Non-food safe plastics in tanks?

[David R]

I've found a place that sells all sorts of plastic containers and I'm planning on using some to make a sump/trickle filter for my next tank. http://www.stowers.co.nz/products/plmh-stacking_nestingcrates_plastic.html
Some of them are food safe, but others aren't, and unfortunately the non-food safe ones are bigger and cheaper. Are the non-food safe ones likely to leech anything toxic in the water or cause any problems?

 

[geph]

I would just go with the safe food containers just to be on the safe side. Like that saying, a cheap man always pay twice. You dont want to end up with died fish. GL

 

[mgk]

yes they leech chemicals into the water that is why there not safe for food. Most publicized is bisphenol a which is a feminizing chemical(which was found in food safe containers also).

 

[The_Mighty_Kamina]

bisphenol a which is a feminizing chemical.

You could end up with some very girly fish!

It's your choice for the most part, softer more flexible plastics will have more stuff that can leach. Acrylic products are not always listed as food-safe, same thing with PVC & ABS piping(only approved for Drain Waste and Vent and non-potable water), food-safe means it has been tested safe, but even then, There are now huge concerns over the aforementioned bisphenol A and phalates, both of which were extremely common in food-safe platics 5 years ago. Not to ramble, but for the most part, I would only be worried if you are housing sensitve creatures (shrimps) or are breeding. The number one thing to remeber is that plastics are hydrophobic and non-soluble.

In the end its your choice, there is always some risk, even with "food-safe" plastics, its up to you to weigh the risks and make your choice.