Customizing our tanks: Do you have anything custom-built in your tank?

[Gumbies R Us]

One of the things I always like looking at is people who have custom-built parts for their tanks. Maybe it is the tank itself or the stand; perhaps you had something 3d printed at home. Do you have anything that is custom-built for your tank? Share pictures with us if you do! Photo Credit: Coralsdaily

 

[rhitee93]

Well, the tank is custom so that means all the bits and bobs to go with it are unique.

One example: I had to figure out how to eel proof the overflow. This was my solution, just some polycarbonate cut to shape and glued together.

Then, just in case i made it under the cover somehow I screened off the emergency overflow with some netting and a 3D printed ring:

 

[VintageReefer]

Yes I have custom built grow out frag shelves I invented and then commissioned a 3d printer to make for me

My magnet shelf holds standard 2x2 grow out tile to keep them out the sandbed and up in higher par and flow, away from detritus, sand and creatures like crabs and conchs and clumsy snails

I also had custom 3d printed grow out tiles created for it with a rough surface and hole for frag plug to mount in. This way you don’t have to risk damaging a frag you want to grow out. Just put the plug in the tile, put the tile in the shelf, and let it encrust over the plug and onto the tile. The tile can be removed and replaced when ready and a new blank tile can be used for the next frag

Works for tons of corals and would be great for sps also

Chalice

When growth naturally happens in one direction than another…you can lift and rotate the tile, to allow things to even out

Zoanthids

Goniopora

Also I have a 5 hole tile that can fit to make it a self propagating system for zoa

Put 4 blank plugs in the corners and your parent frag in the middle and they will naturally spread and grow onto the blank plugs. Set it and forget it!

 

[VintageReefer]

5 hole tile

Single hole tiles can also be used to stabilize sandbed frags/corals and keep them upright and to keep sand from irritating their bases. I used these on acan frags and Cynarina and blastos

 

[rhitee93]

@VintageReefer What are you using for magnets? I've been worried about trying things like this because of all the oxidized magnet horror stories.

 

[VintageReefer]

@VintageReefer What are you using for magnets? I've been worried about trying things like this because of all the oxidized magnet horror stories.

Encapsulated Ceramic magnets on the wet side, that are in a chamber sealed by epoxy. Safe even if water gets past the epoxy.

My buddy sells this on Etsy and he’s not out to make a profit. He liked my idea and we both thought the community could benefit from this product

The tiles and shelf can be customized in almost any color at no charge and you can message him to order extra tiles in your choice of color, and 1 or 5 hole

The starter kit is only 12$ for the magnet shelf and tiles to get you going

Frag Rack for Propagating , Reloadable, Fits 2x2 Tiles See Tile Listing for Extra Tiles - Etsy

This Aquariums & Tank Decor item by SDD3DPT has 4 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from West Lafayette, IN. Listed on Aug 27, 2024

www.etsy.com

And…we are working on a 3 tile shelf

Both magnet shelves will accommodate either version of the tile

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Yes I have custom built grow out frag shelves I invented and then commissioned a 3d printer to make for me

My magnet shelf holds standard 2x2 grow out tile to keep them out the sandbed and up in higher par and flow, away from detritus, sand and creatures like crabs and conchs and clumsy snails

I also had custom 3d printed grow out tiles created for it with a rough surface and hole for frag plug to mount in. This way you don’t have to risk damaging a frag you want to grow out. Just put the plug in the tile, put the tile in the shelf, and let it encrust over the plug and onto the tile. The tile can be removed and replaced when ready and a new blank tile can be used for the next frag

Works for tons of corals and would be great for sps also

Chalice

When growth naturally happens in one direction than another…you can lift and rotate the tile, to allow things to even out

Zoanthids

Goniopora

Also I have a 5 hole tile that can fit to make it a self propagating system for zoa

Put 4 blank plugs in the corners and your parent frag in the middle and they will naturally spread and grow onto the blank plugs. Set it and forget it!

I love those frag racks/shelves!

 

[dantimdad]

Sump, ATO container, Stands, light racks, modified tanks, tons of 3d printed and laser cut things.

Basically I don't modify pumps, heaters and power heads and even those I may print guards and stuff for.