Blake, my brother was an aerospace machinist for many years. He just started getting into the 3D printing world. I would recommend anyone with MTS and good computer skills to purchase a 3D printer. The ability you have to make products/tools for the aquarium hobby is unlimited and left up to your imagination. I think you are the first TH-camr, making this kind of video. Thank you - from NYC
Yeah, I am exactly that lol. Got my printer, had a ton of fun with it, ran out of stuff to print, now it's been collecting dust for years. Expensive one too. Im here now because I'm just realizing that there are actually models out there for aquarium supplies.
Just be aware if you use cheaper PLA (especially black) they have been found to contain all sorts of chemicals since black is easier to hide what they use to colour the filament.
You should probably use petg or another fda foodsafe plastic. It's a bit annoying too print in but the parts are stronger more heat resistant and chemically "safter".
Just brilliant Blake!! I love the apisto cave👍 I would love to have the aquascaping tool holder...that is amazing 👍♥️ Cool stuff and you're so creative I can't wait to see what else you make!!! Thanks for sharing Blake I hope you're having a wonderful day!!👍🌿🐟🌿🙏
yeah i have 1 or 2 things in pla that have been for quite some time altho i did notice those items did become brittle later on i have some petg items that im seeing how they hold up long term @@BlakesAquatics
I've been doing similar things for the same reason. My most useful design is a bigger canister to replace the tiny one you get with the $9 Kmart filters. Turns a useless filter to a great low cost power filter. There is debate of the safety of PLA as in theory the dyes can leach, but I haven't experienced this. I also have switched to PETG for aquarium stuff as it's supposed to not deteriorate in water.
@@BlakesAquatics yes..possibly. I've been using Esun PLA+ I do notice after a while the PLA can get brittle in the water. I would probably keep away from PLA in a marine tank as I suspect it may disintegrate quicker. I've raised fry in small tanks with a PLA printed internal sump type filter and haven't experienced any adverse with them
Has the PLA deteriorated from any of your earlier prints, or has it held up ?.. i know your printing now in petg, but i want to know what the real deal is in PLA and how it holds up submerged in fish tank water
@@BlakesAquatics Has the PLA deteriorated from any of your earlier prints, or has it held up ?.. i know your printing now in petg, but i want to know what the real deal is in PLA and how it holds up submerged in fish tank water
okay I need to get a 3D printer now!! incredible ideas bro. Would be cool if you could print out one of those hang on the side fry grow outs. would look similar to the pothos holder with much smaller slits I imagine.
What happened to the old intro loved it reminded me of an 80’s video game, where did you say the api master test kit holder was available. I rewound a few times and still didn’t catch it.
@@BlakesAquatics I was mucking about just edited my OG comment maybe you didn’t see but where did you say the api master test kit holder was available?
ive been looking for a print to put i don't know if you have seen those boxes or like mason jars that addon to your tank above it an add extra space for the fish to swim in and eat have been looking for a model for something like that.
I know I'm 2 years late to this, but how dod it get on? I've just started using pla supports and offcuts for my filter as biomedia! Did you get any problems?
The controller brackets you printed for me are awesome. Sooooo I used one on my nano reef tank and pulled a rookie move that cost me over $100 I used double sided tape to attach it to the cupboard beside the tank (didn't want to damage cupboard with screws) and it was just high enough and the cord was just long enough so when the cheap tape let go the controller took a dive into the tank and kaaapoof dead. You live and you learn lol.
Definitely for salt 👍 i have had some devices submerged in fresh for 3+ years now but anything outdoors or near sunlight, or any tanks with regular salt yep agreed
PLA breaks down in water and contains some undesirable things for an aquarium. PETG is a much safer choice as it does not break down as easily and is food safe meaning it will not leach any nasty stuff into your tank
I think you might be confusing the original PLAs to moden PLA and PLA+. As long as you get a quality PLA or PLA+ it is absolutely fine (unless you have a saltwater aquarium or an aquariun wuth extremely hard water). I have had pla submerged in my tanks with fish for 3, 4 years now 0 issues.
PETG is way better material to use. I’ve had a ton of PLA break down in a short amount of time in tanks as they are biodegradable. PETG is also good safe.
I have a pleco cave and other things in my tank. After well, over a year, there is no sign of deterioration. These were printed in pla. They may eventually break down but it's going to take longer than the seals on the aquarium will last. I would bet it would take decades for it to break down.
