Is This Mesh Safe?

[sbash]

Hi Everybody!

I was just gifted a whole pile of nice mesh. However, it is from interlock stacks (i.e. it is a separator layer between each layer of rock). I suspect it is safe, after washing of course; but I thought I would get some feedback before using it and more importantly, giving it away.

 

[flooddc]

They look like the clear 1/4 inch netting used for DIY lid. safe to use outside of the water.

 

[sbash]

They look like the clear 1/4 inch netting used for DIY lid. safe to use outside of the water.

Curious response, but I'll bite... Why just outside the water?

That is indeed what they look like, which is why I wanted them in the first place... My main concern is any chemical transfer from the interlocking brick they have been stored in.

 

[flooddc]

Curious response, but I'll bite... Why just outside the water?

That is indeed what they look like, which is why I wanted them in the first place... My main concern is any chemical transfer from the interlocking brick they have been stored in.

Since I have no idea where they have been (possible exposed to contamination), I would not risk it to use inside my tank. Why risk thousand of $ of live stock for mesh netting that you can buy NEW for a few dollars?

 

[Swoody]

That looks exactly like the mesh I purchased from BRS. I can’t imagine that plastic absorbing anything that would be detrimental to your system. If it’s cleaned up well I would certainly use it for making a do it yourself tank cover.

 

[sbash]

Since I have no idea where they have been (possible exposed to contamination), I would not risk it to use inside my tank. Why risk thousand of $ of live stock for mesh netting that you can buy NEW for a few dollars?

That is what I thought ;) By that logic, it should not go on the tank either. Why risk thousand of $ of live stock when splashing water onto the mesh, or worse, dropping it into the tank could wipe it out... I wouldn't put anything on a tank, that cannot go in the tank... Thanks for your input!

That looks exactly like the mesh I purchased from BRS. I can’t imagine that plastic absorbing anything that would be detrimental to your system. If it’s cleaned up well I would certainly use it for making a do it yourself tank cover.

Thanks for your comments... This was my thinking too, there are also several applications for a mesh like this inside a tank as well... It would be great to get those egg crate barriers out of my display tanks... I wonder if cleaning it with a detergent would be beneficial... hmm... perhaps I should have posted in the chemistry forum...

Okay, so we are 50/50 so far... Aside from live tests, there must be a way to determine absolutely...

 

[divermike_99]

do some reasearch polyproplene products they are normaly chemical resistant and can be cleaned but i wouldn't use harsh chemicals

 

[sbash]

do some reasearch polyproplene products they are normaly chemical resistant and can be cleaned but i wouldn't use harsh chemicals

This is a great point. After digging a bit into the interlock, it is just formed concrete, so I doubt that is a real cause for concern. I'll give a piece a good wash and test it out!