Printing my own Coral Reef

[billberet]

ok I have a huge coral reef in my existing fresh water tank.
artificial of course, and I wanted to make new pieces so I decided to print out some. I'm using a transparent filament PLA and my initial results are great.


here is one piece, I have another way printing as we speak.
I am going to add LED lighting to the bottom of my tank and light up the corals from under the tank!!!!!!

here is my second print, fresh off the press

 

[billberet]

here is my first fan coral

 

[J.Mcpeak]

You have access to a 3d printer! That's cool.


I think I saw your tank elsewhere, 150FW reef. Looks ok, it made me look twice!


You could make some funky backgrounds using this kit!

 

[Aliray]

amazing. will they stay white or will you be painting them? I have only seen a 3d printer on tv and since I am pushing 70 the new technology boggles my mind. Alison

 

[54seaweed]

santa I want a 3D printer

 

[billberet]

you are correct, I have the 150gal inwall

I hope to put the printed coral pieces on either side of my reef.
I looked at the links, great looking fish room.

You have access to a 3d printer! That's cool.


I think I saw your tank elsewhere, 150FW reef. Looks ok, it made me look twice!


You could make some funky backgrounds using this kit!

 

[billberet]

it's actually a translucent filament, so you can sort of see thru it.
it has a crystal look when you have it in your hand up close.
it will stay that color, and will look more natural when some algae forms on it.
I have several colors so i'll be printing more out in other colors. then glue them on some rocks to make another reef.


my son loves it, he stares at the tank like it's a HD tv, lol

amazing. will they stay white or will you be painting them? I have only seen a 3d printer on tv and since I am pushing 70 the new technology boggles my mind. Alison

 

[myBrainHurts]

Just gave me some great ideas for my 3d printer

 

[dylan p]

That's fricken sweet where did you get a 3d printer


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Fishy_Friends]

Where did you get your other inserts?

 

[Quest84]

the plastics used in 3d printing are aquarium safe?

 

[billberet]

I use PLA, yes it is aquarium safe.
printing is used a lot in Frag coral in marine tanks.


As a rule of thumb, both PLA and ABS are safe for use in aquariums, but PLA will be consumed by bacterias in saltwater, as it is a bio plastic.

 

[billberet]

Where did you get your other inserts?

I got the main inserts from Instant Reef Aquarium Decorations, Fake Corals, Artificial Corals
you can buy entire kits, or pieces and make your own to fit your budget.
I had no issues with it, it's been in my tank for years, and now that I have algae growing on it, it looks more real !!!

 

[PB_Smith]

how much does it cost to make those pieces?
I'm curious, why are you using a material that you say will get consumed by bacteria?
how long will one of those pieces last before it's a gooey glob?