@@pyleaquatics Has the PLA deteriorated from any of your earlier prints, or has it held up ?.. what the real deal in PLA and how it holds up submerged in fish tank water
@GLADIATOR MECHS It looks fine. I will pull it out tomorrow at see how solid it is. Hopefully, I will remember. I'm interested as well. It's probably been in there over two years.
Its not the plastic in pla thats bad. Its the possibility of unregulated colorants that could contain heavy metals or poisonous elements. Only use PETG for in aquarium parts.
Hey Blake! I know this video is getting a little on, which is perfect! Are you able to give us a quick update (via comment) on how you're finding PLA filament, and if you're using something else now, specific brands, colours etc. and of course, I'd love to see a video update of any new things you've been making. Lastly, do you sell/offer your build files? I just purchased a 3d printer, almost specifically for my tank!
Hey Jeremy, yeah no issues with pla+. I use esun and 3dfillies brands. Ive also used plenty of petg and thats also fine. These days I dont send the files because I sell the prints on etsy and if i give the files its basically inviting someone to rip off my idea and sell my own stuff
@@BlakesAquatics yeah that's fair. You could sell your files? I guess someone could just copy it either way? Thanks for the update regarding pla+ or petg. Have you printed using the transparent colour?
@@yeders I don't know why he won't send them, half the stuff he "builds" is ripped from Thingiverse anyways. That's why he has to credit the creator on his etsy shop. Thingiverse has a bunch of aquarium files you can download. I could design anything in his shop and send the STL to you for free if you want. 😁👍
I want a drill-less overflow for my tank for water-change only (flow rate is not a big deal). But my tank has a 4 inch glass brim all around. I am looking through thingiverse and TH-cam for ideas. Could you please design something? My last option is CPVC pipes. Thanks.
Which material is the healthiest or better to say least toxic to use in aquarium? I have turtles and I dont want to poison them buy putting something I 3d printed in their aquarium.
Don't use PLA, while some PLA and PLA+ filaments may have been safe for some people, it hasn't been for all. Yes, the rate at which PLA degrades in water varies, but no matter what, it will degrade - releasing mircoplastics for fish to breathe. PETG is a safe filament to use. It's food safe for humans in addition to being safe for fish. It won't degrade in any water.
@@gardian1701 While it would behoove one to see that the PET used is recycled properly (as it should for any plastic) so that microplastics can be avoided in our waters, blatant lies like yours stating that PET Plastics are the main cause of microplastics shouldn't be the information we try spreading around. I don't mean to offend but you should really recheck your source as that is a very easily debunked statement.
@@taylorquimby4004 well, as most plastic used is pet plastic it kind of goes without saying. Comes up top of a google search list! 🤷 So coming across so arrogant as you are is pointless. Pet is the most widely produced plastic in the world.
Nice video! I noticed the resolution on your prints, especially the dome, seemed a bit low. I think you printer can do better than that. I believe you have exported the file at a lower resolution. I suggest upping that for finer prints 👌
@@BlakesAquatics Oh, 0.2 is quite nice in my opinion. So no worries there. (z-axis) I am thinking about the x and y-axis. You cannot print a perfect circle. It will be a multi angled "circle". On the dome you can see those angles. There are maybe 30 of them all around. If you export at higher quality, I believe you could make that into 100 angles instead, and get a lot closer to a perfect circle. If that makes sense :D
Hey Blake, been watching your videos for a while now. We’ve just started talking about 3D printing some goodies and you have the best of both worlds. Now that you’ve had these pieces for over a year, how do you feel they’ve held up in your tanks? Thanks!
@@BlakesAquatics PLA Made of cornstarch and is not good for aquarium use as the saltwater will degrade the material and your printed object will fall apart within 6 months i make sell filiments had tests done
Blake, my brother was an aerospace machinist for many years. He just started getting into the 3D printing world. I would recommend anyone with MTS and good computer skills to purchase a 3D printer. The ability you have to make products/tools for the aquarium hobby is unlimited and left up to your imagination. I think you are the first TH-camr, making this kind of video. Thank you - from NYC
hey i got a idea if someone willing to hear me out and help me make it
Dm me mate im all ears
If I had a 3d printer it would be like when I first got napster, so many possibilities but my mind would blank. Nice work man
Hahah napster 🤣 cheers mate
Literally me now!
Yeah, I am exactly that lol. Got my printer, had a ton of fun with it, ran out of stuff to print, now it's been collecting dust for years. Expensive one too. Im here now because I'm just realizing that there are actually models out there for aquarium supplies.
The prawn turned out so good :) you are now the official 3d printer of the Crustacean Nation. Excited to see more bits n bobs you make for the hobby.
