Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I am just starting an aquaponics system. I have a 100 gallon rubbermaid stock tank that I planned to use for the fish and was thinking of purchasing a 50 gallon to act as the grow bed.

I don't know anything about plastics and am wondering if they are safe to use? They are made for livestock so I would think they are safe? They will be used outdoors.

Hello, welcome!

Many people use them. I believe they are polyethylene based plastic, maybe with a foam core? I think you would be fine, but I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on television....

Polyethylene is generally a safe plastic, especially when it's made from virgin plastic, though sometimes it can be made from recycled plastics. Polyethylene is chemically stable in many conditions, and doesn't tend to leach like some other plastics.

Keep us updated on the build!

Will

I have always heard they are food safe.

Yes the rubbermaid tanks will work fine. However you need to scrub the inside thoroughly with warm soapy water (even for new tanks), maybe add a little bleach, then rinse very well. There can be mold-release and other chemicals that remain on the tank from manufacturing. These can be harmful to your fish.