Hi Randy,
I am in the 3D printing industry and have begun printing things for my tanks.
I printed my overflow box. I used ABS, but before installing it and starting my tank, I put it in a 5g bucket and let it cycle in RODI for a couple weeks - just to make sure that anything that could/might leach from it was gone. It's been 10 months since I installed it and my tank is thriving, so I'm assuming what I did with ABS was safe/effective.
This may have been unnecessary, though, and I'd like to begin printing some pieces to attach corals too and to place clams on so that they can attach.
PLA is a common material, but I'm worried it will breakdown or break apart fairly quickly in a reef environment. Also, because it's corn based, I'm concerned it may leach an organic that will feed something I don't want in my tank.
ABS is an option.
I'm most curious about nylon. Specifically nylon 6 or nylon 6/9, because they are extremely durable and non-reactive.
Very interested to hear what you suggest and what chemistry comes into play.
Thanks in advance for your time and help.
Cheers
I am in the 3D printing industry and have begun printing things for my tanks.
I printed my overflow box. I used ABS, but before installing it and starting my tank, I put it in a 5g bucket and let it cycle in RODI for a couple weeks - just to make sure that anything that could/might leach from it was gone. It's been 10 months since I installed it and my tank is thriving, so I'm assuming what I did with ABS was safe/effective.
This may have been unnecessary, though, and I'd like to begin printing some pieces to attach corals too and to place clams on so that they can attach.
PLA is a common material, but I'm worried it will breakdown or break apart fairly quickly in a reef environment. Also, because it's corn based, I'm concerned it may leach an organic that will feed something I don't want in my tank.
ABS is an option.
I'm most curious about nylon. Specifically nylon 6 or nylon 6/9, because they are extremely durable and non-reactive.
Very interested to hear what you suggest and what chemistry comes into play.
Thanks in advance for your time and help.
Cheers