Aquarium Canopy Backstrip / Splash Guard - Print to Size, Vase-Mode!

prusaprinters

This is an easy vase-mode printable replacement for the plastic backstrips that typically come with glass aquarium lids. Compatible with Aqueon Versa Top hinged glass lids and other standard glass lids 3/18" thick.  A wonderful advantage to printing this is you can print exactly the amount of backstrip you need for your aquarium instead of buying large pieces of cut-to-size backstripping. You can also super easily adjust the width or add custom holes for your aquarium's fittings and appliances to achieve a perfect fit that looks very tidy compared to regular backstrips.  Because backstrips are usually extruded vinyl they flex quite a bit thus allowing them to fit the glass edges snugly. This design should slid on for a snug friction fit as well but consider doing a test print of a small piece first to check. If it is too tight, you can then opt to either adjust your print, or use heat (such as warm water, or a blow dryer) to soften the tabs just slightly so they can flex. This will also ensure they stay on tightly. If your test print is too loose, you can adjust the width slightly or you can run a line of aquarium-safe silicone along the inside groove and press into place on the glass. Once the silicone cures it will be nicely glued in place. You can print in clear filament like I did to mimic original backstripping, or black filament to hide stains. Sky's the limit though, so print in whatever color you'd like. I used PLA and it worked fine, but I imagine PETG would be even better. An example I've shown here is a piece I printed with a hole in it to mount my induction chiller for my axolotl's tank. I didn't have the option of drilling a hole into the glass, this was a great alternative because the PLA is much stiffer than the original backstripping, so it supports the chiller extremely well. I've had this in place for over a year now and I inspect it regularly and have had zero issues with it.  Printing Instructions:Stl should load on the print bed in the proper orientation.  Change just the z scale to the measure you need and print in vase mode. For best results/extra strength, increase the line width. In most slicers you can actually increase line width up to twice whatever your nozzle size is and get a thicker line without having to swap out your nozzle. That means on a 0.4mm nozzle you can print a 0.8mm line width and get a nice strong vase mode print.