metal in tank

[TheCatsWrasse]

likley this is a dream but i found an ancient peice of metal while digging at work im wondering if its possible to put it in say a ...60 galon tank its got rust on it iv heard gfo is essentially a rust but i have no idea can this be added and if any what would be the problems thanks!!

 

[Merman1983]

I wouldn't put that in there.

 

[TheCatsWrasse]

haha i probably wont but i wish i knew what would happen

 

[billsreef]

At best it is pure iron and simply fuels algae growth as it dissolves. At worst, it's got impurities or alloy components that will nuke your tank. Which will it be, toss a coin.

 

[Wills612]

I would look for a reef safe product to incase it, if you really want it in your tank. Like epoxy or some sort of sealant

 

[TheCatsWrasse]

good thought on the epoxy of some sort i may have to do that

 

[Boston21]

I wouldnt do it. This hobby is about limiting mistake's, this could be a big one.

 

[Gandolfe]

They put stuff like that all the time in tanks, you just have to seal it in a fish safe clear epoxy resin. Watch an episode of Tanked or Fish tanked Kings, you'll see they do it all the time

 

[Dashiki]

They put stuff like that all the time in tanks, you just have to seal it in a fish safe clear epoxy resin. Watch an episode of Tanked or Fish tanked Kings, you'll see they do it all the time

They aren't doing that in reef tanks just Fish Only tanks. Corals are way more picky.

 

[Boston21]

They put stuff like that all the time in tanks, you just have to seal it in a fish safe clear epoxy resin. Watch an episode of Tanked or Fish tanked Kings, you'll see they do it all the time

And you trust epoxy to stop metal's from leaching into saltwater? Lol. From my own finding's, the star's of Tanked dont really know what they are doing other then combining pieces of acrylic and I would not take a single thing they say/do seriously. They make decent fish only tank's, because thats all they know how to do. I have yet to see them put toghether anything that could be remotely called a "reef". Its a show for the masses, obviously.

 

[SGT_York]

They market to create low maintenance good looking tanks, all of which are high in copper and medicines, not at all comparable to a reef tank.

 

[Boston21]

They market to create low maintenance good looking tanks, all of which are high in copper and medicines, not at all comparable to a reef tank.

A "go give the people $10K to build you a overpriced piece of acrylic" tank to be precise. Haha

 

[SGT_York]

With the characters they sell the tanks too, could you envision them doing the maintenance on a reef tank??? Some of those "celebrities" are the dumbest people on earth. (what you have to put water in the tank)

 

[TheCatsWrasse]

thoes guys suck u can take the "coolest" tank they have ever made and ill bring you a 30 gallon with sun coral a pistol and a watchman and its not even comparable

 

[jerpa]

I think there are enough Tanked threads around that it need not be rehashed here.

To the OP: You could find a 2 part epoxy that is safe for use with potable water. It won't be cheap and good surface prep and several coats would be necessary IMO. Without that treatment I wouldn't risk it.

And you trust epoxy to stop metal's from leaching into saltwater? Lol.

Yes I do and if you have any submersible equipment you do as well. It is widely used to waterproof motors and wire connections in pumps, powerheads, and heaters.

 

[TheCatsWrasse]

I think there are enough Tanked threads around that it need not be rehashed here.

To the OP: You could find a 2 part epoxy that is safe for use with potable water. It won't be cheap and good surface prep and several coats would be necessary IMO. Without that treatment I wouldn't risk it.



Yes I do and if you have any submersible equipment you do as well. It is widely used to waterproof motors and wire connections in pumps, powerheads, and heaters.

do you by chance happen to know the name of this stuff?

 

[jerpa]

do you by chance happen to know the name of this stuff?

Unfortunately there are many different epoxies with many different properties. You will want to find one that dries clear, is NSF/FDA approved once cured, bonds well to metal, and rated for long term submersion.

Here is one distributor with a number of different epoxies. If you gave them a call I'm sure they would help you find a suitable product.

http://www.uscomposites.com

 

[Boston21]

I think there are enough Tanked threads around that it need not be rehashed here.

To the OP: You could find a 2 part epoxy that is safe for use with potable water. It won't be cheap and good surface prep and several coats would be necessary IMO. Without that treatment I wouldn't risk it.



Yes I do and if you have any submersible equipment you do as well. It is widely used to waterproof motors and wire connections in pumps, powerheads, and heaters.

Yeah, but pumps and wires dont justify covering a rusty object in my eyes. I understand its used, but I can guarantee most people would NEVER try to waterproof a chunk of metal on here. Not to start a battle, I just dont see it happening when live rock is 3-8 a pound, why throw rusty steel in to your tank and risk ruining everything because you missed a spot with your special epoxy when you can do the sure thing and not kill your tank inhabitants. I wouldnt try it, and im sure a lot of us feel the same way. Its a un-necessary risk.

 

[Boston21]

My point being, I dont see a $5 bottle of epoxy being a safe way to protect your $800+ tank investment. Doesnt make any sense to me.

 

[billsreef]

My point being, I dont see a $5 bottle of epoxy being a safe way to protect your $800+ tank investment. Doesnt make any sense to me.

Enough of the right type of epoxy is going to run more like $50 or more for that one little object