MarkS
09/13/2003, 12:12 AM
My last thead on this subject was meant to be helpfull, but came across as more of a rant. Following a suggestion from Snailman (sort of...), I think this would be more usefull.
Here is a list of different plastics and some common uses. Not all are used in the aquarium trade directly. Any and all input on this subject would be appreciated as this seems to come up quite offen.
Anyway...
1.) Acrylics (brand name is Plexiglass)
Used to construct aquariums.
2.) ABS
Used in just about every aquarium product in existance from
glass aguarium frames to filters to pump and powerhead
housings. Typically black, but sometimes white.
3.) Vinyls
4.) Polyvinyl Cloride (PVC)
5.) Clorinated Polyvinyl Cloride (CPVC)
Used in most potable water supplies and in aquarium plumbing.
Typically safe unless heated to the burning or smoking point,
where (deadly) toxins are released. I believe this to be > 300°F.
6.) Polyethylene (PE)
7.) High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
8.) Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
9.) Polypropylene (PP)
10.) High Density Polypropylene (HDPP)
11.) Low Density Polypropylene (LDPP)
Used in most potable water containers. Very easy to mold and
safe. FDA and USDA approved for potable water storage. Again,
safe until heated, though this seems to be the case with most
plastics. Caution needs to be taken when using a trash can for
water storage. Some manufactures add fungicides and mold
inhibitors which can leach out. Typically, the white, translucent
containers can be considered safe.
12.) Butrate
I remember seeing on RK2's web site that their 48" diameter
skimmer was made of this. Could be wrong, their site is
currently under remodeling...
13.) UHMW-PE or just UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene )
Chemically inert and very slick. USDA and FDA approved for food
contact surfaces. Used in bearings, cutting boards, chutes, etc.
Used as a bearing in kalk reactors where a magnetic stir bar is
used.
14.) Aceltal (Delrin)
John Guest fittings are made out of this.
15.) Polyurethane
The black plastic pipe fittings and hose barbs are commonly
made out of this.
16.) Polycarbonate (Lexan)
I do not know of any aquarium related use for this. Used in
some green house roofs. Lexan is commonly used in home
windows.
18.) Nylon
Used in bolts, screws, bearing, bushings, pipe fittings and hose
barbs. Very common in the aquarium trade.
19.) Teflon
Chemically inert and FDA and USDA approved for food contact
surfaces. Very slick and offen used in bearings. Used as a
bearing in kalk reactors where a magnetic stir bar is used. Also
used to coat the stir bar.
Thanks, jdieck. How could I forget teflon tape? :o
20.) Polystyrene
I don't know of any direct aquarium use for this. I believe it is
used to make styrofoam?? Could be wrong...
I would like some further input on each type of plastic. If I am incorrect on any point, please correct me. If there are further types of plastics that are safe for aquarium use, please post them along with why they are safe and some examples of their use (preferably in relation to aquariums).
Thanks,
Mark
Here is a list of different plastics and some common uses. Not all are used in the aquarium trade directly. Any and all input on this subject would be appreciated as this seems to come up quite offen.
Anyway...
1.) Acrylics (brand name is Plexiglass)
Used to construct aquariums.
2.) ABS
Used in just about every aquarium product in existance from
glass aguarium frames to filters to pump and powerhead
housings. Typically black, but sometimes white.
3.) Vinyls
4.) Polyvinyl Cloride (PVC)
5.) Clorinated Polyvinyl Cloride (CPVC)
Used in most potable water supplies and in aquarium plumbing.
Typically safe unless heated to the burning or smoking point,
where (deadly) toxins are released. I believe this to be > 300°F.
6.) Polyethylene (PE)
7.) High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
8.) Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
9.) Polypropylene (PP)
10.) High Density Polypropylene (HDPP)
11.) Low Density Polypropylene (LDPP)
Used in most potable water containers. Very easy to mold and
safe. FDA and USDA approved for potable water storage. Again,
safe until heated, though this seems to be the case with most
plastics. Caution needs to be taken when using a trash can for
water storage. Some manufactures add fungicides and mold
inhibitors which can leach out. Typically, the white, translucent
containers can be considered safe.
12.) Butrate
I remember seeing on RK2's web site that their 48" diameter
skimmer was made of this. Could be wrong, their site is
currently under remodeling...
13.) UHMW-PE or just UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene )
Chemically inert and very slick. USDA and FDA approved for food
contact surfaces. Used in bearings, cutting boards, chutes, etc.
Used as a bearing in kalk reactors where a magnetic stir bar is
used.
14.) Aceltal (Delrin)
John Guest fittings are made out of this.
15.) Polyurethane
The black plastic pipe fittings and hose barbs are commonly
made out of this.
16.) Polycarbonate (Lexan)
I do not know of any aquarium related use for this. Used in
some green house roofs. Lexan is commonly used in home
windows.
18.) Nylon
Used in bolts, screws, bearing, bushings, pipe fittings and hose
barbs. Very common in the aquarium trade.
19.) Teflon
Chemically inert and FDA and USDA approved for food contact
surfaces. Very slick and offen used in bearings. Used as a
bearing in kalk reactors where a magnetic stir bar is used. Also
used to coat the stir bar.
Thanks, jdieck. How could I forget teflon tape? :o
20.) Polystyrene
I don't know of any direct aquarium use for this. I believe it is
used to make styrofoam?? Could be wrong...
I would like some further input on each type of plastic. If I am incorrect on any point, please correct me. If there are further types of plastics that are safe for aquarium use, please post them along with why they are safe and some examples of their use (preferably in relation to aquariums).
Thanks,
Mark