Metal in tank

navila06 · Mar 11, 2014

On Sunday I did a water change and also decided to clean out my overflow box but while detaching the inside and outside boxes the nylon bolt broke. I freaked out cause I need it. I went to my garage and was forced to use a metal bolt temporarily until I can get another nylon bolt. I will not be able to get one till Thursday the 13th. Is 5 days too long for metal to be in the water? Is this going to cause any issues?

xthunderx · Mar 11, 2014

What kind of metal? For example, if it's Titanium you're fine. I'm guessing it's just iron, in which case, I wouldn't risk iron oxide in my tank.

navila06 · Mar 11, 2014

I have no idea what type if metal it is. It looks to have some type of black coating on it I think.

dorky · Mar 11, 2014

dont do it!! not worth the trouble my suggestion stop by lowes or hd see what that have to use till ur replacement arrive.

navila06 · Mar 11, 2014

It's already in use. I will see what hd or Lowes has. What could happen though in just a few days.

Russellaqua · Mar 11, 2014

I don't think the iron by itself would hurt any inhabitants per se, but iron can help spur algal blooms. The thing I'd be most afraid of is whatever may be on it from manufacturing and in that coating. Nylon and titanium are definitely the best, and in a pinch I might try stainless.

dorky · Mar 11, 2014

Well anything worst can happen esp with metal

navila06 · Mar 11, 2014

Russellaqua said:
I don't think the iron by itself would hurt any inhabitants per se, but iron can help spur algal blooms. The thing I'd be most afraid of is whatever may be on it from manufacturing and in that coating. Nylon and titanium are definitely the best, and in a pinch I might try stainless.

I did clean it before putting it in the tank. I didn't have anything but the pic I posted that fit. I am just going to have to wait it out . Fingers crossed.

Velodog2 · Mar 11, 2014

Yeah all that GFO (granulated ferric oxide) people use is killing their tanks.

kwajr · Mar 11, 2014

Velodog2 said:
Yeah all that GFO (granulated ferric oxide) people use is killing their tanks.

I thought he sounded crazy

navila06 · Mar 11, 2014

Velodog2 said:
Yeah all that GFO (granulated ferric oxide) people use is killing their tanks.

Hint o sarcasm. Love it

rworegon · Mar 11, 2014

Don't stress too hard, but I woiuld stop by you r local hardware and see what they have. If not there try a plumbing supply. They will frequently have nylon fasteners.

navila06 · Mar 11, 2014

Not stressing too much. I guess I had it have it coming cause that nylon bolt that broke is going on 10 years old. I just don't think to keep a spare with those kind of things. I will now though.

rworegon · Mar 11, 2014

Oh, just had a thought, if you could find some velcro, the kind that has double sided tape on it you might use that till your replacement arrives.

navila06 · Mar 11, 2014

rworegon said:
Oh, just had a thought, if you could find some velcro, the kind that has double sided tape on it you might use that till your replacement arrives.

Great idea I actually have some velcro. Would the sticky stuff be bad? I guess not as bad as metal.

xthunderx · Mar 12, 2014

Velodog2 said:
Yeah all that GFO (granulated ferric oxide) people use is killing their tanks.

Which of the three is the one we use in aquariums?
1. FeO
2. Fe₂O₃3. Fe₃O₄And let's say that you actually know which one without Googling, what about impurities? It's not a fair comparison, if it was my tank, I wouldn't risk it. It's that simple for me.