Bubble Hut

myminifactory

I designed a cozy little hut as the perfect new home for my fish, Silver's aquarium. Starting with a design in Photoshop, I then used the image to create walls for the hut using SelfCAD's 3D tool. After importing the image, I manipulated the form by stretching and tapering the walls to get just the right shape. This project is actually a submission for the SelfCAD / MyMiniFactory design competition! I wanted to create an enclosure where Silver would feel safe while sleeping but still have plenty of openings to explore and look out. To ensure his safety, I made sure the hut was smooth with no sharp edges - betta fish have delicate fins that can be easily damaged. I also incorporated a planter at the top to hold the moss ball. This model was printed in wood filament and finished with a non-toxic epoxy coating. After letting the epoxy cure for several days, I added it to the tank. The epoxy coating is crucial because it's waterproof and adds a protective layer to the 3D print, making it easier to clean as bacteria can build up between the layers of an unfinished 3D print. The wood filament was a great choice because it looks amazing, but also because it's more porous than most other filaments, allowing for a strong bond with the epoxy. This model did require support material, but I only used it from the build plate - using too much would have been a nightmare to remove from all those circle openings! You only need supports to hold the top of the moss ball planter. To prevent the hut from floating to the surface, I surrounded it with gravel. Something I'll definitely keep in mind for future aquarium models. Check out my YouTube video at https://youtu.be/umqn8J09OTY to see how I 3D modeled this print using SelfCAD. The music is free and courtesy of www.bensound.com.