rusting clamp

[MU8ST7ANG]

I was looking at my sump and noticed the metal clamp around my hose on the pump is rusting will this effect the tank? Should I change it? If so what should I use its a mag12 so it pumps alot of water and needs to be clamped

 

[reeferwanabe]

yes it will effect your water. they make plastic clamps that work well. I'd change it out as soon as possible but you already knew that.

 

[MU8ST7ANG]

Yeah thats what I figured I will have to stop by the lowes and pick something up

 

[JohnS_323]

THIS is what you are looking for. I'm not sure if they'll have them at Lowes or not. Where are you located? I have a ton of them and could give you one if you want.

 

[Jcurry@wesketch]

The rust from the clamp won't doing anything harmful to your water. Rust is ferric oxide, the FO in GFO (granular ferric oxide). GFO is sold to the hobby as Rowaphos. I would remove the clamp however for ease of maintenance on the pump, because eventually the clamp will rust to the point that you won't be able to remove it.

 

[harlequinreef]

The rust from the clamp won't doing anything harmful to your water. Rust is ferric oxide, the FO in GFO (granular ferric oxide). GFO is sold to the hobby as Rowaphos. I would remove the clamp however for ease of maintenance on the pump, because eventually the clamp will rust to the point that you won't be able to remove it.

ferric oxide is the same as iron oxide. It occurs when iron atoms bond with oxygen atoms. Unless the clamp is made of pure iron, then it is not the same as high purity granular ferric oxide (GFO) used in filtration. The clamp is most likely an alloy and could be dangerous to inhabitants if it starts to break down

 

[ynotme4886]

Okay.....mute point I'm sure but have to ask

I know the clamps I use are sold as "stainless steel" but the stupid thing still rust over time.

So they would need to go as well if they showed any sign of wear or would they be harmless because they are "stainless"?

 

[JohnS_323]

As a general rule, metal in a reef tank is no good. You *should* replace any submerged metal clamps with plastic ones.

 

[Jcurry@wesketch]

"Stainless steel" is an iron & chromium alloy. It dosen't rust as easily as pure iron but it does rust in harsh environments especially when it's a low grade stainless (like hose clamps).

Unless the clamp is made of pure iron, then it is not the same as high purity granular ferric oxide (GFO) used in filtration.

I think you're putting to much faith in aquarium companies to think that their only using the highest grades of materials.

The clamp is most likely an alloy and could be dangerous to inhabitants if it starts to break down

If that's the case then I doubt they would assemble the pump with metal screws.

 

[duijver]

Speaking of rusting metal... I have to use a stainless steel bolt and nut/wing nut to attach my internal overflow skimmer box to my overflow. Originally it had plastic ones, but only one of two were present when I purchased it. I tried HD, Lowes and TrueValue and none of them had plastic wingnuts and if I remember correctly no bolts just washers.

Anyone have a recommendation to purchase good plastic screws/bolts/etc ? The stainless has handled the elements for about 4 months now, but it def has a layer/som of rust on it... Plus, it's a real PIA to remove - so I just scrape it while it's attached.

Thanks!

 

[Hawkeye]

I've seen the screws on my old danner mag-drive rust in the tank. I'd like to think that a little rust isn't going to be too bad - but with anything - moderation is key - and in a closed system - moderation is difficult to attain. It's usually too much or too little.

 

[daveh285]

Anyone have a recommendation to purchase good plastic screws/bolts/etc ? The stainless has handled the elements for about 4 months now, but it def has a layer/som of rust on it... Plus, it's a real PIA to remove - so I just scrape it while it's attached.

Thanks!
[/quote]

What size bolt is it? They make replacement Toilet seat bolts and nuts out of nylon so they dont rust.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Anyone have a recommendation to purchase good plastic screws/bolts/etc ? The stainless has handled the elements for about 4 months now, but it def has a layer/som of rust on it... Plus, it's a real PIA to remove - so I just scrape it while it's attached.

Thanks!

Home Depot and Lowe's actually do carry plastic stuff...in the hardware section in the big draws. I think they might actually be teflon nuts, bolts and other stuff. When we had the external overflow, one of the leveling screws broke and I replaced it with one purchase at one of the above stores.

 

[Gonzapa]

The ACE hardware in the next to me also has a plastic bolts/nuts section