PicoGrow, PicoTumble & PicoFree Reactors from Printed Aqua

Printed Aqua is the latest company to apply their 3D printing know-how to fun and useful aquarium accessories with a special emphasis on the very smallest of reef tanks. The Printed Aqua catalog includes a small skimmer and a CO2 scrubber but what grabbed our attention the most is their three different reactor models each with a different twist.

The PicoFree is a basic small media reactor for nano tanks with a hang-on design and water inlet and outlets built right into the top of the lid. The PicoTumble is different from the PicoFree in that it is wider but shorter chamber, and has a perforated bottom plate for gentle tumbling or fluidizing of the media compared to the more aggressive spinning action of the PicoFree which is better suited for small amounts of biopellets.

The most interesting of these diminutive reaction chambers has to be the PicoGrow which is similar in design to the other Printed Aqua reactors. The PicoGrow includes a twisting spiral fitting inside to ‘improve’ water flow within, you could argue that it’s not really necessary in such a small diameter tube, but most of all it also comes with a wrap-around LED strip with photosynthesis-driving pink spectrum.

It’s not specifically stated but it appears that the end caps of each reactor is a pressure fitting supported by a large o-ring meaning it’s easier to maintain, but possibly less secure should it come under pressure. All the reactors are designed to be operated in a hang-on orientation and are completely waterproof except the grow LEDs which probably aren’t waterproof, but again this is also not specifically stated.

Priced between $49 to $69 the innovative small reactors are actually a very attractive price and value, especially since they come with the vinyl, fittings, zip ties and everything needed except the pump. Printed Aqua makes most of their 3D printed offerings built to order so it might take a few days for the product to ship out but we think they’ve got some very compelling accessories for the smallest of reef tanks.

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Jake Adams

Jake Adams has been an avid marine aquarist since the mid 90s and has worked in the retail side of the marine aquarium trade for more than ten years. He has a bachelor’s degree in Marine Science and has been the managing editor of ReefBuilders.com since 2008. Jake is interested in every facet of the marine aquarium hobby from the concepts to the technology, rare fish to exotic corals, and his interests are well documented through a very prolific career of speaking to reef clubs and marine aquarium events, and writing articles for aquarium publications across the globe. His primary interest is in corals which Jake pursues in the aquarium hobby as well as diving the coral reefs of the world.