Metal Bolts

[Dag]

Randy,

I just noticed that my the cover to my saltwater make-up tank is bolted in with metal bolts and nuts. I have had coral problems in the past and wondered with this could be a source of water contamination. The water in the make-up tank does not reach the top, but clearly condensation and spray gets on those bolts. I removed three of the six bolts and found no corrosion or rusting, which I guess means they are stainless steel. Do you think this is anything to be concerned about? Should I remove all of them to be safe (maybe replace them with plastic bolts)?

 

[steve the plumb]

I have stainless screws on my mag pump and so far no rust.I would think something else caused the coral to die.If you feel better change the bolts to plastic or teflon.

 

[boxfishpooalot]

I heard that if its starting to rust its almost done leaching. Even though you dont see rust, does not mean meatals are not leeching.

Randy? Correct?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Are they apparently corroded? There is certainly nothing wrong with replacing them with plastics, but if they are not in the water itself, they may not be a problem.

Stainless steel, at least some grades, are OK in seawater, but most other metals will corrode. Unless they have copper, however, it may or may not be a problem for the organisms. Slow dissolving iron isn't a concern.

 

[Dag]

No, they've been there 3 years, and are not apparently corroded.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

They are out of the water, right? They are likely not a problem then.

 

[Dag]

Out of the water but inside a sealed container.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I expect that is fine, but if you like to fiddle, replace it and be happy.

 

[Dag]

I have already removed three, but the last three are tought to get out!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If reefs were easy, everyone would have them.

 

[boxfishpooalot]

Randy, whats the difference between rusting and corroding?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Not much. I think rusting is a laymen's term for corroding of iron alloys where it turns red. I wouldn't apply the term to aluminum, for example.