Curing plastic?

[Luis A M]

I bought some black hi-density polyethylene containers to be used as larval tanks.Could they leach something inconvenient in SW?.They sure smell to "brand new plastic".Should they be cured or left with water for some time?.I heard black plastic contains some carbon related substance...

[thackray]

From one of Randy’s articles:

“You can mix and store the solutions in any all plastic or glass container. Plastic 1-gallon milk cartons (typically made of HDPE, high density polyethylene) can be a good choice.�

Phil

[Luis A M]

Phil,
Yes,I imagined that.Only that I heard black poly had some added staff,and just wanted to reassure:)

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It does have something added. Probably carbon black. I'd wash it with warm soap and water, and then any organic compounds that continue to leach will be readily bound by carbon and are not much of a concern, IMO. :)

[Luis A M]

Thanks,Randy.I feel safer with them now :)

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Good luck with them. :)