EarthTainer Fill Tube...PVC vs Poly

blackcat54 · May 9, 2012

The standard fill tube for EarthTainers seems to be 1.5" PVC. I am concerned with the possibility of toxins leaching out from the PVC in the hot moist growing environment. I found some 1.25" x 2' length Black Polyethylene Pipe in HD today for less than $2 each.

Polyethylene I believe is more chemically inert in a high temp watery environment.

The poly tubing is slightly smaller in diameter than the PVC Pipe and might need a funnel for easier filling.

Thoughts.............?

JamesL · May 9, 2012

blackcat,
I am using the exact tube you describe in my 'tainers. It works perfectly. I have used a pitcher- no funnel, pitcher with funnel and a hose end fits into it nicely.

Where in NY are you? And welcome!

blackcat54 · May 9, 2012

James,

I am in Bellerose Queens.

Do you mean you use the 1.25" black poly pipe as a fill tube?

If so....why did you choose the poly over the PVC?

I have found that a 1.5" solid white PVC end cap makes a nice cover for the black poly pipe.

Thanks for the welcome.

JamesL · May 9, 2012

Correct. Using it as the fill tube.
Not a fan of PVC either.
I believe I have the same end caps as well.
We are neighbors, I am in Floral, although not for long....

JamesL · May 10, 2012

blackcat,
I gave you bad info - I am using the 1" tube, not the 1 1/4. But I also am rigging the tubs with a watering system so the tubes are more back up and for supplemental feeding.
I did hand water several Inntainer versions in the basement though. With the smaller tube, the funnel worked best.

May 9, 2012	#1
blackcat54 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2012 Location: NY Posts: 25	EarthTainer Fill Tube...PVC vs Poly The standard fill tube for EarthTainers seems to be 1.5" PVC. I am concerned with the possibility of toxins leaching out from the PVC in the hot moist growing environment. I found some 1.25" x 2' length Black Polyethylene Pipe in HD today for less than $2 each. Polyethylene I believe is more chemically inert in a high temp watery environment. The poly tubing is slightly smaller in diameter than the PVC Pipe and might need a funnel for easier filling. Thoughts.............?

May 9, 2012	#2
JamesL Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 1,992	blackcat, I am using the exact tube you describe in my 'tainers. It works perfectly. I have used a pitcher- no funnel, pitcher with funnel and a hose end fits into it nicely. Where in NY are you? And welcome!

May 10, 2012	#5
JamesL Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 1,992	blackcat, I gave you bad info - I am using the 1" tube, not the 1 1/4. But I also am rigging the tubs with a watering system so the tubes are more back up and for supplemental feeding. I did hand water several Inntainer versions in the basement though. With the smaller tube, the funnel worked best.