DIY Archives - Coral Ever After

DIY Frag Kit

reefdup DIY April 21, 2022April 21, 2022aquarium, bone cutters, christmas, coral dip, dipping, DIY, epoxy, father's day, Frag Plugs, fragging, gift, holiday, present, scalpel, toenail clippers, UV light 0 Comment

Do you have a special reefkeeper in your life that deserves a handmade-with-love gift? Or… more realistically… it may just be a present to yourself. This simple project only takes a few minutes to put together and organizes your basic frag supplies in a neat kit.

I’d like to thank my very dear friend, Kevin, for the idea. He gave it to me as a present many years ago (which I still have), and what a wonderful present it was! I previously had a “frag box”… a small tote that held everything haphazardly… and left me subject to getting a scalpel stab while searching for super glue. This new, handy tote is rather inexpensive, and it keeps everything well-organized.

Supply List:

What supplies you use is totally up to you! But, this is a handy list just to get you started. Other ideas are in the links below.

Organizer Box (~$15 USD)
Bone Cutters or Toenail Clippers (~$7 – $20+ USD)
Frag Plugs (~$10 – $20 USD)
Super Glue Gel (~$8 USD)
Bridal Veil Fabric (~$4 USD)
Rubber bands (~$3 USD)
Scalpel Knife (~$8 USD)
UV and Regular Flashlight (~$15 USD)
Pan Scraper (~$3 USD)

Organizer Box:

First up is the container. Mine was from Harbor Freight (a U.S.-based hardware store), but you could always use fishing tackle boxes, craft organizers, etc. This option is similar: Organizer Box (~$15 USD)

Frag Cutters:

A frag kit wouldn’t be complete without some way to frag, so I highly recommend some “Bone Cutters” or heavy duty Toenail Clippers (ok, I’ll wait while you make a silly face over that one.) But seriously, I love the Toenail Clippers, as they’re just the right size for my hands, and they’re less than $7 USD (They also lasted me 14 years, previously)! Specialty aquarium stores typically sell larger ones that are great for cutting really thick frags. They also come in powder-coated versions for longer life. I have a pair of the powder-coated ones, and while they’re beautiful, I still like my $7 set better.

Frag Plugs

Since this is a frag kit, Frag Plugs are always a good idea (unless you have several hundred frag plugs already on hand as I do.) I keep my frag plugs in separate containers, organized by size; however, I do keep a few plugs in the kit just in case I need a few quickly.

Super Glue

Of course, to go along with the cutters and plugs, super glue is a must-have. Super Glue Gel is typically the go-to choice, but coral epoxies and specialty glues are great as well. Before the “dollar stores” became the “$1.25 and up” stores with even less product, I used to buy all of my glue there (in bulk, dozens at a time, which earned me some strange looks). Nowadays, some of the bulk buys on Amazon aren’t too bad.

Bridal Veil Fabric

If you’re fragging soft corals, like mushrooms, you may want to consider having some bridal veil fabric on hand. This is really useful to put over the coral so that it doesn’t float away in the current.

Rubber Bands

Rubber bands are helpful to tie down Xenia or other leather corals to the frag plugs. It is also an easy way to secure the bridal veil, mentioned above, to the frag plug.

Dipping Supplies:

I also use my “frag kit” as a “coral dip kit,” so I have other items in it. I, personally, keep my scalpel separate since I don’t have a cover for it (they’re meant to be disposable, but I keep mine), and I really prefer to not cut myself. If you decide to keep a scalpel knife in the box, please either cover it, or use disposable blades.

I also like a dental pick kit, like these on Amazon (although I got mine from Harbor Freight). They’re great for getting muck out of tiny crevices, knocking of eggs, etc.

Pipettes are always handy to have around, including for various household purposes. I end up buying them in bulk every few years. Typically I use them for dipping and feeding corals, but also for cleaning the rock work.

Flashlight:

I keep an LED light handy in the kit to help inspect corals when I get them. Although it’s not pictured, I do use a UV light, like this one, to help look for pests and other problems.

