3D printing fumes and Reef Tanks...

[TheLost]

The transition to 'Work From Home' has been hard on my reef tank. I have a Reefer 350 in my den that was going great until March when my office shut down and i started working next to it. Long story short... I killed off most of my SPS by 'tweaking' things I shouldn't (lights, flow, dosing... and basically looking at it too much).

Flash forward to today and I have restocked my SPS with nicer ($$) frags.... and I'm afraid to even be in the same room with it (joking.. but not joking)

It took a long way to get to my question... but.. I also have a large 3D printer in my den and I need to do some long 10+ hour prints. Has there been any talk (i searched) about the fumes created from 3D printing and reef tanks? I only use PETG... which is mostly odorless, but I don't want to kill off the (larger than my wife knows) purchase of new SPS.

Yes, I could move the printer.. but its large and my wife doesn't like it 'out in the open'.

What are your thoughts on 3D printing in the same room as a reef tank?

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

As far as VOCs/fumes goes, PETG is one the best in term of not putting very much off. Here's one such study that includes lots of data and quite a few plastic types

Characterization of particulate and gaseous pollutants emitted during operation of a desktop 3D printer

The emission of ultrafine particles (UFP) and gaseous pollutants from 3D printing has been increasingly gaining attention in recent years due to poten…

www.sciencedirect.com

I wouldn't worry about it too much, as long as you have an average amount of circulation in the room - i.e. you're not working and printing and reefing in a large closet for example.

Now, if you switch to ABS , there could be an issue, only because those types of filaments put off much more VOCs than PETG does but then again, in a well ventalted room, and just one large printer, probably not much of an issue.

 

[TheLost]

Now, if you switch to ABS , there could be an issue, only because those types of filaments put off much more VOCs than PETG does but then again, in a well ventalted room, and just one large printer, probably not much of an issue.

Its an average size room (~12x14)... but ventilation is an issue. It's +100° this week outside so opening a window isn't an option, and when I'm working in the room w/my dog at my feet the Ph in the tank plummets (CO2).

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

Its an average size room (~12x14)... but ventilation is an issue. It's +100° this week outside so opening a window isn't an option, and when I'm working in the room w/my dog at my feet the Ph in the tank plummets (CO2).

As far as ventaltion, I was thinking more about stagnate air. We are based out of Phoenix, and it' 115-117 today, so I know exactly what you mean abou not opening any windows - LOL

Maybe try running a CO2 scrubber for the PH issue. Excess C02 will certainly drop your PH and can cause mildly adverse effects.

For any potential issue with the plastic , you might consider an activated carbon air filter. You may find something that would work at you local hydroponics store. Just like the C02 scrubber you would need to pass the air entering the skimmer though the filter somehow. So a litte DYI may be needed.

But agian, if you sticking to PETG, i think there is very little, if any, issue to worry about in terms of your aquarium.

 

[bsr2430]

How about divorce the wife and then move the 3D printer. Total win win. Then you don’t need to lie to anyone on your next big coral purchase.
Don’t ever tell her you’re going to move it and she needs to deal with it. Trust me, or she’ll downgrade you and your tank....

My wife wants to paint the house. Not sure how to go down this path with an open tank and fumes. Let us know how this works out for you!

 

[Ippyroy]

Fish of Hex has 4 printers going nonstop in his basement with multiple tanks. He doesn't seem to have any issues.

 

[pitvi]

adding to this question - resin printing fumes. i guess we all agree that those fumes are nothing that should come close to our reef tanks. i ordered my first resin printer and it will be in a seperate room and it will be closed while printing and gets vented the air out of the room after that.
but i'm still concerned about occasional door openings in between the print to check on it - maybe i'm too concerned? any experiences from you guys here?

 

[BrandoCommando]

Hey! I too have been worried about this. I'm in a smallish room with two tanks and a resin printer. The printer is in an enclosure though I do have IPA and other baths out. I have noticed two of my tanks corals have restricted some. I should mention that I was gone for a week, so I am not sure how much of that is playing into the issue.