Plastic container as sump?

[MondoBongo]

This would not pass " the wife test" .....
It looks like you're putting a little stress on that Center brace...lol

It didn't bow that bad. Can't tell from the shot, but it wasn't touching. I had about 1/2" on either side.

My stand had doors on it. So it didn't need to pass the wife test. Just shut the doors and you can't even see it.

 

[CStrickland]

I don't have any pipes do not have sumps on my 40 breeder or 65.... but I do use food grade containers for my mixing stations....brutes
You might be very surprised to hear... But sometimes the less filtration the better

Well, that would make it easier, though you'd be surprised what would surprise me. This being a thread about sumps, the point stands that it seems illogical to fret a lot about the plastic of the sump itself, and then plumb the system with PVC.

Again, NSF food-grade does not mean non-leaching. I think Brute is making some BPA-free bins now, but I haven't seen any discussion of plasticizers. The phthalate class of plasticizers would worry me more than anything else, and I don't think the NSF concerns itself with them.

The basic point is "food safe" is not a reliable indicator of safety / danger in a reef tank. Some of the plastics that NSF says are safe for some things, arent for others. A plastic for storing ice cubes may not be rated for UV exposure, or heat. Certain plasticizers have been phased out of hospital applications because of their hormone effects (ie. women pregnant with male fetuses) but would be safe for adults.

IMO a person setting up a tank would be far better served to look to experienced reefers with thriving long-term tanks. The vast majority of tanks are plumbed with PVC, so even though it's the "worst" number it's probs not going to hurt a tank. Likewise, the vast majority of reefers are using cans without NSF stamp. It's likely money and hassle wasted for a false sense of security.

 

[Cliving1]

Again, NSF food-grade does not mean non-leaching. I think Brute is making some BPA-free bins now, but I haven't seen any discussion of plasticizers. The phthalate class of plasticizers would worry me more than anything else, and I don't think the NSF concerns itself with them.

Well of course NSF rated food grade containters does not mean non-leaching! It means you can safely store dry products in those containers for emergency purposes.

 

[heathlindner25]

My false sense of securitys keep my tank from crashing...lol