Other Odds and Ends:

I also keep random items that don’t fit elsewhere in my kit, such as measuring spoons (e.g., tablespoon, teaspoon) and this plastic scraper made for cleaning kitchen pans. It actually does a great job cleaning algae off aquarium equipment (especially off acrylic surfaces).

Safety Equipment:

And, of course, no kit is ever complete without some sort of safety equipment. I keep a pair of gloves in my kit, and my safety glasses and fragging face shield aren’t far away. If you’re looking for gloves, I recommend powder-free nitrile gloves. Latex is ok (as long as you aren’t allergic), but they aren’t quite as puncture-resistant. I have to admit, I’m not sure of the material of the gloves shown.

Conclusion:

If it wasn’t obvious, just place all of the items neatly in the container, close it up, and voila, it’s an awesome gift! Ok, you might want to add a bow on top.

Depending on the items, this kit could range $30 – $50 USD. If this is a self-present, and your significant other balks at the price, just remind him/ her about how clean it will help you keep your workspace! Of course, you could always start small and just add the items as you go.

If you have other recommendations, post them up in the comments below!

Happy reefing!

DIY Face Shields for Fragging

reefdup DIY February 26, 2022February 26, 20223D printing, corals, DIY, face shield, fragging, fragmentation, ppe, protection 3 Comments

It was the beginning of the pandemic, about March 2020, and, like everyone, I was stuck at home wishing there was some way I could help. My 3D printer was sitting idle, and personal protective equipment (PPE) was in short supply. The moment I came across the National Institute of Health’s Trusted Repository (reviewed for clinical use) of 3D printable PPE, I fired up my printer. Off came face shield after face shield, shipped out to fire fighters and medical professionals in multiple states. But, as PPE supplies came back in supply, my printer slowed down. One day, I had a failed print, and it was bad enough to not ship out. But that was when it hit me – these were the perfect DIY face shields for fragging corals!

Supplies List:

This is a list of what I used to build my DIY face shields for fragging. Note that prices are not included, as this project is not very cost-effective for one face shield. This is likely best done as a club effort or other group project. I’ve included links to the products and 3D print files (please note, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.)

3D printing filament, suitable for the printer available (e.g., 1.75mm PLA)
10mil Report Covers
Button Elastic

3D Printing the Face Shield:

My 3D printer is a Creality Ender 3 Pro, and it has been quite the workhorse. A DIY filament dry box is below, holding all of my filament (or at least that’s all there was at the time!)

I selected the face shield, “DtM-v4.0 Face Shield PPE,” submitted by tprestero. This design was so robust that there was little durability difference noticed between using PLA filament versus PETG. In fact, even after PPE supplies returned to somewhat normal, I had first responders requesting more of these, as these were better than the commercially available face shields. And we just need these for fragging corals!

As for the print/slicing parameters, I used everything as recommended in the file with no issues.

Assembling the Face Shield:

Assembly is incredibly simple. Use a three-hole punch on the binder covers along the 11″ edge. Slip (ok, it’s more like “wrangle”) the binder cover holes over the face shield holes. I found it easiest to start in the center. For comfort, round out the corners of the bottom of the report cover.

Next, slip the button elastic on one end (button elastic not pictured here due to supply issues at fabrication time). Place the shield on your head, and wrap the elastic around the back of your head. Without pulling the elastic, mark where the elastic meets the shield, and then cut the elastic. Place the button elastic onto the face shield nub. Voila! Congrats on your DIY face shield for fragging corals!

Although this is an amazing face shield, I still recommend wearing safety glasses to further protect your eyes.

Then, combine this 3D printed face shield for fragging with the Magnetic Stirrer Coral Dip Station, and you’re all set for a fun (and safe) day of reefkeeping!

Turn it up to 11: Magnetic Stirrer Coral Dip Station

reefdup DIY January 2, 2022January 2, 20223D printing, Coral, coral dip, dip station, DIY, magnetic stirrer, quarantine 2 Comments

Sure, blowing a coral with a pipette while it sits for 10+ minutes in a dip works. So does blasting it with a powerhead. But… I’m a nerd, and nerds must always over-engineer every problem (or non-problem). This project was the result of trying to find the end of the internet one night while researching new 3D printing ideas. I was inspired by ChickenHaunt’s Resin Wash Station over at Thingiverse. With only a minor tweak, I now have an amazing Coral Wash Station! Enjoy “turning it up to 11” with this magnetic stirrer.

