Protein skimmer for sea water aquarium

thingiverse

Protein Skimmer for a Saltwater Aquarium Update February 8, 2016 I Added Video from Collection Cup Printed in PLA, but there are Some Issues Since the Skimmer is going into an Aquarium, I decided Not to use any Substance like XTC-3D to Make it Watertight, Fearing it Would Harm the Aquatic Life. There will be some Water Leaking and Air Bubbles Emerging Through Underwater Sections Periodically. Also Keep in Mind that PLA is Biodegradable, so Maybe ABS would be a Better Choice for Printing this Skimmer I Have Not Tested Printing this in ABS I used XTC-3D Only on the Collection Cup and Silicone to Seal it to the Acrylic Tube The Pump is Red Devil SP1 Needle Wheel and the Filter is from DealExtreme SKU 217549 Used O-Rings Between the Pump and Bottom, Top and Collection Cup, also in the Flow Control Tube to Keep enough Friction so the Water Pressure wouldn't Lift the Tube out Skimmer Will Need Those Tube Holders, or it Won't Stay Upright Because all of the Weight is in Front of the Skimmer Used Only Two Holders, but there is Also TUBE HOLDER MIDDLE-Part if You want to use More The Tank Glass Thickness is 6mm My Acrylic Tube is Standard Clear Tube with a Radius of 35mm, thickness 3mm and Height 200mm (also Tried 400mm) Skimming Adjustment is quite Challenging BOTTOM-part took about 12 hours to Print so think Carefully Before Starting the Printing Process This was just an Experiment for me because I wanted to know if it's Possible to make a Skimmer with a 3D Printer Please watch the Video below this Text, and Decide Whether or Not to Print It. Print Settings Printer Prusa Duo XL Rafts No Supports Yes Infill 20 - 40% Notes Printed in PLA at 210°