Materials chosen for the way you use them
A decorative vase and an aquarium accessory have different jobs to do. We use two main materials, PLA and PETG, and choose between them according to the design and its intended use.
PLA for detailed designs and indoor décor
PLA is a rigid, hard-wearing plastic made from plant sugars rather than crude oil, usually corn starch or sugarcane. It holds fine detail better than anything else we print, which is why the planters, vases and decor pieces are PLA. It begins to soften around 60 degrees Celsius, so keep it away from a radiator, a car dashboard in summer, or a basking lamp.
PETG for moisture resistance and added toughness
PETG is the same family of plastic as a drinks bottle, modified to be tougher and far less brittle. It shrugs off water and humidity, it does not cloud or swell after months submerged, and it tolerates heat better than PLA, softening around 80 degrees Celsius. Everything we make for aquariums, terrariums, vivariums and paludariums is PETG for those reasons.