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How about stainless steel in the reef tank?
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Surprised no one has done a control study it would be so easy lol.
Stainless steel comes in many different alloys of steel, chromium, molybdenum, and nickel are the most common constituents. Very rarely outside the medical field are you provided with that alloy(316, 420, and 440 usually). They also rarely state if it is plated in another alloy as a finish, which usually has a low corrosion resistance.
Lots of pumps use stainless for impeller shafts. There are all kinds of grades of stainless steel, so it might be good to specify.
I think there are varying grades of stainless steel, but from what I gather the corrosion resistance is somewhat related to levels of chromium and nickel.
This article talks about leaching of both in a somewhat acidic (Tomato sauce) and high temperature environment.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4284091/
However, this one seems to indicate that leaching occurs in both acidic and alkali environments.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00192042
The most common discussion was around the amount of chromium leaching as it seem the amount of nickel is negligible. I think if the stainless steel if used occasionally then I would assume it would have a negligible impact. What I don't know is what happens when the stainless is submerged over a long period of time, and weather the level of chromium leaching out has any significant impact on the livestock in the tank.
This article talks about leaching of both in a somewhat acidic (Tomato sauce) and high temperature environment.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4284091/
However, this one seems to indicate that leaching occurs in both acidic and alkali environments.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00192042
The most common discussion was around the amount of chromium leaching as it seem the amount of nickel is negligible. I think if the stainless steel if used occasionally then I would assume it would have a negligible impact. What I don't know is what happens when the stainless is submerged over a long period of time, and weather the level of chromium leaching out has any significant impact on the livestock in the tank.
Another point to note, I've bought so called Medical Grade Stainless Tweezers from that big auction site. Used it a few times in my tank, and it rusted even after rinsing it in freshwater. So your milage may vary on the stainless steel you get.
Randy Holmes-Farley
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Yes, it certainly varies by grade, and perhaps also with what your definition of acceptable really is.
I used two float switches for 20 years without issue, and they had 316 stainless steel arms.
I used two float switches for 20 years without issue, and they had 316 stainless steel arms.
sfin52
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I believe that would be @Robin Haselden
High grade SS with good corrosion resistance might work, but it's a lot of $$$. Why risk it?
I saw someone selling a SS Aqua UV locally recently, and same thought crossed my mind. But it's meant for a house, not for our Reefs, and I wouldn't risk it in my tank.
I saw someone selling a SS Aqua UV locally recently, and same thought crossed my mind. But it's meant for a house, not for our Reefs, and I wouldn't risk it in my tank.
Standard stainless you get is typically 304 higher grades are typically 316. These both are susceptible to chloride corrosion and pitting. So for long term exposure to saltwater it’s no good. If you go for a super duplex (read $$$$) like AL6XN or something similar you would be good for long term use . If you need something metal I would recommend titanium
On the other side Some stainless components i find a life saver. Like mentioned above impeller shafts would me the main one. I cant say if i have or have not lost livestock to anything leaching. I can say i have lost fish to a ceramic shaft cracking while away.
Bmezz
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Well then go for itnin stainless if that's important!
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