Aquarium Syphon

Description

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Hi!

Here we have my first TinkerCAD attempt an making a small aquarium syphon (hence the edges). If you've never used one before, its super simple. The air bubbles created by the stone create suction. This pulls up the debris (doo-doo) from the substrate and deposits it into the bag without removing water.

How It's Built:

This was printed in PLA using tree supports. The airline connects to an air stone inside the tube. There is a cut out at the bottom of the bottom tube to allow the air stone to slide inside. There is then a small piece that slips in to hold it in place. I superglue this in place as there will not be a need to remove the air stone for replacement. The T pipe is closed off at the top with an angle inside it to direct what is sucked up into the bag. The T pipe has the flair in front to help hold the bag on. We use a rubber band to provide tension.

Putting It Together:

1. When printing is finished, first deburr the inside of the tall tubes, the outside of the T pipe, and the inner corners of the slot for the air stone. These are friction fits and it's going to be tight. Go slow and test fit is what I recommend so you do not accidentally take off too much. If you do, hot glue or super glue will hold her.
2. Place the pipe with the notch cut out, notch DOWN. You will see the top of the T pipe is closed off completely.
3. Looking at the T pipe, you'll see the angled section inside the pipe. This angled portion points down and slips inside the bottom pipe.
4. Slide the top pipe over the top of the T pipe.
5. Grab your air stone and slide it inside the bottom pipe so that the air stone is inside the tube with the the inlet sticking out.
6. Grab the small filler part….GO SLOW HERE…This friction fits into the slot as well.
7. Once put together, you have a full syphon. Take your preferred bag, wrap it over the T pipe outlet, add your rubber band or twist tie to hold it on, connect your air supply, and you are ready to suck up some poodie.
   • NOTE: I would recommend using an air control valve (the little plastic ones) to ensure there isn't too much air flowing through the stone. If there is, it will also pick up the heavier substrate. If the air flow rate is correct, the doodie will get sucked up and not the substrate. This is especially important when using sand.

As I use it and see a need (that I can fix LOL), I will update the model.

STL and 3MF included.

Thank you in advance for even looking. I hope you have a wonderful day.