Question about stainless steel clamps

[Huggyjd]

I have 2 screw type stainless steel clamps submerged in my fuge for my uv sterilizer. Will these clamps leach any kind of contaminates into my water? Thanks.

 

[Avi]

Well, they'd rust after a while and it's not a good idea to use them. There are plastic clamps that are widely available...use them instead. This is the kind I mean.....

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=FT1514

 

[dperrucc]

Only the screws will rust .I was told to buy the clamps from a boat store.Use a magnet,the clamp is not magnetic if SS,if the screws are magnetic they will rust.

 

[CoMMaNdeR]

I have stainless steel plumbing and fittings connected with my filtration set-up and never had a problem.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

I have used those clamps underwater... they will rust badly so I would not suggest them as a permanant solution.

 

[navajo]

I use one of the SS clamps from Lowes in my mixing barrel. It has been submerged 24x7 for a little over a year and not 1 single rust spot.

I just think you have to pay attention to what you're getting. Get only SOLID Stainless Steel. But I agree, I'd use plastic instead. That way, you're sure.

The only problem with the plastic ones is they can't be tightened very much.

 

[foob]

<a
The only problem with the plastic ones is they can't be tightened very much. [/B]

Since they are submerged, they don't need to be very tight.

 

[navajo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7066063#post7066063 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by foob
Since they are submerged, they don't need to be very tight.

That's not entirely true.

I tried one on a Mag 18 I have in the basement to push water upstairs for water changes and the hose blew off since the clamp wasn't tight enough and water went EVERYWHERE! :lol:

It depends on what application you are using them for.

 

[dandydan]

Lots of different quality of Stainless Steel, 1st. try a magnet, - should not work.
Should be Ok if decent quality and kept underwater all the time, biggest cause of problems is if its half in half out.

 

[xtrstangx]

How much could possibly leak out of 1 screw? And even if it does leak... you do water changes and it should never build up to a significant amount. I can understand it being copper and being worried. But if it was Iron or anything else... the macroalgae will use it up. Anything that does leak, it will probably a trace element that will just buffer it more.

IMO, don't worry about it. So many people use Mag drive pumps and all the screws always rust... my tank hasn't died yet from 6 rusty screws.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7070847#post7070847 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xtrstangx
How much could possibly leak out of 1 screw? And even if it does leak... you do water changes and it should never build up to a significant amount. I can understand it being copper and being worried. But if it was Iron or anything else... the macroalgae will use it up. Anything that does leak, it will probably a trace element that will just buffer it more.

IMO, don't worry about it. So many people use Mag drive pumps and all the screws always rust... my tank hasn't died yet from 6 rusty screws.

My problem was it was just making a mess. Over a period of time it made solid rust "foam" around it which would fall off and sometimes get sucked up by the pump. I was also worried about losing the strength of the screw (it could rust straight through).

 

[afishyonados]

In multiple cases of horrendous algae problems, rust or leaching was always the catylist. Yes, there are people who "have never had a problem..." The issue with that is "Never is a really long time". It has the potential to be an issue. There are enough variables/unknowns occuring in a tank to begin with. There is no reason to set yourself up for any possible problem. The adverse effects may be immediately visible/notable or it may take years to notice the reaction. What if that fish or coral would have lived another 10 years without toxin build-up in the tissue? I know it sounds cheesy, but it is real.