Made some cool things there bud. Really liked the Pothos holder, that's a great idea. The shrimp lolly one for Prawnie came out ace.
Just be aware if you use cheaper PLA (especially black) they have been found to contain all sorts of chemicals since black is easier to hide what they use to colour the filament.
Do you know if this is an issue with polymaker PLA
Oooo you're onto something here!! I like test tube stand and the tool holder.
The domes are a brilliant idea!!
You should probably use petg or another fda foodsafe plastic. It's a bit annoying too print in but the parts are stronger more heat resistant and chemically "safter".
Think I’m gonna print one of the test tube holders. Also like the plant rack. Might try moss ledges too!!
Just brilliant Blake!! I love the apisto cave👍
I would love to have the aquascaping tool holder...that is amazing 👍♥️
Cool stuff and you're so creative I can't wait to see what else you make!!! Thanks for sharing Blake I hope you're having a wonderful day!!👍🌿🐟🌿🙏
Thanks Mary 😀 appreciate it
Been doing some pump inlet connections and screens makes things very easy
petg is usually the recomended material for use inside aquariums from what i have found
Thats what people say but ive got multiple pla+ items that have been in aquaria 4+ years now 0 degradation
yeah i have 1 or 2 things in pla that have been for quite some time altho i did notice those items did become brittle later on i have some petg items that im seeing how they hold up long term @@BlakesAquatics
Nice work 👏 Love the test tube holder!
I've been doing similar things for the same reason. My most useful design is a bigger canister to replace the tiny one you get with the $9 Kmart filters. Turns a useless filter to a great low cost power filter. There is debate of the safety of PLA as in theory the dyes can leach, but I haven't experienced this. I also have switched to PETG for aquarium stuff as it's supposed to not deteriorate in water.
I have heard similar but my experience has been fine too, maybe the cheaper filaments 🤷♂️
That sounds great!
@@BlakesAquatics yes..possibly. I've been using Esun PLA+ I do notice after a while the PLA can get brittle in the water. I would probably keep away from PLA in a marine tank as I suspect it may disintegrate quicker. I've raised fry in small tanks with a PLA printed internal sump type filter and haven't experienced any adverse with them
Has the PLA deteriorated from any of your earlier prints, or has it held up ?.. i know your printing now in petg, but i want to know what the real deal is in PLA and how it holds up submerged in fish tank water
@@BlakesAquatics Has the PLA deteriorated from any of your earlier prints, or has it held up ?.. i know your printing now in petg, but i want to know what the real deal is in PLA and how it holds up submerged in fish tank water
@@gladiatormechs5574 not one bit. Freshwater is absolutely fine for pla
I was stoned and this same idea popped into my head to search, thx for the video that definitely did not disappoint
This is fascinating.
Nice! I like how he just casually dropped he's able to 3d model
Well done blake sounds time consuming but well worth it great products there keen to see how they take off for you
These are way cool Blake.
A bucephalandra planter would be tops too.
I have a 3D printed version of the Hobby brine shrimp hatchery.
I saw those designs the other day. Very cool! True buce or frag rack could work easily enough
okay I need to get a 3D printer now!! incredible ideas bro. Would be cool if you could print out one of those hang on the side fry grow outs. would look similar to the pothos holder with much smaller slits I imagine.
I thought about it but you want to see in those things to monitor the fry
Awesome designs. What CAD software do you use?
Tinkercad mostly, or fusion 360
Great! Useful stuff. I was tginking of many of these exact structures; sadly, I don't have a 3d printer.
There are some good printing services available or i can also print for you
Great inspiration! You really like your logo :)
Thanks so much! yeah once it is in the right file format its easy to put on any design.
Awesome things for the Aquarium.
Yes indeed!
I loooooove that planted tank behind you.
Hey Blake. Love the plant holder. Have sent you a message to your Blake's Aquatics FB messages in regards to it.
Interesting video Blake, I drilled 13 mm holes on some wood to hold api test tubes.
Sounds great!
great review!, im planning to buy one, what software you use to model your STL files?
Tinkercad / fusion 360 work for me. Tinkercad for quick simple things, fusion for anything more detailed
What happened to the old intro loved it reminded me of an 80’s video game, where did you say the api master test kit holder was available. I rewound a few times and still didn’t catch it.
Just tried to refresh it 🤷♂️
@@BlakesAquatics I was mucking about just edited my OG comment maybe you didn’t see but where did you say the api master test kit holder was available?
www.thingiverse.com/thing:2440207
@@BlakesAquatics cheers mate
ive been looking for a print to put i don't know if you have seen those boxes or like mason jars that addon to your tank above it an add extra space for the fish to swim in and eat have been looking for a model for something like that.
awesome work
Do you make personal orders for 3-D printing?
