General Plastic Question...

[schrocat]

I just found an injection molded box made of plastic...(tan).
It was intended to be used as a planter, but fits the bill perfectly for a sump.
Should I question its use?


The only plastics I have avoided in the past are clearly marked recycled plastic items...trash cans and such.

[addicted2fish]

I would have to say it's better to err on the side of caution. You don't know what grade of resins, colorants, binders, etc. were used in the manufacture of the container. Having been involved in thermoforming, extrusion, and injection molding for a number of years, I can testify firsthand to the presence of a lot of nasties in some of the source materials. This doesn't even consider any mold release agents that may have been used. It would be possible to do an extraction study by letting clean saltwater sit in the box for a period of time and then testing for the presence of organics, but it would be prohibitively expensive.

All that said, it might be perfectly fine. But it would be a hard lesson if it wasn't.

Good luck,
Bill

[schrocat]

a2f,

yeah, I'm not going to risk it...
I'll just stick with items that are approved for food storage.

Unfortunately, all the rubbermaid stuff I'm encountering isn't high enough. Or the footprint is off by a few inches.

Stupid corner tank!!

[Ltspd]

Line the planter with thin, cheap acrylic that is siliconed both to the box and the seams,

The next bright idea will cost you 1.00 ;)

[addicted2fish]

That is a helluvan idea.