My first ultrasonic cleaner is on the way. I have a few questions

[M4NTIS]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif] Amazon.com: Ultrasonic Cleaner with Stainless Steel Basket 2.5L Liter Tank, 200W Heater for Medical, Jewelry, Dental, Car and Firearm Parts: Health & Personal Care[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]That's the ultrasonic cleaner I just bought. I bought it for the capacity (I plan on doing large batches) and the longer cycle. I've read through most of the ultrasonic threads but I have a few questions.

1.) What is the maximum amount of time I should do for each cycle? It goes up to 60 minutes but I was thinking maybe 30min on, 10 min off, 30 min on, etc. Or can I just go for the full 60 minutes in one cycle?
2.) I've read some people use an Erlenmeyer flash because they are bottom heavy and wont' tip. So the top doesn't need to be on the cleaner while it's running? It won't splash everywhere?
3.) What is the max water temperature for plastic bottles? This cleaner has a temperature display on the outside so it should be easy to monitor. I think I read that you shouldn't go over 125F
4.) Can I put my bottles in a ziplock bag and then throw them in the cleaner? [/FONT]

 

[Jay-dub]

1. As long as it takes to reach the desired result so long as it doesn't heat up to the point of melting the plastic bottles.
2. The meniscus will dance. That's all. Tiny water particles that manage to escape will evaporate before it even lands on a surface. No sloshing or splashing will occur.
3. I'm not sure. Just because the plastic isn't melting doesn't mean that it's not venting particles due to the heat. Mine gets close to 100F and I shut it down to cool off for a while.
4. Just make sure the bottles are sealed tight. I put water into the cleaner until the bottles are just slightly under neutral buoyancy. You want them as submerged as possible.

 

[mxrdrver]

Best thing to use in an UC is glass. They're heavy enough to stand up in neck high water. I use 15ml and 30 ml glass bottles from specialtybottle.com. Keep the temp around 100 degrees. High temps will degrade your Nic.