Aquarium Filter / Media Reactor v2

cults3d

DIY aquarium filter / media reactor / bioreactor 3D-printable no supports watertight without caulking minimal assembly disassembles for cleaning PARTS 6 - ABS (or PLA) 3D-printed pieces 1 - 3" clear polycarbonate tube 4 - M3 x 20mm socket-head screws 4 - M3 nuts 1 - 3" soft rubber o-ring 6-12" of 0.5" ABS tube 0.5" soft silicone tubingsnap-grip nylon hose clamps SUPPLIES acrylic cement to bond ABS and polycarbonate parts clear epoxy to bond PLA and polycarbonate parts applicator syringe ASSEMBLY SUGGESTIONS ABS pipe: - cut the top of pipe so that 1cm extends past the top of the upper flange - cut the bottom of the pipe so there's about a 5mm gap between the pipe and lower flange - bevel the cut pipe ends if flared - use acrylic cement to bond the bottom screen to the ABS drop tube at the desired height cleanup: - where the ABS drop pipe enters the hose barb -- de-bur the inner hole and remove stray filaments from the overhang - de-bur and lightly sand the top bevel inside the upper flange tube-body assembly: - fill a syringe with acrylic cement - apply a small amount of acrylic cement in the base and upper flange channels - twist the flanges onto the polycarbonate tube for an even coat of cement - align the upper and lower flanges hardware: - press in magnets with a drop of CA glue - press in M3 nuts pre- and post-reactor mechanical filters: - cut 20mm thick by 3-inch wide discs of filter material to fill the upper and lower filter baskets - cut an x-shaped hole in the middle of each filter to pass the 0.5" inch drop tube - push the lower filter into place with a rod sealing: - stretch the o-ring onto the convex cirfumference of the o-ring centralizer screen - use a couple drops of CA glue between the o-ring and centralizer - insert and tighten the M2 screws until just snug, or until the upper flange begins to bend at the corners. This will compress the o-ring between the two plates. troubleshooting: - if you have leaks where the polycarbonate tube meets a flange, apply a small bead of cement at the seam with a syringe - if you have leaks at the top seal -- check that the seal is clean and that the drop tube isn't too long to allow the seal to compress