Recomended safe techniques for making 3d printed object reef safe and look real

[H4Stewart]

I thinking about creating some cool 3d objects for reef tank but I desired it to be both safe for fish and llook realistic.

Here is what I been thinking about

1. It appears PETG apears to be best choice because PLA breaks down but I am curious if colors effect safeness and which brands

2. The plan is two use a separate tank load with Corolline alge and possible other and let work on the materials

3. Idealy I would like to use Live rock as material but I think that is impossible but maybe able to create parts of the object.

4. I do have personal non professional experience with 3D applications like Lightwave 3d and Blender for example.

I just wondering how feasiable this idea before I invest money and time into it.

Stewart

 

[ReefingCera]

Nice.

I thinking about creating some cool 3d objects for reef tank but I desired it to be both safe for fish and llook realistic.

Here is what I been thinking about

1. It appears PETG apears to be best choice because PLA breaks down but I am curious if colors effect safeness and which brands

2. The plan is two use a separate tank load with Corolline alge and possible other and let work on the materials

3. Idealy I would like to use Live rock as material but I think that is impossible but maybe able to create parts of the object.

4. I do have personal non professional experience with 3D applications like Lightwave 3d and Blender for example.

I just wondering how feasiable this idea before I invest money and time into it.

Stewart

 

[Techie_]

I wouldn't plan on making money on it, I just do it to give back to the community as I need parts. There are several folks who do try and make some money off of it, but I feel like it goes against the spirit of the maker community.

PETG is what I do with all my prints. I would only stick with PETG with no additives unlike PETG-CF or Glitter PETG. I've printed with Inland (eSun) PETG+ and had no issues with several colors.

If you're just getting into it, I'd recommend the BambuLab A1 Mini for a real hassle free experience and low cost of entry.

 

[UncommonSense]

I’ve got a few plumbing parts SLA printed in bio-compatible resin… the primary issue is still the UV exposure; a protective coating is required!

 

[BeanAnimal]

I print functional parts for the tank with polymaker ASA. Overflow guards, part lids, probe holders, pump guards, etc.

 

[fushi]

I have used both PETG for intank and ABS for in sump, both work great.

For PETG Most important thing is a filament dryer

Overture or polymaker from amazon work fine

I also like KVP but you gotta order in bulk

 

[BeanAnimal]

I have used both PETG for intank and ABS for in sump, both work great.

For PETG Most important thing is a filament dryer

Overture or polymaker from amazon work fine

I also like KVP but you gotta order in bulk

I would encourage you to give ASA a try if you haven’t already, it is the better ABS in many aspects.

 

[fushi]

I would encourage you to give ASA a try if you haven’t already, it is the better ABS in many aspects.

Agreed , but I have a ton of ABS and its easy for me to print fast so for areas without light I use it.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

I’ll be captain obvious here and add that one needs to look into proper ventilation and all before printing in some materials like abs and asa.

 

[BeanAnimal]

ASA is much better than ABS — part of the reason that I avoid ABS (other than material properties) is the odor and carcinogenic fumes.

 

[fushi]

I should have added to my post that I do run a carbon filter system in my enclosed chamber

 

[H4Stewart]

I purchased a Creality K2 Plus Combo and done some test prints for the objects I been thinking of doing. I was originally looking for wood looking but now I am thinking of stone like. I also desire some transparent material. I desiring this for inside the tank as objects and plan on purchasing another 75 Gallen tank with small reef and cheaper fish to used for testing once the tank matures.

I desire these object to have Correline Algae on them and curious how possible this will be

I made a test and include a picture of two of the objects. I do have 2.5 gallen tank that I used for testing but no corrilne yet and I have include algae and nutritrants in the tank

I am hoping for a more transparent glass like object

 

[BeanAnimal]

My overflow guards are printed in black ASA and are almost full covered.

 

[fushi]

I purchased a Creality K2 Plus Combo and done some test prints for the objects I been thinking of doing. I was originally looking for wood looking but now I am thinking of stone like. I also desire some transparent material. I desiring this for inside the tank as objects and plan on purchasing another 75 Gallen tank with small reef and cheaper fish to used for testing once the tank matures.

I desire these object to have Correline Algae on them and curious how possible this will be

I made a test and include a picture of two of the objects. I do have 2.5 gallen tank that I used for testing but no corrilne yet and I have include algae and nutritrants in the tank

I am hoping for a more transparent glass like object

Only thing that will be transparent "glass like"will be acrylic, maybe SLS printing; however like everything else in your tank will get dirty fast and not be clear.

This is about as clear as you can get with FDM 3d printing, it is clear petg.

Clear petg cube https://youtube.com/shorts/LS1La519p48?feature=share