Aquarium overflow, simple, efficient, customizable, easy to print, and safe for fish.
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updated February 5, 2025

Description

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This model is an aquarium overflow, designed to efficiently drain excess water to a sump or external filter. The overflow operates on the siphon principle, maintaining a constant flow between the aquarium and the sump without the risk of overflowing.

🔧 Model Features:

  • Simple and compact design, easy to print.
  • Customizable parameters via the Fusion 360 (.f3d) file to adjust:
    • Main section: 20 mm (adjustable if needed).
    • Tube: compatible with 16x12 mm diameter tubing.
    • Operating height: 15 mm.
  • Recommended material: PETG, known to be safer for fish and water-resistant.

📦 Printing Instructions:

Adjusting Dimensions:
In Fusion 360, you can easily modify the model’s parameters (see the Model Parameters image). This allows you to adjust the flow rate or fit different tubing sizes.

  • Ensuring Watertightness:
    To prevent micro-leaks, I recommend increasing the extrusion multiplier to 1.1 in your slicer (see the Printing Settings image). This is the simplest and most effective method to ensure watertightness.
  • Layer height: Print with a 0.1 mm layer height to improve layer adhesion, which helps achieve better watertightness.
  • If the print is not watertight on the first attempt, I recommend using 100% concentric infill. This only increases filament consumption by around 10g and significantly improves watertightness, which can be challenging to achieve with this design.

Handle the Thread with Care:
The thread is fragile:

  • Avoid supports in direct contact with the thread during printing.
  • Be cautious when removing supports to prevent damaging the threads.
  • Insert the tube gently, without forcing, to preserve the integrity of the thread.

Installing the Retaining Screw:
The screw used to secure the tube must be inserted before inserting the tube. Then tighten it until it reaches the bottom of the overflow to firmly clamp the jaws around the tube, ensuring a tight seal.

đźšż Setup Instructions:

  • Full Immersion: Before installation, submerge the overflow completely and rotate it to eliminate any air bubbles.
  • Installation: Be careful not to drain the water from the siphon during handling to maintain its efficiency.

âť— Need Adjustments?

If you don’t have access to Fusion 360 and need specific dimensions, feel free to leave a comment on the model page, and I’ll provide the necessary modifications.

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Model origin

The author marked this model as their own original creation.

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