How could 3D printing take reefing to the next level (or into an untapped space)?

[mandyvan]

3D printers are the closest thing we have to Star Trek Replicators. Now, they are 3D printing organs and prosthetics. Can you imagine 3D printing a new spine and swim bladder for that wrasse that wrassed his wrass off jumping around and the 3D printed DaVinci surgery robot machine performs the enhancements. Instant fin damage fix.
Can’t get that favorite expensive fish? 3D print a self articulating anatomically correct one. Better yet, a creature of your own design with programmed characteristics. No need to feed the Robot Reef, water parameters? What water?
Not even the deepest ocean is the limit.

 

[Sleeping Giant]

Printed aquarium???

 

[Double monti 61]

Just wondering I saw some type of hairs around the orange part of the photo is that a byproduct of 3D printing or just cat hair?

 

[TheHarold]

Just wondering I saw some type of hairs around the orange part of the photo is that a byproduct of 3D printing or just cat hair?

Stringing is a byproduct of printing with a not-optimized printer. You can get rid of it by passing a lighter or heat gun quickly over that section, or prevent it by adjusting your printer settings and drying the plastic filament.

 

[Tavero]

I think the sky is the limit when it comes to designing and 3d printing stuff for the hobby... look at this and tell me that there's not more to 3d printing that hasn't been realized yet.

Completely 3d printed wetsaw designed specifically for our hobby.

Is this design available for print somewhere?

When it comes to 3d printing, the only thing that is holding it back is its complexity. 3D printers aren't something that can be just picked up and used by everyone like a document printer. There is a learning gradient, so i don't think this technology will ever be common place.

 

[Spicy Reef]

I'm always printing something, here's the latest. Most stuff I find on thingiverse I can modify to fit my needs... even when it has NOTHING to do with what I'm trying to make. RE-purpose I need to upgrade my printer too

 

[AKG]

I'll say that in my opinion while there are certainly use cases for 3d printing, I just couldn't find a home for it in the apartment after reef tanks took over.

That said though, will the average reefer find $600+ ROI on a printer? Lol, no.

It does come in handy, but it's a time investment to learn design and not go bald over the frustrations and tribulations that can happen if you begin dabbling in 3d printing. Much like reefing, changing multiple things at once can be quite mercurial even if you know what should happen based on your changes, and often it can take hours for those problems to reveal themselves.


It's a great hobby, but you can truly rip your hair out in frustration over them.

 

[Battlecorals]

The thing I really like about 3d printing is that it seems like it's almost as vast as "if you can think it, it can be created."

In my own case I've got a pretty good example after working with another forum member here. He helped me literally create a super specific and exactly quirky part for my skimmer that wouldn't really be accessible or available any other way. We were able to retrofit a smaller collection cup onto one off my larger skimmers using the bayonet fittings with the "adaptor" he made

Below is a thread with some details on it. But after I experienced this with @Projects with Sam. my whole notion on this stuff and what the possibilities are expanded 10 fold.

Epic Deltec Mod Thanks to the 3d Printing Wizardry of @projects with sam

I really do love my big monster Deltec TC4580 skimmer. I mean its the backbone of my main system and has been an amazing asset in my efforts to keep sps alive and growing over the years. But, and I mean this as politely as I can, the cup is ridiculously big! I mean too big to deal with, and...

www.reef2reef.com

And more recently, I had another guy send me some samples of some frag protectors for shipping that were 3d printed. in response to another thread I had about not wanting to use the little plastic cups anymore. lol they seem like a great solution to keeping frags secure while in transit and I am very seriously considering using them myself.

id definitely say there are plenty more cool things to come for the hobby from this tech. As long as people need "stuff" that may be on the quirky side or super specific. maybe too specific for the masses. 3d printers' will thrive I am certain

 

[Peace River]

The thing I really like about 3d printing is that it seems like it's almost as vast as "if you can think it, it can be created."

In my own case I've got a pretty good example after working with another forum member here. He helped me literally create a super specific and exactly quirky part for my skimmer that wouldn't really be accessible or available any other way. We were able to retrofit a smaller collection cup onto one off my larger skimmers using the bayonet fittings with the "adaptor" he made

Below is a thread with some details on it. But after I experienced this with @Projects with Sam. my whole notion on this stuff and what the possibilities are expanded 10 fold.

