3D Printed Filter Roller

[Sold4jc7]

I'm new to 3d printing but wanted to see if I could add a filter roller to my tank. I had limited space and didn't want to change my plumbing, so I spent some time on Tinkercad. The holder for the new fleece and the roller for the used fleece are both separate pieces that I attached to my stand. The return pipe is 1.5" and drains directly into the filter roller cage. I'm not sure what my flow is through my overflow but I'm using a Clarisea SK-3000 roll.

 

[Red_Beard]

I'm new to 3d printing but wanted to see if I could add a filter roller to my tank. I had limited space and didn't want to change my plumbing, so I spent some time on Tinkercad. The holder for the new fleece and the roller for the used fleece are both separate pieces that I attached to my stand. The return pipe is 1.5" and drains directly into the filter roller cage. I'm not sure what my flow is through my overflow but I'm using a Clarisea SK-3000 roll.

Nice, that looks awesome! Ive been wanting to do something like this too. Is yours motorized? Or do you have to manually advance the spool?

 

[Rubberfrog]

Let us know how it works

 

[Sold4jc7]

@Red_Beard, as of right now, it's manual. This was the first attempt for proof of concept. I'm already thinking about motorizing it and adding a float switch connected to my apex.

 

[Gtinnel]

Are you willing to share the stl file? I'd like to make one and add to my tank

 

[kartrsu]

Awesome idea!

 

[Red_Beard]

@Red_Beard, as of right now, it's manual. This was the first attempt for proof of concept. I'm already thinking about motorizing it and adding a float switch connected to my apex.

Still very cool. Looks like it should work fine as long as you dont forget to turn it. You will have to update when you automate! Thanks for the inspiration

 

[peterj66]

Very nice design. Did you print it in one piece or parts you glue together? I have something similar in progress and mine is printers in pieces that you need to glue together

 

[Sold4jc7]

Very nice design. Did you print it in one piece or parts you glue together? I have something similar in progress and mine is printers in pieces that you need to glue together

That looks great. I printed mine in pieces and glued it together. I thought printing it as one piece would waste a lot of material in supports.

Are you going to motorize your filter roller?

 

[garbled]

I'm super interested in this! Great idea. I wonder what motor could be used though, as it basically needs to be sealed against all the water and salt around it...

 

[peterj66]

That looks great. I printed mine in pieces and glued it together. I thought printing it as one piece would waste a lot of material in supports.

Are you going to motorize your filter roller?

Yes, working on the finish so the filtermaterial runs smoothly now then I’m going to solder the motor relay board. Hopefully it will work out as I plan

 

[[Cameron]]

I would buy that once you work out any kinks. I really don't understand how these relatively simple devices are commanding $400+.

Also a simple rotating auto feeder such as the Eheim Auto Feeder attached to the "used" roll would be a cheap "auto-roller". Every time the auto feeder runs it will turn causing a small section of new roll to pull through. No fancy switches needed.

 

[Rubberfrog]

Advancing it by hand is still easier than cleaning socks. I would be all over this.

 

[Woodneers]

I would be interested in one of these once you guys are happy with it. even if i have to rotate by hand! I would prefer a motorized version but I am flexible!

 

[Sold4jc7]

Advancing it by hand is still easier than cleaning socks. I would be all over this.

That was the reason I decided to try and do something manual first. I'm waiting to see how long the filter lasts before it overflows. I'm at over 12 hours and still good. If I have to advance it once a day manually, I'm good with that simple task. I believe I will control how often it needs to be turned based on how much of the roll I advance. If I run all new fleece through the unit, I should get more time than advancing it a few inches.

Also attaching a simple rotating auto feeder to the "used" roll such as the Eheim Auto Feeder and call it done. Every time the auto feeder runs it will turn and a small section of new roll will show up. No fancy switches needed.

The auto feeder is not a bad idea. I wonder if it has enough torque to turn the roller.

Yes, working on the finish so the filtermaterial runs smoothly now then I’m going to solder the motor relay board. Hopefully it will work out as I plan

If you are willing to share some details on the motor and relay board, that would be awesome. You have a great design and put a lot more time into your design. Mine was swift and dirty to see if it worked.

 

[peterj66]

I will gladly share the whole design once it is Done. The dc motor is a 15 rpm wormdrive type found on EBay. To waterproof it I intend to seal it in a printed box glued shut with superglue.

 

[AdamD76]

What kind of printers/filament are you guys using?

 

[peterj66]

I'm using a Creality Ender 3 v2 an Sunlu PLA. If PLA eventually shows signs of breaking down I might switch to another filament, but my printed algae scrubber shows no problems after running a couple of months.

 

[Sold4jc7]

I'm using a Creality Ender 3 v2 also. I printed the roller in OVERTURE PETG.

 

[Frank_Aaron]

Wondering your projects are going?

I modeled up a copy cat Clarisea in Fusion to use a cheap 12v motor I found on Amazon. When I get the CNC fired up again I'm going to cut it out of PVC and give it a go.

Motor:
3D Files: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zjv4zje8f4in9of/AAAcx_XOKBNg8bX0xPis6vsUa?dl=0