Which plastic for aquarium use ?
Any fish keepers here ?
I've got a freshwater setup and can see several little projects I'd like to have a go at when I finally get my Mini but wondered which plastic/s would be best for use underwater and also safe for the fish & shrimp.
Does anyone have any experience ?
RE: Which plastic for aquarium use ?
https://thebeginnersreef.com/are-3d-printed-objects-aquarium-safe/
RE: Which plastic for aquarium use ?
I have a 100 gallon freshwater setup. I used PLA and PETG and coated the former with either Modge Podge Matt sealer or Plasti Dip spray. Both are completely safe. I have had no degradation of my PLA pieces since October 2019 when they were installed. You can also use PETG.
The back wall is done in PETG and the front pieces are PLA.
RE: Which plastic for aquarium use ?
Thanks, interesting about coating the PLA (didn't know about that) and lost lasting too.
I've never used a 3D printer before so I'm glad to see that beginner friendly plastics can be used.
RE: Which plastic for aquarium use ?
When printing objects to put on the bottom of your aquarium, don't forget to set infill to 100%. Otherwise your decorations will want to float.
And, welcome to the community! 🙂
See my (limited) designs on:
Printables - https://www.printables.com/@Sembazuru
Thingiverse - https://www.thingiverse.com/Sembazuru/designs
RE: Which plastic for aquarium use ?
Yes indeed you could use 100% infill. What I did is I printed a base that matches the model outline edges with a Z height that matched the depth of the gravel so that the part would be above the gravel line. The base was sealed to the bottom aquarium glass using aquarium-safe silicone seal ( I have no intention of emptying a 100 gallon aquarium to change the layout :-)).
Parts stay in place, no shifting when you clean the aquarium, or when placing plants next to the models.
Either solution works. I did not have to use 100% infill using this method but certainly would if changing the layout was part of my plans.
RE: Which plastic for aquarium use ?
When printing objects to put on the bottom of your aquarium, don't forget to set infill to 100%. Otherwise your decorations will want to float.
Very disconcerting with that red balloon piece!
But seriously... Is it practical to print parts that are anchored to the aquarium bottom to float, or will they eventually saturate and sink? I suppose a coating could be used to prevent saturation.
RE: Which plastic for aquarium use ?
@bobstro
I made tiny drill holes in some of the pieces that allowed air bubbles to escape. I did coat the surfaces to provide a matte finish. I created the anchor bases for each piece so that the detail of the models would not be buried by the gravel/substrate.
The red balloon piece is doing very well and appreciates your concern for its welfare! 🙂 It is the top of a glow-in-the-dark castle. The apex of the piece has a tiny hole drilled through it to allow any air bubbles that collected under it to escape.
BTW I have been following your posts for several years and have extensively used your fantastic website guide. Now into my third year of printing and making protective gear for my medical practice in Ottawa Canada.
RE: Which plastic for aquarium use ?
[...] BTW I have been following your posts for several years and have extensively used your fantastic website guide. Now into my third year of printing and making protective gear for my medical practice in Ottawa Canada.
Glad the notes are useful. Our push for PPE shields is slowing, but I was glad to be part of the response. Hopefully we won't be in so much of a bind next time around. Stay safe!
Which plastic for aquarium use ?
Make your aquarium decorations safe by using safe materials such as: ceramic, plastic, glass, etc. Also, avoid placing wood, metal, stone, beach sand, etc., coins, seashells, corals, and anything that can be decomposed or consumed in the aquarium to keep your fish safe.