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

alaska clowns · 11/05/2009, 02:45 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, 04:12 AM

I would soak it in Vinager/water overnight.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 11/05/2009, 06:51 AM

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

alaska clowns · 11/05/2009, 12:42 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, 03:09 PM

Sounds good.

Good luck.

11/05/2009, 02:45 AM	#1
alaska clowns Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Not so far north Posts: 564	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!

11/05/2009, 04:12 AM	#2
PRDubois Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chester, VA Posts: 3,626	I would soak it in Vinager/water overnight. __________________ http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2534403 Current Tank Info: 225 gal Reef, 60 gal reef & 40b frag tank

11/05/2009, 06:51 AM	#3
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	I agree that careful cleaning will be adequate to eliminate any substantial concerns. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

11/05/2009, 03:09 PM	#5
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	Sounds good. Good luck. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

11/05/2009, 12:42 PM	#4
alaska clowns Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Not so far north Posts: 564	Thank you!! I'll soak it in vinegar and water, and hopefully that'll reach the places that I can't adequately clean otherwise.