Mythbusting – Toxic Fire Retardants

[jschall]

last post 4 months ago, I know... but it has to be said:

Why the HELL would you risk hundreds or thousands of dollars of fish, so you can save a few bucks on some polyfil? The obvious, sensible thing to do is to at least buy polyfil that doesn't have flame retardant in it, or better yet buy polyfil that's advertised as "made for aquariums" so you have someone to sue if it all goes wrong.

This has proved that one type of polyfil with one type of flame retardant in it doesn't cause noticable, short term problems to fish in water that it has been soaked in for only 3 days.

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18430/si1382113/cl0/bigalsfilterfloss20sqft
$10. From a website any fishkeeper on here probably orders from at least every few months anyway. The polyfil I use, I replace maybe every 3 months.

Why someone would risk so much to save something like $5-20 a year is BEYOND ME.

 

[Blue2Fyre]

Because it's not a risk if you get the 100% polyester stuff. So much aquarium stuff is marked up for no good reason. Why not get something that's the same thing for cheaper? It's not just this stuff but there are many other things out there not specifically for aquariums that people use.
Pot scrubbers
Kyron fusion paint
shop lights

And why not? Many other people have used these products and others without ANY bad side affects. A few dollars here and there adds up. Especially with larger set ups.

 

[jschall]

Because it's not a risk if you get the 100% polyester stuff. So much aquarium stuff is marked up for no good reason. Why not get something that's the same thing for cheaper? It's not just this stuff but there are many other things out there not specifically for aquariums that people use.
Pot scrubbers
Kyron fusion paint
shop lights

And why not? Many other people have used these products and others without ANY bad side affects. A few dollars here and there adds up. Especially with larger set ups.

That's fine, it's your risk, not mine. Go ahead and take it.
When you end up with a batch that has a different kind of fire retardant in it or some other contamination which kills your fish, don't whine.

 

[CHOMPERS]

I know... but it has to be said:

With this thread I've given the MFK community the tools to test any brand, on any shelf, from any store, in any part of the world.

...And you've posted your test results where?

 

[CHOMPERS]

It's not just this stuff but there are many other things out there not specifically for aquariums that people use.

Many other people have used these products and others without ANY bad side affects.

Exactly!

don't whine.

It's really easy to have an opinion and spread fear. Put your money where your mouth is, pick your poison, and test it (them). We'll be waiting for your (repeatable) results.

 

[Kevster]

The (original brand) poly-fil made by Fairfield do not contain fire retardants or added chemicals. This was the response to a question that I emailed regarding the above and stating my intentions for aquarium use. So I guess the next question is whether the material itself is safe.

 

[tlindsey]

The (original brand) poly-fil made by Fairfield do not contain fire retardants or added chemicals. This was the response to a question that I emailed regarding the above and stating my intentions for aquarium use. So I guess the next question is whether the material itself is safe.

Welcome aboard

Thanks for the info on that project.

 

[dogofwar]

Been using the pillow batting from Michaels for years. Never any issues.