Food safe 5 gal bucket.

[sompa]

Do I need to use only for grade buckets in a koi pond?

 

[brokensword]

Do I need to use only for grade buckets in a koi pond?

probably not but I'd be sure it was thoroughly cleaned before using it. Food grade is safest, though! I've used paint buckets, cleaned, cat litter buckets, cleaned, and no issues.

 

[Mmathis]

I guess it depends on what you want to use it for. Personally, I would say “yes.”

 

[TheFishGuy]

I use normal Hardware store 5G buckets for carrying water around and such, however if it would be in the pond for a significant amount of time you may want to play it safe.

 

[GBBUDD]

Plastic leaches oils from them, some much more then others. polypropylene is one of the lesser and more common food grade plastic . Must you or you will die . No it is just recommended. it's like everything today a little of the wrong thing to the wrong person can be bad news.