Rusty tools in the reef

naso tang · Jan 22, 2015

Random question for rhf or anyone else. In cleaning my aquariums, i use some tools which are prone to rust. Specifically stainless steel forceps and an automobile sticker scraper that is a handle that i can replace standard razor blades for cleaning glass.

I don't test for fe+ but was wondering if there's any evidence that these instruments can contribute to metal leaching to a measurable extent in the reef.

Whats the likelihood that using such tools is harming my coral? Or contributing to algae? I dont have any evidence that it is, just wondering about the sensitivity of the reef to metal ions that might come off my instruments. Is fe+ the only one to consider?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 22, 2015

There's no concern about iron. I dose it regularly and it depletes rapidly.

The concern would be for other metals, such as zinc or nickel. A quick use may be no concern, while leaving them in the water might be a problem.

naso tang · Jan 22, 2015

Excellent, thanks! Some day i'll get my tanks triton tested although i don't know off hand how many ions they test...

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 22, 2015

naso tang said:
Excellent, thanks! Some day i'll get my tanks triton tested although i don't know off hand how many ions they test...

They test those that I mention. I had the test and discuss my interpretation of them here:

My Triton Testing Results: By Randy Holmes-Farley - REEFEDITION