Home depot orange buckets, safe? who uses?

[dp28688]

Ive read in previous post that those buckets are not reef safe. I have one i been using no problems, but i dont store longterm usually fill it to mix then to tank within day or so. So who uses them with no prob, or has anyone had problem? I know better safe than sorry just curious.

here previous post
http://www.bostonreefers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=70071&highlight=home+depot+bucket

 

[phaedraeos]

I've never noticed a problem, and I've mixed water in them for a few days at a time.

FWIW, Home Depot also sells whitish/clear plastic buckets that have a foam handle. A few bucks more, but oooooh sweet foamy hand comfort! The orange lids fit them as well.

 

[stevenp]

I've been using them consistently in my system for a couple years now. I haven't noticed any problems.

I'd be interested to know what specific potential hazards the orange dye poses.

 

[RayD]

I've been using them for years. Nothing unusual to report.

We also use them in the shop.

 

[brokereefer]

same here ^^^^^^

 

[Blueflu1]

There fine. I have been using them for FW for 10 years and salt for 3 years. The color is in the plastic so I would not worry about dyes.

 

[tjone2008]

buckets

I also use them with out any problems.

 

[Jocko]

Used them for a few years so far. Never had a problem. Of course its not like I'm leaving water in them for 6 months at a time. 5 gallons of water only lasts so long before it gets used up.

 

[JohnK]

I tried to research this a bit when it came up before.

I was not able to find any accounts of anyone even wondering if the orange buckets had actually harmed anything.

What I did find was several accounts of people who were wondering so they called the mfg and asked - all were told the buckets were not food grade (or aquarium safe if the people asked).

I suspect that this may be more a case of "we haven't tested these and gotten approval to call them food safe", more than a case of "these DO leeach out X, Y and Z toxins". Kind of like how southdown was "not intended for aquarium use" as well as Dow flake and mag flake. Of course that's just speculation on my part though.....

 

[Blueflu1]

I tend to agree with you Jimmy. I don't suspect that they would cause any harm. Probably just an cover your A** for them.

 

[JohnK]

Yea, but on the other hand there is the argument of;

"why take any chance of harming your livestock, however remote the chance may be, to save a buck?"

Has anyone ever looked into the reef safeness of the white HD buckets?

 

[Liam]

Yea, but on the other hand there is the argument of;

"why take any chance of harming your livestock, however remote the chance may be, to save a buck?"

Has anyone ever looked into the reef safeness of the white HD buckets?

I believe the same company supplies HD with the white buckets.When the company was asked about the orange buckets they stated the white buckets would be OK.

 

[tonka]

Last one I bought was also on sale about $3 with lid.

 

[Blueflu1]

Petco used to sell buckets in the aquarium section. Not sure if they still do. They were blue (again with the color question). They were good though because you never mixed them up with other buckets. I have about 20 orange and white ones at my house.

 

[phaedraeos]

This reminds me of the issue I had with GE Silicone I, which clearly says on the back "not for use in aquariums," yet is the brand and product most commonly used to reseal aquariums. (The issue was that I went to the store, looked around for 45 minutes for silicone that was approved for aquarium use, didn't find any, went home, looked up what to use, went back, and bought it. No further issues after the 2 hour waste of time.)


I agree that it sounds like lawsuit prevention tactics. I would definitely be interested in more info if anyone can find it, though.

 

[Bobbofin]

The silicone is a REAL issue! Do NOT buy silicone with BioSeal anti-bacteria/mold inhibitor in it. If it doesn't state it has it in it you're safe. About three or four years they stated making it with that in it.

 

[phaedraeos]

Sorry, I wasn't trying to derail the thread here. GE Silicone I doesn't have any inhibitors in it, it's GE Silicone II that I believe you're thinking about. I agree, huge difference.

 

[JohnK]

IIRC there are silicone 1 products with additives as well, just not all of them.

 

[Mini4x]

Kimballs Ice Cream sells lightly used food grade 5 gallon pails.

 

[Jocko]

Yeah I don't know, is orange coloring more toxic that white coloring? It's not like plastic is naturally white. Me thinks to be food grade means passing certain tests and having to maintain an extra level of control over the manufacturing processes. All of that are expenses an HD bucket wouldn't need. That doesn't necessarily mean they buckets are made from something different. They just aren't certified. But the good thing is that there are plenty of alternatives.