Heavy Metal

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by Xerxes, Nov 2, 2021.

  1. Xerxes

    Xerxes

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    I know my fish enjoy heavy metal music - because I play it for them regularly, and they seem happy.
    But on the topic of heavy metals in their water column - I recently had a thought and would like your opinions on this. I was reading about how Seachem Prime detoxifies heavy metals in aquarium water and I had a light bulb moment (or rather the opposite of a light bulb moment). When setting up my 180 liter a couple of months ago - I used two 100mm chipboard screws to join two pieces of Mopani together. They are the standard hardware type - they have a gold/brass colour - I think they are classified as galvanized. They look similar to the one below.
    Is this a problem in my tank, ie. are they (or will they in the future) give off toxic metals into the water?

    20211102_102856.jpg
     
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  3. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    I am not an expert, but I think galvanised metal can rust.
    So I would not take the chance in a tank
    There is aquarium grade super glue that may be a better idea.
     
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  4. A new day

    A new day Moderator

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    You can use stainless steel screws safely but I’m not sure about the ones in the picture. I’ve read about iron nails being buried under the substrate on purpose- once they rust they release iron into the water as plant supplement (Diana Walstadt method). But if the screws contain any copper I’d be very worried especially for shrimp.
    @TheGrissom ?
     
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  5. JonathanS

    JonathanS

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    This looks like one of the cut-screws made by Eureka and sold by Builders, etc. The Eureka site says that they have a Ruspert coating. I found this pdf:
    https://content.hobson.com.au/documents/article-ruspert-coating-2008071.pdf

    The outer layer us a ceramic layer so corrosion resistant. I very much doubt that it will leach anything into the water in normal aquarium water conditions - I wouldn't worry about it.
     
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  6. OP
    Xerxes

    Xerxes

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    I have occasionally seen these particular screws rusting - obviously at times when that special coating you mentioned has been damaged. Any idea what type of metals would be used on the actual screw, and whether they would be harmful in a tank?
     
  7. OP
    Xerxes

    Xerxes

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    I had originally looked for stainless steel screws - but I only needed 2x 100mm which was a bit of a difficult order to fill. I didn't want to have to buy too many with the price of those things!
     
  8. JonathanS

    JonathanS

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    Under the ceramic coating will be a zinc coating. Under that will be a carbon steel core. Most of our water pipes and fittings are made from carbon steel with a zinc (galvanized) coating.
     
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  9. OP
    Xerxes

    Xerxes

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    Thanks mate!
     

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