Soldering around tanks?

VBMike · Jan 7, 2016

Happy New Year, sir!

I've branched off a new addiction from my reefing addiction... electronic circuitry! From my LED experiments, I've gotten into all kinds of microcontroller and LED stuff.

Well, my nerd lab is confined to my single car garage, where I have 300'ish gallons worth of systems with everything from phyto and pods to baby clowns to softies and on up to a full SPS tank. This is also where I have to do my soldering. Gulp!

I've had some problems with acros over the last several months, which I attributed to an alk spike, but now I'm not so sure... My solder is lead-based and there's a fair bit of smoke from the flux. The acros seem to be doing mostly okay, but I had a couple pieces recede around the base this week and I'm freaking out a little. The other tanks seem fine.

Am I screwed? Or am I barking up the wrong tree?

I've rigged up a little fan with a carbon filter when I'm soldering, but I'm not sure it does anything more than just keep the smoke out of my face. Covering up all of the tanks is totally impractical.. I'd have to blanket the whole garage.

Ideas?

Thanks!!

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 7, 2016

There apparently is both lead oxide and a bunch of organic crap in solder smoke (see link). It might be impacting the tanks, but I can't say for sure.

http://www.sentryair.com/solder-fumes.htm

Can you put in a bathroom type exhaust fan to run when you are soldering?

VBMike · Jan 7, 2016

It would be tough venting outside, but I guess I have to figure out something. Thanks

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 7, 2016

You're welcome.

Good luck!

TheEngineer · Jan 7, 2016

Those carbon filters are supposed to pull everything out. You could use lead-free solder. It doesn't wick as well, but you get used to it.

EDIT: There shouldn't be THAT much smoke either. Just a whisp each time you add new solder to the tip.

ttabbal · Jan 9, 2016

Unless you are using a ton of solder, I don't think it would effect your tank. There isn't much smoke, and it dissipates quickly. I wouldn't solder right on top of the tank, but the same room shouldn't be an issue. It's a good idea to have a fume hood with a filter or outdoor vent, but I don't think it's a big deal for hobby users. The amount of solder we use is tiny. I probably average a half pound a year at most.

When you buy more, consider getting some high quality solder like Kester no-clean. I get less smoke from that and it flows better. It costs more, but it lasts a long time too.

Skip lead free. It sucks to work with. And the amount we use at home is so small that lead toxicity isn't a realistic concern.