You mean do i print on demand or can I print a file for you? Depends what it is dm me on another platform
Good idea 👍
Awesome idea mate!
I use my leftover PLA support structures as Bioballs in my tank.
Nifty idea 👌
I know I'm 2 years late to this, but how dod it get on? I've just started using pla supports and offcuts for my filter as biomedia! Did you get any problems?
2 of my favorite hobbies awsome
Me too 👌
The controller brackets you printed for me are awesome. Sooooo I used one on my nano reef tank and pulled a rookie move that cost me over $100 I used double sided tape to attach it to the cupboard beside the tank (didn't want to damage cupboard with screws) and it was just high enough and the cord was just long enough so when the cheap tape let go the controller took a dive into the tank and kaaapoof dead. You live and you learn lol.
😳 hahah thats an expensive bit of tape. Glad they fit
Ur a beast bro great video
Amazing! This gives me so many ideas
I think it would neat to make custom spray nozzles for canister filters.
It can be done for sure 👍
Id be down for some of those apisto caves!
I think we have found our currency for some of those apisto fry then ;)
@@BlakesAquatics That's gonna be a lot of caves. ;)
@@blakehowden5086 🤣
Thanks for sharing.
Awesome
Great ideas
Would you ever consider selling the print files for these for people who have their own 3D printers?
I used to just give them out for free but they were repeatedly ripped off and even being on sold.
great video mate! new intro music??
Yeah mixing it up 😀
probably better to use petg for aquariums, especially saltwater
Definitely for salt 👍 i have had some devices submerged in fresh for 3+ years now but anything outdoors or near sunlight, or any tanks with regular salt yep agreed
PLA breaks down in water and contains some undesirable things for an aquarium. PETG is a much safer choice as it does not break down as easily and is food safe meaning it will not leach any nasty stuff into your tank
I think you might be confusing the original PLAs to moden PLA and PLA+. As long as you get a quality PLA or PLA+ it is absolutely fine (unless you have a saltwater aquarium or an aquariun wuth extremely hard water).
I have had pla submerged in my tanks with fish for 3, 4 years now 0 issues.
how has the PLA held up inside the aquarium for the past 2 years...?
Absolutely fine, no degradation at all
PETG is way better material to use. I’ve had a ton of PLA break down in a short amount of time in tanks as they are biodegradable. PETG is also good safe.
At the time I hadnt printed much with PETG but since using it a lot this summer I agree
I have a pleco cave and other things in my tank. After well, over a year, there is no sign of deterioration. These were printed in pla. They may eventually break down but it's going to take longer than the seals on the aquarium will last. I would bet it would take decades for it to break down.
@@pyleaquatics Has the PLA deteriorated from any of your earlier prints, or has it held up ?.. what the real deal in PLA and how it holds up submerged in fish tank water
@GLADIATOR MECHS It looks fine. I will pull it out tomorrow at see how solid it is. Hopefully, I will remember. I'm interested as well. It's probably been in there over two years.
@@pyleaquatics Thank you... this information is very important.
Its not the plastic in pla thats bad. Its the possibility of unregulated colorants that could contain heavy metals or poisonous elements. Only use PETG for in aquarium parts.
Ok good to know thanks
Does anyone know if you can use resin 3D printers for aquariums I have 2 resin printers and 3 fdm
I dont believe resin is aquarium safe no, maybe it could be sealed with something?
Hey Blake! I know this video is getting a little on, which is perfect! Are you able to give us a quick update (via comment) on how you're finding PLA filament, and if you're using something else now, specific brands, colours etc.
and of course, I'd love to see a video update of any new things you've been making.
Lastly, do you sell/offer your build files? I just purchased a 3d printer, almost specifically for my tank!
Hey Jeremy, yeah no issues with pla+. I use esun and 3dfillies brands.
Ive also used plenty of petg and thats also fine.
These days I dont send the files because I sell the prints on etsy and if i give the files its basically inviting someone to rip off my idea and sell my own stuff
@@BlakesAquatics yeah that's fair. You could sell your files? I guess someone could just copy it either way?
Thanks for the update regarding pla+ or petg. Have you printed using the transparent colour?
@@yeders I don't know why he won't send them, half the stuff he "builds" is ripped from Thingiverse anyways. That's why he has to credit the creator on his etsy shop. Thingiverse has a bunch of aquarium files you can download. I could design anything in his shop and send the STL to you for free if you want. 😁👍
@@taylorquimby4004 awesome.