Epic Deltec Mod Thanks to the 3d Printing Wizardry of @projects with sam

I really do love my big monster Deltec TC4580 skimmer. I mean its the backbone of my main system and has been an amazing asset in my efforts to keep sps alive and growing over the years. But, and I mean this as politely as I can, the cup is ridiculously big! I mean too big to deal with, and...

www.reef2reef.com

And more recently, I had another guy send me some samples of some frag protectors for shipping that were 3d printed. in response to another thread I had about not wanting to use the little plastic cups anymore. lol they seem like a great solution to keeping frags secure while in transit and I am very seriously considering using them myself.

id definitely say there are plenty more cool things to come for the hobby from this tech. As long as people need "stuff" that may be on the quirky side or super specific. maybe too specific for the masses. 3d printers' will thrive I am certain

Thanks for sharing! Based on your comments as well as my only reflections, it appears that we need to get better at imagining as well as continue to improve our skills using 3-D printers and the related software while the technology (including materials) continues to develop.

 

[Smoke-Town]

Honestly... I feel when it comes down to 3D printing, it's not always going to be "Cheaper" to print...but it is the joy of knowing that you were able to make something and have an actual use for it.

Hey do you have a link to this band saw? I couldn't find it on thingiverse.

Also regarding that comment, is this very expensive to print or something? Does it take a couple full spools or something? Does the stl file have links to source the motor and electrical diagram?

 

[CWalters]

Hey do you have a link to this band saw? I couldn't find it on thingiverse.

Also regarding that comment, is this very expensive to print or something? Does it take a couple full spools or something? Does the stl file have links to source the motor and electrical diagram?

I don't think there is an STL for it anywhere. Here is his write-up on it though https://humble.fish/community/index.php?threads/the-start-of-something-good-3d-design.9701/

 

[Smoke-Town]

I don't think there is an STL for it anywhere. Here is his write-up on it though https://humble.fish/community/index.php?threads/the-start-of-something-good-3d-design.9701/

Wow that build is impressive... too impressive... I think I'll just have to buy a normal one.

 

[Wasabiroot]

I'll have to find that cage for the Tunze ato. That's my one gripe with the pump, haha.

3d printing is definitely a good way for the hobbyist to make an impact on others on a scale larger than local. If you're able to identify a niche or design that greatly complements an existing piece of hardware, that's an amazing way to impact a ton of hobbyists.

 

[CWalters]

I'll have to find that cage for the Tunze ato. That's my one gripe with the pump, haha.

3d printing is definitely a good way for the hobbyist to make an impact on others on a scale larger than local. If you're able to identify a niche or design that greatly complements an existing piece of hardware, that's an amazing way to impact a ton of hobbyists.

If this is what you are referring to. Here ya go.

Tunze Osmolator Suction-cup Stand by HarryPotterPrinter

Simple suction-cup stand for Tunze Osmolator Pump that prevents it from lifting up due to the stiff power cable. Suction cups slide tightly into the slots and won't fall out. Printed in PETG, item also available on HarrysAquatics website.

www.thingiverse.com

 

[reefbeard]

Yes, much more! Currently using this 3D printed feeding station for my automatic feeder.

 

[6lilfish]

That’s actually my design! I’ve been using it for 3+ years and get notified when my reservoir is low.

There is definitely more room for 3D printing in the hobby.

Do you have a page to sell them

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

There are some awesome out of the box designs and prints that I see being posted.

 

[tbrown]

I don't have a3D printer (yet) but I just sent a design over to my local library to print for me. I have an internal refugium and the suction cups keep failing so I took a bunch of measurements and used TinkerCAD to design a set of brackets to make it a hang-inside refugium instead.

Available on Thingverse as a single or double!

 

[jtone_philthy_aquatics]

I think the sky is the limit when it comes to designing and 3d printing stuff for the hobby... look at this and tell me that there's not more to 3d printing that hasn't been realized yet.

Completely 3d printed wetsaw designed specifically for our hobby.

………uhhhhhhm yea…. This just blew my fricken mind !!! Very clean Honestly I’m very impressed and yes you are 100% right I think as time goes on we will begin to see a lot of prints way outside of the box just like this one here! Thank you for sharing I’m going to have to give this a shot myself I think! This was very inspiring for me! My brain is running like no body’s business right now trying to plan out a way to recreate what you have done! If I complete the task I will be sure to let everyone know who I got the idea from! Credit is definitely going to be given to you my friend! Thanks for the inspiration

 

[Kfactor]

i have a 3d printer and like making stuff for my tank but i hate the look of it . i will not buy anything 3d printed