Are these clear storage bins reef safe?

[drew930]

I was looking at getting 1-2 of these for my Rubbermaid sump ... one to be a box for skimmer and to hold filter socks and the other (maybe different size) to hold some extra sand or what not....

I am going to use a milk crate to elevate these boxes. Then stick my skimmer inside with a hole at proper operating level to drain into sump.

Here are the clear storage bins I am talking about. I'm looking at Hefty but really any brand would work. Any brands I shouldn't get??

Just wanted to see what everyone thought.

https://m.lowes.com/pd/Hefty-66-Quart-Clear-Tote-with-Latching-Lid/3341164

 

[drew930]

These black ones might even be better??

https://m.lowes.com/pd/Centrex-Plas...-Black-Tote-with-Standard-Snap-Lid/1000198647

 

[Kevin Guthrie]

I've had a similar clear container in my sump as a divider for years, no problems afaik. Bought it at Walmart. Recommend washing any plastics with detergent and a good rinse first to get rid of any possible mold release or other substances.

 

[drew930]

^ Thanks for the response. I figured the my were okay but didn't know if all of them are or certain brands, materials?

Anyone else ?

 

[zachfishman]

Avoid! I used a “food safe” plastic storage bin as a sump for months before finally figuring out it was poisoning my corals. Unless it’s acrylic, ABS, PVC, or polyethylene I do not let it sit in prolonged contact with my system.

 

[mcgyvr]

Avoid! I used a "œfood safe" plastic storage bin as a sump for months before finally figuring out it was poisoning my corals. Unless it's acrylic, ABS, PVC, or polyethylene I do not let it sit in prolonged contact with my system.

blah... I'm highly skeptical that a food safe container was poisioning your corals.. Being that it actually had a "food safe" rating meant it has gone through additional testing that many other containers do not.. As such it has been deemed "human safe" and I just fail to see how that would cause a coral problem.. Coincidence was likely IMO..

I have been using all sorts of plastic containers/totes in my systems for years without issue.. The clear plastic totes are fine and I've used many other colors/shapes/sizes too..
If its plastic of any kind I don't worry and will and have used it..
Plastic is basically inert.. The only thing I do is a quick rinse/wipe down with vinegar..

 

[d-man]

^this

 

[cincyjim]

I've been using that container (first link) as my ATO since I began the hobby, 6 plus years ago, and have never had an issue with it. All I did was wipe it down and filled it up.

 

[zachfishman]

blah... I'm highly skeptical that a food safe container was poisioning your corals.. Being that it actually had a "food safe" rating meant it has gone through additional testing that many other containers do not.. As such it has been deemed "human safe" and I just fail to see how that would cause a coral problem.. Coincidence was likely IMO..

I have been using all sorts of plastic containers/totes in my systems for years without issue.. The clear plastic totes are fine and I've used many other colors/shapes/sizes too..
If its plastic of any kind I don't worry and will and have used it..
Plastic is basically inert.. The only thing I do is a quick rinse/wipe down with vinegar..

I went through a lot of troubleshooting before replacing that sump. The reversal in my corals' health was quick and dramatic following its replacement (I'd share the thread if photobucket hadn't recently botched everyone's embedded pics). Many others do successfully use plastic storage bins without issue, so I may have gotten a bad one, but I still recommend avoiding them.

 

[FoxFace Fish]

I have never had a problem with them

 

[mcgyvr]

(I'd share the thread if photobucket hadn't recently botched everyone's embedded pics).

That hasn't been fixed here yet?
What are the admins here waiting for?

I use the photobucket fix extension for chrome personally..
That or when needed I just append the ~original to the url for the image and it shows up again..
That same trick can be done "in mass" to the entire RC database and be fixed in minutes...

 

[MondoBongo]

These black ones might even be better??

https://m.lowes.com/pd/Centrex-Plas...-Black-Tote-with-Standard-Snap-Lid/1000198647

i use lots of these for all kinds of things in my setup. i used to use them for storing and mixing saltwater, until i upgraded tanks and needed a larger container.

as far as i have observed they're perfectly safe. although it's never a bad idea to rinse them out real well before their first. that's true of anything you use with the tank though.