Would polyfil be safe for filtration

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Checked everywhere on the bag it just says 100% polyester

Which, IMO, says the material is 100% polyester, and may also contain all sorts of other additives and coatings. That's how plastics are described. A 100% cotton shirt absolutely has all sorts of other stuff on it from manufacturing. you can smell it when taken from the bag. You cannot smell the cotton. You smell other stuff added onto it. Color? Sure, more chemicals on it.

Does the material smell? if so, it has something other than polyester which you cannot smell.

 

[Borat]

I like the spirit of free chemical experimentation! Tells us of the result!

 

[MnFish1]

I'd be much more cautious than others about generic pillow filling. Careful rinsing is in order, IMO.

Curious - which one would you be comfortable using directly - or do you think rinsing all before putting in is a good idea? I guess I assumed that any chemicals would either not rinse off - or they would be non-toxic - since they are used to fill pillows, or that the amounts would be so small relative to the volume of the tank that it would not make a difference. But your comments made me think - likely anything designed for pillows may/likely? have flame retardants on it.

 

[stoney7713]

I have used the Walmart stuffing for 20 years on my freshwater tanks. Just started a small reef tank in February and use it in it also. I haven't seen any issues from it.

 

[PhishMonger84]

So how would one use this? put it in a filter sock? first chamber in sump loose.? please elaborate

 

[twentyleagues]

So how would one use this? put it in a filter sock? first chamber in sump loose.? please elaborate

It needs to be contained. A basket, tray, cup designed to replace a filter sock. The water needs to pass through it for it to catch debris it is used for mechanical filtration.

 

[twentyleagues]

Curious - which one would you be comfortable using directly - or do you think rinsing all before putting in is a good idea? I guess I assumed that any chemicals would either not rinse off - or they would be non-toxic - since they are used to fill pillows, or that the amounts would be so small relative to the volume of the tank that it would not make a difference. But your comments made me think - likely anything designed for pillows may/likely? have flame retardants on it.

It's only flame retardant if it states that on the package. Do not use it if it says that. If it doesn't say it is then it's not, that costs more money to make and there for the price to purchase is also higher. There are laws about that also.

I've used it, some of my tanks use it some have socks. I've never seen ill effects that are noticable, no weird smells, no unexplained deaths.

I've decided I really am tired of filter socks. If I can change up for a filter cup with polyfil I'm going to.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Curious - which one would you be comfortable using directly - or do you think rinsing all before putting in is a good idea? I guess I assumed that any chemicals would either not rinse off - or they would be non-toxic - since they are used to fill pillows, or that the amounts would be so small relative to the volume of the tank that it would not make a difference. But your comments made me think - likely anything designed for pillows may/likely? have flame retardants on it.

While no answer is perfect without experimenting, I cannot see any reason to not rinse any brand, and would be a little more comfortable with one that someone selected to sell for this purpose as opposed to pillow stuffing.

 

[MnFish1]

While no answer is perfect without experimenting, I cannot see any reason to not rinse any brand, and would be a little more comfortable with one that someone selected to sell for this purpose as opposed to pillow stuffing.

Thanks - it's a good point - that I really hadn't thought about - my guess is 'pillow' fill has at least some flame retardant on it. I would wonder whether water or rinsing would remove it. It might be better, in general, to use a product designed for aquaria.

 

[ajdinp]

Which, IMO, says the material is 100% polyester, and may also contain all sorts of other additives and coatings. That's how plastics are described. A 100% cotton shirt absolutely has all sorts of other stuff on it from manufacturing. you can smell it when taken from the bag. You cannot smell the cotton. You smell other stuff added onto it. Color? Sure, more chemicals on it.

Does the material smell? if so, it has something other than polyester which you cannot smell.

Yup it’s completely odorless

 

[ajdinp]

Thanks - it's a good point - that I really hadn't thought about - my guess is 'pillow' fill has at least some flame retardant on it. I would wonder whether water or rinsing would remove it. It might be better, in general, to use a product designed for aquaria.

So should I avoid this brand for now?

 

[homer1475]

I've used that exact brand bought at walmart for years with 0 issues.

 

[codenfx]

I've used that exact brand bought at walmart for years with 0 issues.

Do you rinse before using it?

 

[Reef Diaper]

The Reef Diaper is another option. It isn't treated with any flame retardants, binders, or other chemicals. There is no need for pre-rinsing and they won't upset your protein skimmer.

 

[SANDTRAP]

Used it for years no rinsing, no foaming, no problemo.

 

[SANDTRAP]

The Reef Diaper is another option. It isn't treated with any flame retardants, binders, or other chemicals. There is no need for pre-rinsing and they won't upset your protein skimmer.

Y’all make those pampers for reefers yet?

 

[MnFish1]

So should I avoid this brand for now?

I only meant to say that Randy made a point I hadn't thought of. I use that brand in my freshwater tank - but - it is a handful - in a 220 gallon system - so my guess is that it's well diluted (i.e. anything on the poly)

 

[Jimbo]

So this stuff isn’t safe to use? Thought people have been using it for years?

 

[Miami Reef]

While read through this thread, I thought it was preposterous to pre rinse polyester filling, but after reading @Randy Holmes-Farley ’s and @MnFish1 perspective, it made sense to rinse it prior. Flame retardants doesn’t sound too far fetch for pillow stuffing.

I’d personally avoid it because I would be super obsessive and compulsive about getting any and all possible residues off.

 

[Roatan Reef]

I've been using this one for years.

Same...for Freshwater and Saltwater!