
The Problem
I am re-doing the airline setup for my aquarium. I needed some of the little airline hose inserts and didn't have any, so my wife said "Why don't you print some?". I looked to do this, but couldn't find any pre-made STLs, so I took to designing them myself.
The Design
These were designed in Shapr3D. I measured an existing airline flow control valve and determined that the outside diameter of the nozzle tip, was 4.2mm, with a 2.5mm inner diameter. I replicated this as close as possible, with the nozzle starting at 7mm with a taper down to roughly 4mm and an inner diameter of 3mm.
The Print
I recommend printing these in PETG or another non-soluble filament (PLA will dissolve in the water over time, while not harmful to the fish, it will cause some grief).
I printed these at 0.15mm resolution at a speed of 70mm/s. I use Overture PETG with a recommended range of 230 - 250, I printed these at 245 to reduce stringing, you will likely need to come back with a heat gun after the print to clean them up.
I also recommend using organic supports on the T & Elbow and printing them upright, this gave the best quality IMO. See the pictures for ideas.
Aquarium Airline Hose Connectors
by Billy Bryant · original on Printables ↗
Hobby & Makers / Mechanical Parts
♥ 225⬇ 2.0k🖨 2 prints
Print profiles
Airline Tube Connector - Striaght.stlDEFAULT
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
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Airline Tube Connector - 90 Elbow.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
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Airline Tube Connector - Tee.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print