

I'm looking 3-D print a reactor to make a Chaeto Reactor for my tank, since I already dumped a lot of money into the tank and I'm looking to save up. I'm running an IM 20 Gallon. The Uni I'm attending has a 3-D printer and I'm looking to make use of it :(

 

[Engloid]

3d printers sometimes have problems making things that don't leak.

 

[George Villasenor]

3d printers sometimes have problems making things that don't leak.

Can't silicone fix that problem up?

 

[Engloid]

Probably could, but that might be a bit messy. You can increase the thickness of the outer shell, or do a solid fill to help stop things from leaking, but in general....you'll have a lot of time in designing and printing it to get it right. I don't think they make a transparent filament either. I'm not saying it's a horrible idea, but if you don't have experience doing it, you'll have to learn a lot about 3d printing and have a lot of time in it before making something you can use. Not sure how much time and effort you want in it.

 

[slayertx]

I have a 3d printer and have held off making things for my tank because of fear of toxins leaching into the water. Not sure what all side effects can come from that or not.

 

[Engloid]

People have said PLA filament breaks down in saltwater. I made a frag rack and it's been in my tank for about 6 months...no problems yet.

 

[slayertx]

I love when people say "yet". brings out the gambler in me.

 

[erk]

A method I used to employ to make printed parts more durable and solid was to fill the voids in the printed part with a thin epoxy via vacuum bagging. The epoxy just needs to be something that is very thin, like water.