Aquarium-Safe Filaments for 3D Printing: A Comprehensive Analysis of PLA
3D printing has revolutionized many industries, and the aquarium hobby is no exception. 3D printing offers hobbyists the flexibility to design unique and tailored solutions for their aquariums. It ranges from creating custom decorations to functional components like filtration systems and feeding platforms. Nevertheless, one of the most important considerations for aquatic applications is the safety of the materials used. This is particularly crucial when the 3D-printed objects will be submerged in water with living organisms. Let’s take a close look at PLA.
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is one of the most commonly used filaments for 3D printing. This is due to its accessibility, ease of use, and biodegradability. This article explores the suitability of PLA for use in aquariums. It examines its properties and potential risks. It also compares PLA to other filaments when used in aquatic environments.
1. What is PLA?
PLA is a thermoplastic derived from renewable resources, like corn starch or sugarcane. Unlike other plastics, which are petroleum-based, PLA is considered an eco-friendly material because it is biodegradable under certain conditions. Its popularity in the 3D printing world stems from its low melting point. It is also known for its ease of printing and smooth finish. These qualities make it preferable compared to other filaments like ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).
While PLA is lauded for its environmental benefits, questions arise about its suitability for use in aquatic environments. This is particularly true in aquariums where water quality is critical to the health of fish and other aquatic organisms.
2. PLA in Water: Chemical Composition and Breakdown
One of the primary concerns for aquarium use is whether PLA will leach harmful chemicals into the water. PLA, as a bioplastic, does not contain toxic additives like BPA (Bisphenol A) or phthalates. These substances are harmful to both aquatic life and humans. PLA’s chemical composition is benign, but its biodegradability is where concerns for aquarium safety arise.
PLA biodegrades over time. But this happens only under specific conditions. These conditions are found in industrial composting facilities where the temperature exceeds 60°C (140°F). There must also be a consistent level of moisture and microorganisms available to break it down. In an aquarium setting, especially at typical room temperatures, PLA degradation would be significantly slower. There is minimal risk of the material breaking down rapidly or leaching harmful substances into the water. Yet, over extended periods of submersion in water, there is some potential for the material to start breaking down.
For most aquarium hobbyists, this process is slow enough that it does not pose a significant risk. But, it is something to be mindful of, especially in high-temperature setups or marine environments with higher salinity levels. These conditions accelerate degradation.
3. PLA Durability in Aquatic Environments
In freshwater aquariums, PLA is considered stable and durable. It can keep its structure and appearance for extended periods, as long as it is not subjected to extreme temperatures. In typical home aquariums, the water temperature remains between 22°C and 28°C (72°F to 82°F). PLA will hold up quite well in this range.
In saltwater aquariums, PLA degrade more quickly. This is due to the corrosive nature of salt and other minerals found in marine environments. PLA’s biodegradability under such conditions can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it is an eco-friendly material that will eventually break down. On the other hand, it not last as long as other materials, requiring frequent replacement.
4. The Impact on Water Quality and Aquatic Life
The safety of PLA for fish, invertebrates, and other aquatic organisms is a major concern for hobbyists. PLA itself is not toxic, but there are several factors to consider:
- Additives in PLA Filaments: While PLA is considered safe, not all PLA filaments are created equally. Some manufacturers add dyes, colorants, or other chemicals to enhance the filament’s properties. These additives potentially leach into the water, especially when the 3D-printed object is submerged for long periods. It’s essential to use food-safe or aquarium-safe PLA if available.
- Surface Texture: 3D-printed objects often have small grooves and imperfections due to the layering process. These tiny crevices can become breeding grounds for bacteria or algae, especially in an aquarium. In most cases, this is not harmful and can be managed with regular cleaning. Still, it’s worth considering when designing and printing objects for aquatic use.
- Degradation Over Time: PLA slowly degrades in an aquatic environment. There is a possibility of microplastics being released into the water. This is more of a long-term concern. It has not been extensively studied about aquariums. It’s something to be mindful of, especially if you plan to keep sensitive species or coral in your aquarium.
5. Alternatives to PLA for Aquarium Use
PLA may be suitable for many aquarium applications, but it’s not the only filament available. Here’s how it compares to some other commonly used 3D printing materials:
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS is more durable than PLA and has a higher resistance to heat and water. Nonetheless, it is not biodegradable and can release harmful chemicals when heated. ABS also requires a heated bed for printing. It is known for emitting fumes during the process. This makes it less ideal for home use without proper ventilation. ABS is considered less aquarium-safe than PLA due to the potential for leaching chemicals.
- PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified): PETG is often recommended as a safer choice to both PLA and ABS for aquarium use. It is more durable than PLA and less likely to degrade in water. PETG is also resistant to chemicals. It does not leach harmful substances into the water. This makes it an excellent choice for aquatic environments. Still, it can be more challenging to print with compared to PLA.
- Nylon: Nylon is incredibly durable and resistant to wear. This makes it suitable for long-term use in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It is more flexible than PLA. This flexibility can be beneficial for certain applications. Still, it also absorbs water over time. This absorption alters its properties in an aquarium setting.
- Polycarbonate: Known for its strength and heat resistance. Polycarbonate is a more advanced filament. It offers excellent durability in aquatic environments. It is much more challenging to print with. It not be necessary for most aquarium applications where the strength of PLA or PETG is enough.
6. PLA Applications in Aquariums
Despite some of its limitations, PLA can be used effectively in many aquarium applications:
- Decorations: PLA is ideal for creating custom aquarium decorations like caves, rock formations, and plant holders. These objects can be designed to fit the specific dimensions and aesthetic of your tank, giving you total creative freedom.
- Filtration Components: Hobbyists have successfully 3D printed filter parts, like impellers and inlet/outlet tubes, using PLA. While these components degrade over time, they are safe for short- to medium-term use in freshwater aquariums.
- Feeding Platforms: PLA can be used to create feeding platforms or specialized feeders for fish and invertebrates. This makes it easier to give food in a controlled manner.
- Custom Housings: Creating housings for aquarium electronics, like lighting systems or thermometers, is another area where PLA shines. This is due to its ease of use and ability to form complex shapes.
7. Best Practices for Using PLA in Aquariums
If you choose to use PLA for 3D printing in your aquarium, there are several best practices you should follow:
- Post-Processing: After printing, it’s a good idea to sand and smooth the surface of your 3D-printed object. This will remove any sharp edges or imperfections. These could harm fish or other organisms.
- Sealing the Object: Coating your PLA print with a waterproof sealant can help extend its life in an aquarium setting. Epoxy resin or aquarium-safe silicone can be used to create a protective barrier. These materials reduce the chance of water penetrating the object. They also slow down degradation.
- Watch the Object: Over time, check your 3D-printed objects for signs of wear or degradation. Replace them if you notice any weakening. Look for structural changes, especially in high-stress areas like filter parts or mechanical components.
Conclusion
PLA can be a practical and safe choice for 3D printing objects for aquarium use, especially for freshwater setups. Its biodegradability is a potential concern in the long term. But, under normal aquarium conditions, PLA holds up well. It does not pose a significant risk to water quality or aquatic life. By understanding its properties and potential limitations, aquarium hobbyists can make informed decisions about using PLA. They can explore alternatives like PETG or nylon for more demanding applications.
With proper care and post-processing, PLA opens up a world of customization for aquariums. It allows hobbyists to create unique, functional, and aesthetically pleasing designs. These designs can be tailored to their specific needs.
View Sample Safety Data Sheet for PLA