Liking This File Will Add It to My Favorites:

Aquarium, Decoration, Easy Project

Floating/Sinking Submarine

Launch a fascinating, customizable centerpiece into your aquarium with the Floating/Sinking Submarine Model! This multi-part STL set includes the detailed Top Half, Bottom Half, and Back Propeller file. The submarine is cleverly designed to offer dual functionality: you can print it fully sealed to float on the surface, or add custom holes to allow water intake and create a realistic sunken effect.

The main halves are designed to be printed as simple, structural cups that are easily joined with glue. This is a rewarding, large-scale project perfect for both Resin (SLA) and FDM printers, requiring minimal external hardware.

Download This STL File

(Non-Commercial License)

—– OR —–

Memberships starting at $14/month

-Unlimited Downloads

-Commercial License Available

-Cancel Anytime

_
Get Unlimited Downloads

Share This Design:

Recommended Settings

Assembly & Installation

Changelog

Recommended Settings

⚙️ Recommended Print Settings

This is a structural, multi-part print. We highly recommend water-resistant and durable materials for the main body.

FDM/Filament Settings (Recommended for Structure)

Material: PETG or ABS. Highly durable filament is necessary for the structural integrity and longevity in water.
Layer Height: 0.2 mm. Standard layer height.
Infill Density: 0%. No structural support is necessary for the shell.
Wall/Perimeter Count: 3-4. Ensures strong seams for gluing and prevents leakage after assembly.
Orientation (CRITICAL): Print the Top and Bottom Halves with the open side facing down (like cups) to simplify slicing and ensure smooth external surfaces.

SLA/Resin Settings (Recommended for Detail)

Material: Standard UV Resin (Grey or specialty colored).
Layer Height: 0.05 mm or finer.
Orientation (CRITICAL): Print the Top and Bottom Halves with the open side facing down for quick cleaning and curing. Minimal supports may be needed for internal structural details.
Preparation: Since the halves are open-bottomed, no hollowing is needed.

Important: Always thoroughly clean your final print before placing it in an aquarium. Avoid using metal-filled or abrasive filaments. For long-term use, ensure your chosen material is chemically stable in water.

Assembly & Installation

🛠️ Preparation & Post-Processing Steps

This project requires careful assembly and sealing to achieve the desired floating or sinking function.

Buoyancy Customization (Choose Function)

Floating Submarine: Print the halves and propeller. Proceed to assembly without adding any holes to the body. The trapped air inside will keep the model buoyant.
Sinking Submarine: Before printing, use the slicer software to add one or two small holes to the top half (ideally near the highest point or a turret). These holes will allow water to slowly fill the model, causing it to sink and rest naturally on the substrate.

Assembly (Glue Required)

Preparation: Print the Top Half, Bottom Half, and Propeller. Clean all parts thoroughly.
Test Fit: Ensure the two main halves fit together cleanly. Sand or trim any edges if necessary.
Gluing (CRITICAL): Apply a generous, continuous bead of aquarium-safe super glue (cyanoacrylate) around the entire rim of the bottom half. Press the top half onto the bottom half firmly and hold until the glue sets. A fully sealed seam is mandatory.
Propeller: Glue the back propeller into its designated slot once the main body is cured.
Curing: Let the entire model cure for at least 24 hours before introducing it to water.

Cleaning (CRITICAL)

Before placing the model in your tank, wash it thoroughly to remove all residues (including any super glue residue). A final thorough water rinse is highly recommended.

📦 Required External Tools

- Aquarium-Safe Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate): MANDATORY for assembling the two main body halves.

Changelog

📝 Changelog

Keeping our designs current and addressing user feedback is a priority. This tab will track all official updates to the STL files found in this download.

Version V1.0

Date: 11/26/2025
Notes: Initial Release.Clean STL files provided for 3-part set (Top Half, Bottom Half, Propeller). Designed for user-defined floating or sinking functionality.

Ask Questions, Give Feedback, Show Us How It Turned Out...

Responses

You must be logged in to post a comment.