Supplies List:

This is a list of what I actually used to build my magnetic stirrer coral dip station, along with estimated prices as of the published date. I’ve included links to the products and 3D print files (please note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.) While other stirrers and containers will still make a nice coral dip station, they may not work with the 3D print file. Therefore, I highly recommend this list since it is all most likely to work well together. I also recommend fluorescent filament for the print file, since the setup will likely be near a reef aquarium (so the filament will glow!) At the end of this post, I’ve included more details about the supplies, along with some other options.

Intllab Magnetic Stirrer: ~$30 USD
3D-printed Rack with fluorescent filament: ~$3 USD, if printing yourself
Magnetic Rods with Retrieval Rod: ~$17 USD
Sistema KLIP IT Lunch Plus Storage Containers: ~$9 USD (recommend getting two sets – or more if you do a lot of dipping)

Coral Dip Station Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Magnetic Stirrer

First, I started with the Intllab Magnetic Stirrer. This is a simple stirrer that does not have a heating option (not necessary for how short coral dips are). Now, if you wanted a coral bath option, I recommend considering a heated magnetic stirrer (but the cost is much greater).

One of the most important qualities of this stirrer is the 316 stainless steel plate due to the corrosive nature of saltwater. (Note: this metal is corrosion-resistant against saltwater, not corrosion-proof. Try to keep the stirrer as clean as possible for the longest life.)

Step 2: Prepare for 3D Printing

My 3D printer is a Creality Ender 3 Pro, which is a “best value” printer in my opinion. The fluorescent green filament I used for the stirrer tank surround is in the storage tub on the left. The black filament used for the rack is on the right.

Step 3: Print and Build

I followed ChickenHaunt’s instructions for the printing and assembly, but there are a few remixes out there on Thingiverse too. Here are a few things I liked/didn’t like along with tips:

– Use solvent weld to assemble everything rather than hot glue and/or super glue
– Assemble the components on the stirrer before gluing; otherwise they may not fit (including the magnetic stirrer and the storage container)
– The strainer platform is quite flimsy

I added a sticker with the infamous quote, “Turn it up to 11!” from the movie, Spinal Tap. There’s no “11” on here, but most of the time I turn the stirrer up to the 4th blue bar. Use trial and error to see what works best for your corals and setup.

Step 4: Add Parts

Once printing and assembly is complete, add the dip container. It should fit snugly into the surround. Of course, the larger containers that ChickenHaunt used would work great for larger corals (but those containers can be difficult to find. I like these smaller ones for frags and small colonies.) Add a magnetic stirrer rod.

Note: The magnetic stirrer kit I recommended includes a retrieval rod. Personally, I try to keep my hands out of coral dip as much as possible for safety. The retrieval rod will pick up the magnetic stirrer rod, thus helping to prevent skin contact with the coral dip. There are additional options at the end of the post.

Now, add the strainer platform with handle. The platform is very flimsy, so whenever I lift out corals, I have to support the handle’s opposite corner. A platform remix would likely fix this, but this still works fine.

Step 5: Test it Out!

Now, just add tank water and medication of choice. Plug in and turn on the magnetic stirrer. I usually turn the knob to the fourth blue bar. Once the medication is adequately dispersed, add in the corals and set a timer for the appropriate dip length.

No more pipette blowing or giant powerhead necessary!

Inspect the corals for damage and health (if you need a primer, check out Assessing Coral Health).

About a minute before the dip time is up, I turn off the magnetic stirrer. This allows the gunk to settle to the bottom. Once the time is up, carefully lift the platform out of the solution (using additional support as necessary).

I have six of these storage containers, as I typically have a three-dip process. Then, I use a fourth container for plain tank water to rinse the corals.

Magnetic Stirrer Coral Dip Station Conclusion:

When I first built this magnetic stirrer coral dip station, of course I was excited. But I had no idea how much it would transform my dip successes. The small footprint combined with the fast water movement made dips easier and more effective.