Black vs Clear Zip Ties

[Synergy]

Jump to last sentence if you don't care to read!

I built a rock structure for my nano using acrylic rods and zip ties. I decided on clear because they blended in with the dry rock better, but read somewhere that they break down and become brittle in saltwater. I also read that the black zip ties were better protected against UV radiation.

I am using 8" 50lb rated clear zip ties. 6 total, entire rock structure can't weigh more than 7-8 lbs. There are also a few 1/4" acrylic rods in the structure and I'll be using some two part epoxy at some of the joints. It's pretty sturdy and doubt it would break if 1 or even all the zip ties broke but I would hate to put all this work into it now and have something go wrong. Should I re-do my work with black zip-ties? How long should clear zip ties last?

Are black zip ties a better choice for reef applications compared to clear?

 

[Tat2demon]

Makes no difference at all.

 

[kcress]

Has anyone ever even seen a ziptie fail in a tank?

 

[jeff@zina.com]

Clear cable ties break down in UV, not saltwater. In general, there's not enough UV radiation in the tank to be an issue. On a boat they're toast in less than six months. There are UV resistant ties if you're worried.

Jeff

 

[BeanAnimal]

BLACK cable ties are UV protected
WHITE cable ties are not UV protected

Metal Halide lamps produce about 19% of their energy in the UV spectra...

 

[Synergy]

Have any info on UV output of compact fluorescent lights? Will just be using 36watts of CF lighting.

So in theory if I cover the ties with some 2 part epoxy putty like aquamend they wont break down, right?

Sounds like it would just be better to switch to black zip-ties. Are all black zip-ties UV resistant. I know some are specifically marketed as UV resistant but I don't want to pay a mark up if its not necessary.

 

[MarkusII]

Hello,

Has anyone ever even seen a ziptie fail in a tank?

oh yessssss

I was called to two larger tanks to do repair of the collapsed rockwork as it was constructed by the forerunners in hanging the rocks together with zip ties - no zip tie can withstand this for eternity - but the black ones are more durable than the white or cear ones.

regards

Markus

 

[kcress]

Thanks all for the UV/ziptie info.
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I guess I'll just use copper wire.

 

[dzfish17]

For that small of a project I would leave it alone. You have acrylic rods and are going to epoxy the rocks together which should be more than enough for 8 lbs of rock.

Dave