@@taylorquimby4004 How do i get in touch with you?
Good day Blake need some help. Should I use PLA or ABS for submerged aquarium objects? 😁
I use Pla for all of my prints
@@BlakesAquatics does the colour matter?
@@francosmit05 not in my experience
which filament is recommended for aquariums?
Petg
You should try breaderboxes
Considered it but you need to be able to see into them
@@BlakesAquatics ok
my name is also blake, do you think resin printing is also safe for in fish tank use or is it just filament printing
Resin is not safe, it has to be coated in some way
I want a drill-less overflow for my tank for water-change only (flow rate is not a big deal). But my tank has a 4 inch glass brim all around. I am looking through thingiverse and TH-cam for ideas. Could you please design something? My last option is CPVC pipes. Thanks.
Hey mate, honestly you would probably be better off doing that in pvc, thats what id do
Does anyone know if there bristlenose pleco breed in the 3d printed pleco cave? I would really like to know.
I got a few etsy reviews saying people did, as well as anecdotal comments and of course my own bn so they definitely work
Which material is the healthiest or better to say least toxic to use in aquarium? I have turtles and I dont want to poison them buy putting something I 3d printed in their aquarium.
Ordinary PLA
Don't use PLA, while some PLA and PLA+ filaments may have been safe for some people, it hasn't been for all. Yes, the rate at which PLA degrades in water varies, but no matter what, it will degrade - releasing mircoplastics for fish to breathe. PETG is a safe filament to use. It's food safe for humans in addition to being safe for fish. It won't degrade in any water.
@@taylorquimby4004 PET plastics are the main cause of micro plastics on the planet. 🤷
@@gardian1701 While it would behoove one to see that the PET used is recycled properly (as it should for any plastic) so that microplastics can be avoided in our waters, blatant lies like yours stating that PET Plastics are the main cause of microplastics shouldn't be the information we try spreading around. I don't mean to offend but you should really recheck your source as that is a very easily debunked statement.
@@taylorquimby4004 well, as most plastic used is pet plastic it kind of goes without saying. Comes up top of a google search list! 🤷 So coming across so arrogant as you are is pointless. Pet is the most widely produced plastic in the world.
❤🔥👍
Nice video!
I noticed the resolution on your prints, especially the dome, seemed a bit low. I think you printer can do better than that. I believe you have exported the file at a lower resolution. I suggest upping that for finer prints 👌
Yeah i deliberately did it at 0.2mm layers just for speed, dont think it sacrifices too much by way of looks, especially when submerged
@@BlakesAquatics
Oh, 0.2 is quite nice in my opinion. So no worries there. (z-axis)
I am thinking about the x and y-axis. You cannot print a perfect circle. It will be a multi angled "circle".
On the dome you can see those angles. There are maybe 30 of them all around. If you export at higher quality, I believe you could make that into 100 angles instead, and get a lot closer to a perfect circle. If that makes sense :D
Oh yes thats my design issue, i didnt have enough sides on the 'sphere' shape in tinkercad.
Hey Blake, been watching your videos for a while now. We’ve just started talking about 3D printing some goodies and you have the best of both worlds. Now that you’ve had these pieces for over a year, how do you feel they’ve held up in your tanks? Thanks!
Perfectly fine no issues 😄
What filament are you using
Pla
Could you print me a smaller type d shape cave
Sure thing
@@BlakesAquatics thank you
@@BlakesAquatics it means a lot
@@Jcarpangler jump in the discord mate, theres a whole thread in there related to this
Wow now I am getting ads for 3d printers.
hahah sorry
dont use pla if in tank ABS only
Its only a small risk of dye leeching from cheap pla. I use high quality pla+ and have tested in my aquariums long term with no negative impact.
@@BlakesAquatics PLA
Made of cornstarch and is not good for aquarium use as the saltwater will degrade the material and your printed object will fall apart within 6 months i make sell filiments had tests done
They are freshwater aquariums, no salt
@@BlakesAquatics my bad
A definite no no pla will kill your fish and shimp it breaks down in water
Cheap ones do but not quality pla+. Ive had prints in tanks with fish and shrimp 3+ years nowm
Clickbait! You said 10 then said 8! 😅😬
😳 i can do math i promise
you need to be careful of what PLA you use alot have toxic, and need to be resin treated or need to get food safe PLA or PETG
I tried and tested a bunch of brands, the 2 that I use ive had in tanks now 3+ years with 0 degradation or ill effects