rubbermaid contribute to algae?

[crimsoncoral]

A few months ago someone posted something in regards to rubbermaid containers causing adverse conditions to a reef tank. I can't seem to find the thread. Does anyone have any information on this? Thank you.

 

[esmithiii]

I have had a rubbermaid sump for over a year without any problems. One LFS in the area was owned for many years by Tullock uses them througout the store as sumps also without problems.

E

 

[DeathWish302]

Well, rubbermaid products are made of recycled plastics. If you get a bad batch of plastics in there it can leach phosphates and other nasty toxins into your water cloumn. If you use the brute trashcans and food-safe rubbermaid containers then you'll be safe. But why a rubbermaid sump??? For the cost of the sump and the cost of lumber for bracing, i'd rather spend the money for acrylic and DIY one, or just buy a glass aquarium. I don't think it's worth laying new carpet b/c the sump walls collapsed.

Just my $0.02,
DW302

 

[sub trate]

They have a USDA approved version of rubbermaid containers......But they are 40$ for a 20 gallon

 

[esmithiii]

DeathWish:

Not to banter, but the likelyhood of a "bad batch of plastics" is extreemly low. I work with injection molding manufacturers all the time. If the batch is bad, the product falls apart.

The acrylic alone for a DIY sump is 20 times the cost of a rubbermaid container, not to mention the time to put the thing together.

Rubbermaid is sold as watering troughs for livestock, keeping food, etc. Heck, I use rubbermaid containers to hold leftovers that I give my baby! Its safe.

 

[yznhmr]

i have all rubbermaid(type) sump , topoff, refugium, mixing container, had algee before i added, still have algee(less, now i added a refugium..lol)

 

[Chucker]

As I recall, one issue of concern has been that some of the containers may contain mild bactericides, and might adversely affect your critter populations. Sorry, but I don't recall which ones, so don't quote me on this.