A Chemistry Question: Will plastic that's been melted leach harmful substances?

alaska clowns · 11/05/2009, 03:45 AM

I have followed a design for a DIY overflow; the skimmer box that I came up for it is the bottom of a tupperware container. I cut grooves in it at 1/4 inch intervals just like the overflow boxes you can buy. However, there were some sharp edges in some places, so I used a match to melt the rough and ragged pieces of plastic. I plan to paint the entire box with krylon fusion in black. But I was wondering, before I stick it in my tank, did I, by melting the plastic (some of it is slightly black, though I tried to rinse and sand that off), alter it in such a way that it would be harmful to use?
Thanks!

PRDubois · 11/05/2009, 05:12 AM

I would soak it in Vinager/water overnight.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 11/05/2009, 07:51 AM

I agree that careful cleaning will be adequate to eliminate any substantial concerns.

alaska clowns · 11/05/2009, 01:42 PM

Thank you!! I'll soak it in vinegar and water, and hopefully that'll reach the places that I can't adequately clean otherwise.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 11/05/2009, 04:09 PM

Sounds good.

Good luck.

11/05/2009, 03:45 AM	#1
alaska clowns Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: North Posts: 314	A Chemistry Question: Will plastic that's been melted leach harmful substances? I have followed a design for a DIY overflow; the skimmer box that I came up for it is the bottom of a tupperware container. I cut grooves in it at 1/4 inch intervals just like the overflow boxes you can buy. However, there were some sharp edges in some places, so I used a match to melt the rough and ragged pieces of plastic. I plan to paint the entire box with krylon fusion in black. But I was wondering, before I stick it in my tank, did I, by melting the plastic (some of it is slightly black, though I tried to rinse and sand that off), alter it in such a way that it would be harmful to use? Thanks! __________________ I thought I was getting the aquarium for the kids... :) Current Tank Info: 26 gallon bowfront, 130 watt power compact lighting, 15 pounds live rock, CPR2 HOB skimmer, 2 hydor k1's, Finished Cycling March 2009; Setting up a 55 gallon!!

11/05/2009, 05:12 AM	#2
PRDubois Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chester, VA Posts: 2,766	I would soak it in Vinager/water overnight. __________________ Paul Current Tank Info: 72 Bow Reef & 40b frag tank

11/05/2009, 07:51 AM	#3
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 67,277	I agree that careful cleaning will be adequate to eliminate any substantial concerns. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Club 65535 Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

11/05/2009, 01:42 PM	#4
alaska clowns Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: North Posts: 314	Thank you!! I'll soak it in vinegar and water, and hopefully that'll reach the places that I can't adequately clean otherwise. __________________ I thought I was getting the aquarium for the kids... :) Current Tank Info: 26 gallon bowfront, 130 watt power compact lighting, 15 pounds live rock, CPR2 HOB skimmer, 2 hydor k1's, Finished Cycling March 2009; Setting up a 55 gallon!!

11/05/2009, 04:09 PM	#5
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 67,277	Sounds good. Good luck. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Club 65535 Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef