plastic alternatives for things we use in our tanks

ddc0715 · Dec 23, 2022

so im going to try and get a grip on high metal levels in my tank. the icp said

zinc is @ 63.3 ug/l
copper is @ 2.96 ug/l
tin is @ 23.3 ug/l

i am going to start by removing all rusty metal closly loacted above the tank water sump included (rust is a major supplier of these three.

i would like to know if there is an all plastic versions of things like grabbers, twissers, etc.. my tank is 32" deep so getting to the bottom with out these things is impossible..and want to endsure i stop using dipping metal into my tank water.

elysics · Dec 24, 2022

My everyday usage tweezers are carbon fiber, plastic and rubber. Not quite as strong as the stainless steel ones but good enough to pick up a fist sized rock if I absolutely need to. Absolutely love them, lightweight and don't need to be rinsed. You just shouldn't try ripping Zoas or breaking off corals with them.

From vastocean/aliexpress, they are clones of the maxspect ones, but maxspect only makes short ones, and I want dry hands.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 24, 2022

FWIW, quality stainless steel isn't a source of the metals you mention.

Removing any rusting metals near the water is a good idea.

FWIW, I do not think the copper and tin are high enough to be an issue, although tin is tricky as there are many different chemicals forms that may come from plastic tubing and other sources, and they will ahve different toxicity.. Not sure on zinc, but making sure you are not adding some with a trace element additive is good to do.