Miniature Floating Sea Mine for Aquariums

Add a playful and unique touch to your aquarium with this floating sea mine model! Designed for easy printing and assembly, the model features:

• A sphere split into two halves with alignment support for perfect fit.
• A hollow base for adding weight.
• A print-in-place chain for a realistic look.
• Full customisability with the provided Onshape model

Printing Recommendations

• Material: Go with something that is hopefully fish-friendly, I used extrudr GreenTec Pro.
• Layer Height: I did 0.1mm for showcasing the details, but larger heights will also work.
• Walls: preferably ≥4 for somewhat watertight prints.
• Texture: Fuzzy skin (point distance 0.1, thickness 0.1) for added realism.
• Chain: Print on its side for optimal strength; use slow speeds and high cooling. The chain has 45° overhangs and medium-length bridges.

Assembly

1. Place the outer rings on the bottom sphere half.
2. Glue  the X into the bottom half.
3. Apply glue on the top of the X and press the top half onto the bottom half with the outer rings in-between.
4. Add weight to the base (e.g. stones or metal), then glue it shut.
5. Glue the chain to the sphere and base using the links that are open on one side.

For modifications e.g. in diameter of the sphere or length of the chain, check out the Onshape model: Onshape Link.