3D printed parts or magnets in dosing container

[Loggerhead]

This may not be the correct place for this, but I am concerned about chemical reactions and things breaking down so I thought here would be best.

I am wanting to add float switches to my alk, calcium and mag dosing reservoirs. The float switch holders I have found are either pla or petg materials and I can go with or without magnetic mounts. Without would require a slight modification to the reservoirs so I would like to avoid this if possible. Do I need to worry about either of the printing materials breaking down in the solutions or the solutions reacting with the magnets and poisoning my tank? Thanks in advance.

 

[erk]

Depends on the type of magnets as well. I honestly would stay away from magnet holders as they are typically going to be rare earth types encapsulated in epoxy. No idea if the epoxy could hold up. Rare earth magnets would definitely corrode if exposed. Ceramic ferrite will rust a bit, probably not good for two part. The PLA will breakdown quickly in the alkaline levels of two part solutions. Petg probably not, would probably test in a spare container before committing. Best to keep everything inside the solution containers plastic.

 

[Loggerhead]

Thanks. Would standard mechanical float switches be ok or do I need to look for optical ones?

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

I have used ABS without any issue of it breaking down before. My first couple PLA printed media baskets didn't break down but I hear that they are less durable overtime. As far as switches do I think anything works well but the mechanical ones I have used are pretty terrible with determining small changes in level height. I would suggest optical.

 

[Loggerhead]

From what I have read the optical switches in the Neptune ddr’s have a horrible failure rate which is why I was leaning towards mechanical. My real concern is more of the switches deteriorating over time due to being in the solutions. I don’t mind replacing them every year or two if necessary, but I don’t want them to break down and leach some sort of metal into the solutions.