Can i use this?

[FlytrapGurl]

Can I use an aluminum pie plate for a watering tray for my purpurea?

I have very little time right now so please answer ASAP.

 

[FlytrapGurl]

Anybody?

 

[Kate]

I would think in the short term that it would be alright, but I'm not sure about long term.

What I have found works well is the foam or plastic trays that you get meats and vegitables in from the supermarket.

I preffer the plastic ones since they are deeper.

 

[Vertigo]

I agree with Maehem, short term should be alright...but from the sitting water, any imperfections (scratches, nicks..), I believe could cause it to rust...i'd try to stick with glass, plastic, or even that foamy stuff from vegetables or meat.

 

[FlytrapGurl]

Thanx guys! I just cut off the bottom of an empty half-gallon milk jug and used it instead.

Problem solved!

 

[Pyro]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Vertigo @ Feb. 19 2003,1:04)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I agree with Maehem, short term should be alright...but from the sitting water, any imperfections (scratches, nicks..), I believe could cause it to rust[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Just a clarification. Aluminum does not rust, that is a trait specific to iron

It will oxidize however and the reactive byproducts will probably be not too good for CPs so the answer is still the same.

 

[Tim]

I suspect it would only acidify the water and subsequently the soil media.

 

[Pyro]

Aluminum oxide reacts with water to form Aluminum hydroxide which is basic. (4 years as a chemistry tutor and I can't get this junk out of my head

)

 

[Tim]

You're right! I was thinking of one of it's sulfur compounds that we use for turning Hydrangias blue.

 

[Pyro]

I don't have any clue what that compund would be. Aluminum sulfide maybe