Returning with 65g build

[drewcrew22]

So I’m going with just a basic waterfall style. I have a small pump that’s just sitting around that. I’m just going to place in the sump and use half inch PVC have the pump run water up and over and down. The netting and see how well that works. I think I might look for a sealed black box or something like that just to help with some of the light spread and sort of center it but we shall see. I’m excited to see how it comes out.

Got a 3D printer?

Sadly I don’t. Been debating on buying one but I haven’t the slightest idea how to work one and they seem to be very confusing to me lol

Beth debating on just getting a second hand one off facebook marketplace just to learn how to work one etc then buy a real good one later down the line

 

[tbrown]

Here's the one I'm running currently. Very low tech, very efficient.

 

[tbrown]

Beth debating on just getting a second hand one off facebook marketplace just to learn how to work one etc then buy a real good one later down the line

Be careful with that. Lower end printers take a lot of "dialing in" which can be super frustrating.

Bambulabs, Snapmaker, and some of the better Creality ones are more or less plug and play.

 

[drewcrew22]

Beth debating on just getting a second hand one off facebook marketplace just to learn how to work one etc then buy a real good one later down the line

Be careful with that. Lower end printers take a lot of "dialing in" which can be super frustrating.

Bambulabs, Snapmaker, and some of the better Creality ones are more or less plug and play.

What material is used to print with that’s reef safe though

 

[tbrown]

What material is used to print with that’s reef safe though

PETG or ABS usually. PLA is reef safe technically but it breaks down in UV so it can lose strength over time.

 

[tbrown]

I use PETG for most but for decoration stuff, PLA works fine.

 

[Fish Fan]

@tbrown awesome info, thanks for joining here!

But bubble algae? Do you feel it's more effective than other algae at nutrient reduction?

 

[Imrahilwjz]

@Imrahilwjz built one from a PVC pipe and some of the plastic mesh if I recall correctly.

I've printed 3 or 4 different models I designed - the best was a "stair-step" one that worked as a drop-in replacement for a filter sock in my sump. Currently I'm running a hang-on chamber for bubble algae (I'm a pioneer in the field!) with a stair step coming off the weirs that grows GHA. It's a little too good as I have to clean the weirs and the stairs every 2-3 days and I've removed several large clumps of bubble algae.

This my latest ATS. I place burlap scraps in the tub and there is a grow light above it that turns on at night. Effectiveness is something I'm unsure of...