Is chrome harmful?

[Squadir]

hey again guys, just wondering if chrome is harmful to a reef tank and its inhabitants. I made a critter guard for my overflow box with a piece of chrome plated eggcrate, the chrome has turned black and most of my 'soft' inhabitants have shrunk and shriveled up quite a bit since it was installed (xenia, zoas, mushroom) also one of my father dusters died and my gorgonian has started turning powdery and falling off of the stick/core. all of the stony corals are fine though (cup coral, birdsnest and galaxia) I took out the guard just in case though, any one have any idea if it could be the chrome or if something else is causing the issue?
my params are
Nitrate 0
phosphate 0
calcium 480
DKH 9
ammonia 0
salinity 1.025

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Chrome as on chromium metal? How do you know it is that and not aluminum or some other metal?

In general, metals can corrode and too much can be toxic. It is best to avoid any metals except a very few such as certain stainless steels and titanium.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I'd immediately pull it out. I know plastic can be plated with chrome, and don't know if the process is the same as metal, but when I use to get metal car parts chromed, they first laid down copper and then nickel before topping it with chromium. Not good for inverts! Pull it out!

 

[Squadir]

not sure if its actually chromium but the eggcrate has a 'chrome plating' on it that has turned black and looks like some of it has washed off of it. the coating is quite brittle and flaky. I took it out already just in case that is the source of the problem. I'm thinking about doing a 30-40% water change to see if that helps because I cant think of anything else that may have affected the water. my routine feeding and cleaning has not changed
thanks

 

[Squadir]

thanks red, I'm hoping for the best with this water change, I'm going to do it as soon as I get home this afternoon!!!!!!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I too would remove it and maybe use something like Cuprisorb to scavenge copper.

 

[Squadir]

I too would remove it and maybe use something like Cuprisorb to scavenge copper.

never heard of that product. will definitely check it out.

 

[GlassMunky]

Amerimax Home Products 6 in. x 20 ft. Black Roll Gutter Guard-85198 - The Home Depot

this is the stuff i made for my overflow to block fish and stuff. its made out of PVC

 

[Squadir]

that looks like a good critter guard, just wondering how would that affects surface skimming?

 

[GlassMunky]

Personally, I dont really worry about it. it doesnt really stop much, if any flow, into the overflow box. I also have lots of surface agitation and a good skimmer in the sump.
I have 2 somewhat small Orange skunk clowns, and i had to install this after one made it all the way to the sump and the other was stuck in the overflow box. they both fit right through the teeth of the overflow without the guard.....
Since the install the y have stayed in the tank and no noticable difference of flow

 

[Squadir]

ok great, will have to pass in the hardware and see if they have any
thanks