Mostly printed photarium

This photarium is based on a similar design sold in the US but hard to source overseas at the time. It works very well for viewing and photographing fish and other aquatic animals.

The articulated lid helps reduce stress—keeping the chamber closed when not viewing, while allowing you to flip open just the viewing flap. This is especially handy if your country has escape-prone or climbing species (like New Zealand).

Internal tank size is 150mm L x 90mm H x 25mm D

 Parts (3D Printed):

• Base + Lid: Print in PLA, PLA+ or PETG (PETG recommended, but PLA and PLA+ allows for solvent welding – see assembly)

• Hinge Block: Ideally transparent PETG (improves light transmission whilst top flap is closed, but optional)

 Recommended Print Settings (Base part, other parts can have standard settings):

• Infill: 30% (adds weight and keeps top surface flat)

• Walls/Layers: ≥3 perimeters, 5 top & bottom layers (for watertightness)

• Ironing: Optional, improves acrylic to gluing interface (if solvent welding) and reduces dirt trapping on the surface

• Orientation: Print base flat on the bed for a smoother back surface and better bonding area for the glue

• Use a very clean bed and your flavour of bed adhesion - textured PEI worked well for me

 Additional Components:

• Acrylic window: 3mm thick x 155 × 109 mm (SVG provided)

• 2 x Hinge rods: 3.18 mm stainless or brass, cut to 163 mm

• Bungee cord (Optional): 2–3 mm thick, cut to ~400 mm

• Ruler:

  • 150 × 20 mm steel ruler (glued), or

  • Printed/waterproof sticker (SVG provided; allows dual orientation)

  • if you use a clear silicone you can also glue the ruler on the inside of the acrylic on the base before gluing the widow in - this is tricky but an option for those game enough.

 Assembly:

1.  Attach acrylic window

   • if possible, keep the protective film on and use it as a glue mask by only cutting out the section that needs to be glued. Alternatively, use masking tape to protect window from over-glue.

   • Do not use superglue (can fog acrylic when off-gassing)

   • Recommended: if you have the appropriate safety measures, dichloromethane (solvent welds acrylic and PLA) or clear silicone - less hazardous option / better availability 

2.  Attach ruler

3.  Prepare hinge holes

   • Holes are undersized — drill using a long 3.18 mm drill bit for press fit

   • Option: notch a rod and use it to ream the holes

4.  Install hinge rods

   • Press-fit to connect base, lid, and hinge block - do this carefully as its easy to apply too much force and bend the rods. 

5.  Install bungee cord (optional)

   • Thread through hole under ruler

   • Tie under slight tension with lid closed

   • Tuck knot into side cavity (right-hand hole).

       6.  Wait for glue to set before using