Let's See Those Wacky DIY Tools That You Can't Live Without!

Fish trap. This has worked 0 of 1 times I've used it :rolling-on-the-floor-laughing:

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Hahahaha
 
I thought about doing this for over a year when designing the new build. The process went pretty quick once I found the the motors/winches. I wanted them to be Bluetooth/App controlled and have low/high set points so it took a bit to find what I was looking for. My place of business had a ton of leftover 80/20 extrusion that I had permission to use so it was a no brainer to use that material plus, it made for extremely easy adjustment/lineup of motors and pulleys. I designed it all in 2D and then used SketchUp to render it all.

Light Lifter Rack.jpg
Wait a second... did you rip that plan off my neighbor's skateboarder kids??
 
I use a plain old toothbrush for scrubbing off hair algae

I use that on frags. I use a painter's bristle-brush rubber-banded to a pvc pipe that I put a hose through. This is my algae-bustin' setup:
IMG_3053.JPEG

Clearly, you both don't know that you can get a much better finish and shine by simply using a Sonicare toothbrush.
 
I don't know if 3d printing is cheating, but I feed my fish nori on a stick.

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Hey, that's pretty cool look as well!!
 
May not look like much but this works great for removing bubble algae and other small unwanted things without putting your hands in the tank. Made from Rigid 1/2"OD PETG tubing which is much stronger than acrylic tubing. Will not crack. I made multiple lengths for ease of use.
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I've been using the same thing since the 80's
 
@Projects with Sam ever try making an extender for the Noopsyche Mini arm? The flex arm is too short:
PXL_20230117_165712693.jpg


There is a plastic piece that attaches the light to the flex arm that is ~3", and a 6" piece would bring the light about middle of the tank. Maybe would need a 9" piece for a wider tank.
PXL_20230216_152251598.jpg


My DIY idea was to get a metal brakcet or one of my kids' construction toys to extend it, lol.
PXL_20230216_152919226.jpg
 
@Projects with Sam ever try making an extender for the Noopsyche Mini arm? The flex arm is too short:
PXL_20230117_165712693.jpg


There is a plastic piece that attaches the light to the flex arm that is ~3", and a 6" piece would bring the light about middle of the tank. Maybe would need a 9" piece for a wider tank.
PXL_20230216_152251598.jpg


My DIY idea was to get a metal brakcet or one of my kids' construction toys to extend it, lol.
PXL_20230216_152919226.jpg
I think the black thing that the light screw goes through is threaded. I'll check on mine.
 
I would take a rigid tube and epoxy a bolt in one end and a nut in the other. I think its M8 hardware but forgot to check.
IMG_3335.jpg

I suppose I'll offer them on the site. after the Indy swap.
 
I would take a rigid tube and epoxy a bolt in one end and a nut in the other. I think its M8 hardware but forgot to check.
IMG_3335.jpg

I suppose I'll offer them on the site. after the Indy swap.
Make sure said bolt and nut are stainless. Just a suggestion.
 
Make sure said bolt and nut are stainless. Just a suggestion.
I would go a step further and also treat them with a marine grade corrosion inhibitor, like the one produced by CRC Marine.
 
Need a small pick to get something out of your pump wheel? Or maybe flow meter? I use these appt on knot wheels on boats. Stainless and free (or buy yourself a new pair of..)
IMG_20230217_121702178_HDR.jpg

Windshield wipers.

There are 2 per blade. Use a pair of pliers and grip the rubber on one end and pull. That's it.

IMG_20230217_125153745.jpg

I cut mine down and wrap an end, attach to a key ring or whatever I have handy at the moment.
 
Awesomeness! I made a lift system for my build too, but it didn't go into the ceiling.

Check it out:

Can you show me a better view of the mechanicals of the rails. Have interest in a setup like this.
 
Can you show me a better view of the mechanicals of the rails. Have interest in a setup like this.
These are the ones I have from the construction. It is filled now, and against a wall, so... you should also take a look at my build thread to see how I modified the canopy, which you will need to do in order to eliminate deflection and properly transfer the weight to the rear struts. Feel free to PM me with any questions.

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In the morning if I haven't cleaned the front glass for a few days I find a lot of Asterias on my front glass. I made this little Asteria starfish scoop which does the job removing and catching them in the net. Cost me £3.49p UK pounds.
1 x 4" net £1.50
A. 4" scaper with 5 blades £1.99p.
Attached the blade with small cable ties, add a blob of super glue gell and bend handle to suit. You only want the blade to be at a slight angle to the net so the net rim passes over the top of the stars and to ensure most if not all the stars are scooped up.
20230301_165856.jpg
20230301_165843.jpg
20230301_165834.jpg
20230301_165824.jpg

Job done.
 
In the morning if I haven't cleaned the front glass for a few days I find a lot of Asterias on my front glass. I made this little Asteria starfish scoop which does the job removing and catching them in the net. Cost me £3.49p UK pounds.
1 x 4" net £1.50
A. 4" scaper with 5 blades £1.99p.
Attached the blade with small cable ties, add a blob of super glue gell and bend handle to suit. You only want the blade to be at a slight angle to the net so the net rim passes over the top of the stars and to ensure most if not all the stars are scooped up.
20230301_165856.jpg
20230301_165843.jpg
20230301_165834.jpg
20230301_165824.jpg

Job done.
Atoll's Scoop-A-Star Special!
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%
  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%
  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
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