Our Materials: Below the Waterline & On Your Desk
At Reef Ahoy, we’re just a couple of mates with a big love for reefs, aquariums, and the little critters that live in them. We choose materials for each product’s intended use: PETG for our aquarium accessories, PLA for our toys and desk fidgets, and clear epoxy coatings for our aquarium magnets. Our PLA products are not for aquarium use, even when they have a reef-themed design.
We make these choices because they matter to us — and we know they matter to you too.
Why We Use PETG
We use PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) for our aquarium range, including frag racks, feeders and sump organisers. It lets us print practical shapes and colour options to order.
A material name alone is not a guarantee of aquarium safety. Filament additives, coatings, the finished product and its condition matter too. We do not claim that every PETG filament or printed product is suitable for every tank, or that any material can never leach, degrade or fail.
Check the individual product’s intended use, fit and care guidance before putting it in your aquarium. If you are unsure whether it suits your setup, ask us before ordering.
Why PLA for Toys?
Our fun stuff — desk fidgets, shark toys and other collectibles — is printed in PLA (Polylactic Acid) for vibrant colours and fine detail. These are dry, out-of-tank products, not aquarium ornaments. Keep the fun above the waterline: do not put PLA toys or desk fidgets in your aquarium.
We Handle Magnets Differently
Aquarium magnets need care. If water reaches exposed metal, corrosion can develop. Inspect magnetic accessories before use and regularly while they are in service.
We seal our aquarium magnets in clear epoxy, so the coating can be inspected rather than hidden inside an opaque casing.
- Look for cracks, chips or other damage to the coating.
- Check for signs of corrosion and stop using the accessory if you see damage or deterioration.
- Check each product’s glass-thickness and placement guidance; one magnet does not suit every setup.
The coating is intended to separate the magnet from water, but damage can compromise it. Clear epoxy is not a lifetime guarantee — if something looks wrong, remove the accessory and contact us.
From Us to You
We’re not a big company. We’re just a couple of mates who started printing things we wanted for our own tanks — and now we get to share them with you. We design in Brisbane and print in Brisbane and Northern NSW. Our aquarium accessories and desk products have different intended uses, so check the product details before you set sail.
If you ever have questions about how we make things, or ideas for something new, just reach out. We love hearing from fellow reefers.
Intended Use & Care
- Our aquarium range is printed in PETG.
- PLA toys and desk fidgets are not for aquarium use.
- Aquarium magnets are sealed in clear epoxy; inspect the coating regularly and stop using them if damaged.
- Follow the individual product’s fit and care guidance.
- If you are unsure about a cleaning method or a product’s condition, contact us before using it.