Terraria: Making a crystal shard farm that is not overly tedious

Crystal shards grow on pearlstone and pink ice (Hallow biome). These are useful in many ways. Crystal bullets are amazing for how common they are, it sells really well for how common it is, and is a ingredient for some magical weapons and other items (Magical harp, etc). 

Assuming you are able to survive the hallow, the hard part is FINDING the darn things. This is why farming it is such a good idea.

The farm needs to maximize free space for the shards to grow and have enough stone for the chances to be in your favor. The checkerboard pattern is the best but also takes the longest to do with the addition of actuators and wiring. You can make a farm based off actuators and activated by a switch/pressure plate/your choice. But this can take forever as said before. The most practical AND doable pattern is probably rows of pearlstone/pink ice with 2 blocks in between but also not the most efficient. For a good mix of the two, go with rows seperated with 2 blocks in between. Then within the row break every other block. Repeat for the other rows but the blocks are not directly above or below each other. It's easier to explain with pictures. 

https://terraria.gamepedia.com/Crystal_Shard

This link above has a picture of what I'm talking about with the farm design along with the wiring. 

The key is being patient. Again. To pass the time fishing does the trick (and get some sweet stuff along the way while doing so depending on what biome you are fishing in). Or anything that takes a while to do really.