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Coral "Photo Booth" Stand (1 Viewer)

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Tenny

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This is something I've been thinking about for some time... I've wanted a way to photograph the corals easily nice and close with a macro-lens (phone camera). I talked to the guys at Building an Obsession at ReefCurrents and they said they built a really elaborate one at one point but it was so difficult it wouldn't be worth it.

So I stepped back and decided to do the simplest route I could think of and created two. One uses a piece of polycarb I had laying around and the other is fully 3D printed. I used epoxy covered N48 magnets I found on Amazon with same day shipping. I don't plan on "leaving" these in the tank 100% of the time, but they should be safe for that. Both are set so that it raises the plug to about a 15 degree angle towards the front so that the camera can get a better picture from outside the glass.

I am working on adding a lip to the "single" one so that you don't see the tank in the background, but I'm experimenting how much is the right amount so that it doesn't cut out the light.

Single Frag "Stand"
printed.png IMG_20190509_124602.jpg

Multi-Frag Stand - The Polycarb is just pressure fit in, so I can make different sizes very easily depending how much I want to photograph.
polycarb.png IMG_20190511_174603.jpg IMG_20190512_110357.jpg

Some example shots of some of the Zoa's I've acquired recently
IMG_20190512_111327.jpg IMG_20190512_111331.jpg IMG_20190512_111344.jpg MVIMG_20190512_111351.jpg
 

MrJoe

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Good Job. Very simple to print of the 3D printer. Looks like you won't even need any supports. did you place the files on Thingiverse? id print this in a heart beat! or are you going to sell them?
 
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Tenny

Tenny

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Thanks, I certainly will release the files on thingiverse when I am a bit more happy with them. I don't remember what the actual thickness of the polycarb so that may be frustrating to others. The magnets are 1 1/4" x 1/8" and so far they feel pretty strong. I really don't want to go down the road of making variations for every random size though.

As far as selling them... I wouldn't mind selling like the single ones if I get it to a point I like it. It's easy to make and super easy. The polycarb one is just a tad more frustrating with getting the materials and everything.

Printing this one now. Hopefully won't block the light.
Annotation 2019-05-12 162629.png
 

MrJoe

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You'd be surprised some people actually donate when they download a STL. They can remix it for their tank just request they tag you so its all linked. i would of remixed it for mine. i would need to find magnets for 3/4" glass.

I kind of would want some of them on the back glass but leaning at a 45 down instead of up. or just copy/ rotate 45' and merge on the Multi-Frag Stand to make it multi angle.

I like the new one.

what are you printing them in?
 
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Tenny

Tenny

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You'd be surprised some people actually donate when they download a STL. They can remix it for their tank just request they tag you so its all linked. i would of remixed it for mine. i would need to find magnets for 3/4" glass.

I kind of would want some of them on the back glass but leaning at a 45 down instead of up. or just copy/ rotate 45' and merge on the Multi-Frag Stand to make it multi angle.

I like the new one.

what are you printing them in?

I've yet to get any donations from my STL's on thingiverse and I have over 5,000 downloads at this point. I don't ask for donations at all, but I did add my info to the tip designer button. That's a good point they could just remix it.

45 is pretty steep, I could make one with a few different angles though. The way I am imaging it would increase the size a good amount, but having like a partial up, flat, and a partial down wouldn't be too bad.

These magnets hold with my hand in the way, but I agree at 3/4" I'd want about a 1/4 or 1/2" magnet. If you have a printer and want me to send you a file of something (even with changes) just let me know.

I am printing in PETG.
 

MrJoe

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post your Thingiverse link. let me see what you got. i might find something i need. LOL

Heck yea send me some STL's LOL!!!!!! i brought my 3d printer with me offshore so when i get bored its printing time!

yea 45 might be to steep.
email: mrjoev@gmail.com
 
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Tenny

Tenny

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Alright so here's the "newest" version of the "single" frag holder and a picture of it in the tank.
IMG_20190513_080839.jpg IMG_20190513_091205.jpg IMG_20190513_091257.jpg

It's far bigger than I would prefer it to be smaller but this is what was required to "block" the background like I want. I also feel that if it blocks the light another option is to just lower the plug to the point it receives light.

I'll probably post it to thingiverse today.
 

MrJoe

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Came out Super Cool!!!! share link here when you post it so i can see your other stuff. or your name on Thingiverse.
 
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Tenny

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Hey I would like to talk to you regarding the STL file you posted on thingiverse. If there’s any way you can contact me I would really appreciate it!
 

sneezebeetle

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I really appreciate my hubby's 3D print hobby, anything I want or need for my system he plans it out and prints for me, from media baskets and power head covers to pointer sticks and cool test tube holders shaped like something out of star wars. Its a great hobby!
 
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