Rubbermaid Roughneck containers... safe, or not?

[MrSpiffy]

I'm looking for a good container in which to mix new saltwater. I saw the Rubbermaid Roughneck containers at the hardware store and thought they'd be perfect. Does anyone know if these are safe to use? Will they leech anything into the water?

 

[chrisjet]

i use them w/ no probs

 

[dougchambers]

I use them without any problems. We also use one of the Brute cans with an integrated float for fresh RO/DI water.

 

[MrSpiffy]

Awesome. I'll pick one up tomorrow. Thanks, guys! I just wanted to make sure they'd be okay before I just buy one.

 

[James77]

I believe brutes are food grade, the roughnecks are not. The roughnecks walls are also alot thinner. That said, I have used several roughnecks over the years and never had one leak.

 

[Napervegas]

I would recommend using glass tanks, those rubbermaids are made from recycled materials, how do you know what was recycled into the one you buy??? A simple test is to put a lid on one for a few days, open it up and take a smell. You most likely wont want to put anywhere near your reef tank.

 

[ACBlinky]

I've got a bunch that I use for mixing SW, temporary holding tanks for LR or fish, and to carry fish/rock during moves or upgrades. They do have a plastic/rubber smell when they're new. I rinse them in hot water, then add some bleach and rinse well and that takes care of the smell and any dirt. I've never had any issues with Rubbermaid bins, and consider them invaluable tools.

I'm about to move from one city to another (four days and counting, yikes!) and will be carrying ALL my rock, inverts, corals and fish in Rubbermaid bins, and they'll be in the bins (with powerheads/airstones) for up to 24h after we arrive while I set the tanks up again. I wouldn't do this if I had any reservations about Rubbermaid's product - I'm VERY attached to my fish!

 

[onano]

I use a Brute can as my fresh water holding container. No issues. I also mix new saltwater in a rubbermaid tote..no issues

 

[MrSpiffy]

Well, I've heard several times that the main difference between many plastic bins that are food-grade or not is that they leave the plastic smell in water. That would be why many PVC items aren't food-grade, because they leave the smell/taste of plastic in the water/food, despite the fact that it really isn't toxic.

How much of that is true, however, I'm not sure. But if people are using them without consequence, then I'm confident that it will work just fine for me, too. Thanks, everyone!

 

[dcombs44]

I've often heard that the Brute cans are food grade (except maybe the red ones) and are reef safe. I've also heard that the brute cans have an anti-mold/mildew agent in them that could possible leach into the water and lead to problems long term.

I have no experience with either item, but that's my general understanding from reading about them on RC threads.

 

[discocarp]

I highly recommend the Brutes. They are stronger AND food safe. Great cans (I like being able to say that without being slapped!).

 

[MrSpiffy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10651090#post10651090 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by discocarp
I highly recommend the Brutes. They are stronger AND food safe. Great cans (I like being able to say that without being slapped!).

:lol:

 

[Sepeku]

Yah, Good stuff. I have 2 myself.

 

[romanr]

Get the wheels for them! It makes it much easier to move them around.

 

[ricsreef]

Roughnecks wont leach anything,but they have been known to split at the bottom on occasion,the Brute is a better choice for long term use.
And yes the dolly they sell for them makes them mobile.Very easy to roll.

 

[MrSpiffy]

So is there any other place to get the brute containers than Home Depot? I haven't seen them elsewhere, yet.

 

[romanr]

Sam's Club is where I got mine.

 

[MrSpiffy]

ricsreef, where'd you hear about the Roughnecks splitting? Is this a common/known issue? Or something that you heard through the grapevine? I like the tote-style containers, but the Brute ones are hard to find. I can get the Roughneck ones all over.

 

[bureau13]

Yeah, that's why I went with Roughnecks as well...I couldn't find the Brutes. Its a bit too flimsy for a sump or other permanent part of my setup, but I use it exclusively for mixing new saltwater.

jds

 

[dcombs44]

I think the Brutes are more likely to be found at a hardware store such as Lowes, Home Depot, Menards or a place that sells food service equipment.

Someone also mentioned Sams Club earlier.