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Seahorse
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http://www.advancedaquarist.com/author/sgraber
Seahorse Feeder
A model of the seahorse feeder in OpenSCAD.
"Feeding seahorses is sometimes a challenge especially if feeding prepared foods. Print a simple seahorse feeding station with a 3D printer and make it that much easier. " - Shane Graber
Research scientist Shane Graber has been doing quite a few experiments with his Makerbot 3D printer, trying to make some useful items for marine fish breeding. This seahorse feeding station is inspired by the seahorse feeder from ATB. The ATB Seahorse Feeder attaches to 1-inch plastic pipe with an open end on top for inserting food. A tray is placed at the bottom so the food can be dispensed.
This ATB Seahorse Feeder has also a hitching post that allows the seahorses to grab onto while they feed. A chunk of foam is secured at the top so the device can float in a seahorse tank. It can be adjusted up or down for different depths.
With a 3D printer, Graber is able to make his own design and print out within the short space of 2.5 hours. He made a model of the seahorse feeder in OpenSCAD and modified the design from ATB Seahorse Feeder. The total material cost is only around $2-$3.
Not only is the feeder a great way to target feed your seahorses; it also minimizes the amount of food being 'lost' to the aquarium. A 3D printer can make all these so much easier.
And the finished result is ready to use in your seahorse tank after a bit of clean-up. The photo at the beginning of this post is the resulting prototype printed on Graber’s Makerbot. Total cost: $2-$3 in plastic. Shane Graber has also provided the model on www.thingiverse.com for those of you wishing to print one out for yourselves.
What would you print if you had a 3D printer?
