+boognish Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 I needed a way to spot feed the corals in the bottom of my tank. I was tired of using a baster or pipette and getting soaked. Not to mention, the refraction when standing over the tank usually resulted in me spot feeding the wrong coral or the water column, I came up with this deep water spot feeder. It cost me less than $2.00 in materials, but I came across the 2oz syringe/plunger on the ground at the free SXSW Flaming Lips show last month. They were sold as the delivery mechanism for Jello shots, but I saw more potential in them... Supplies: 2oz Syringe/PlungerEither go to a show and buy a jello shot, pick one up off the ground (recommended,) or search the internet for "Jello Shot Syringes" 3/8" Inner Diameter PVC - cost: $1.49 Vinyl Tubing (3/8" Outer Diameter) - cost: .27c / foot Vinyl Tubing (Standard air hose used for air stones, etc) - cost: had it laying around Cut the PVC to desired length. Since the PVC I found came in 5' lengths, I cut it into 3' and 2' lengths that I can use for varying depths at different angles. Cut about 1.5 - 2 inch pieces of both hoses and make the tip by fitting the smaller hose into the larger hose. Fit the larger hose into one end of the PVC. I made two of these tips and fit one onto both the 2' and 3' PVC pieces. Fit the other end over the syringe. I did not glue it. It stays on pretty well and I can remove it to use on either length of PVC. Mix up your feeding concoction and spot feed at any depth without getting wet. Attach the stem to the syringe then suck the food mixture into the end of the stem where the flexible hose tip is; not into the plunger first. Before the stem is in the tank, gravity will pull the plunger down, so learn from my product testing and hold the plunger up to keep the food off the floor, the smell out of the room, and the wife off your back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Capt. Obvious Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 Nice write up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(Bio)³ Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 I do this with rigid air tubing, works great and is tiny enough to snake though egg crate and rocks.<br /><br />If you ever need to get a dead critter out these work great for that also just apply suction to the body and lift them out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckyuv Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 They use these plungers at Pete's piano bar downtown, 2 dollar Jell-O shots on Thursdays if you need one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Capt. Obvious Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 I have about 80+ somewhere left over from my wife's F*CK CANCER party last year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mFrame Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 Great write-up and idea, in fact Two LIttle Fishies started selling a commercial version a few years ago. This is of course cheaper. I have about 20 of the syringes available as well (the vet gives me a ton to use for an injection my dog gets). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(Bio)³ Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 If anyone has a syringe with the thumb ring like pictured in the link mike listed, can I get one? I only have ordinary syringes and wanted to find some with thumb rings, but wasn't willing to order just a syringe online. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Mitch Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 +1 for Bio3's request Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 I made something similar in the past, but used a 20oz soda bottle with the bottom cut off as a feeding "bell". Just poke the end of your tube through the screw on top. It allows you to surround the target coral (in some cases not), keep snails and crabs away, and feed. Worked great for my sun coral, and acans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mFrame Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 If anyone has a syringe with the thumb ring like pictured in the link mike listed, can I get one? I only have ordinary syringes and wanted to find some with thumb rings, but wasn't willing to order just a syringe online. Sorry about the thread-jack! $2.35 on Amazon with free shipping http://www.amazon.com/Dynarex-Piston-Irrigation-Syringe-60/dp/B001B5NE38/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364838216&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=control+piston+syringe *Several available on ebay as well, search for "Control Syringe" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(Bio)³ Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 If anyone has a syringe with the thumb ring like pictured in the link mike listed, can I get one? I only have ordinary syringes and wanted to find some with thumb rings, but wasn't willing to order just a syringe online. Sorry about the thread-jack! $2.35 on Amazon with free shipping http://www.amazon.com/Dynarex-Piston-Irrigation-Syringe-60/dp/B001B5NE38/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364838216&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=control+piston+syringe *Several available on ebay as well, search for "Control Syringe" ok fine you twisted my arm, I'll order one online Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Capt. Obvious Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 I am sure there are people along the Rundberg corridor who could tell you where to find syringes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Planeden Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 I have access to a wholesale site that sells oral syringes in bulk (~$15 per 100). But there may be a minium total purchase of $75 (i think the cheaper site has that). Also, I will have to talk it over with some people, but I may be able to work out something where you make a small charitable donation and get some "free" syringes in return. I have not seen the ones with the thumb holes though. We usually have 0.5 mil, 1 mil, and 3 mil. Of course, if you just need a few you can go to any pharmacy and they will usually give a few out for free (ask for oral syringes). I think I have also paid $0.10 a piece at the Randall's pharmacy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.