Is aluminum reef safe?

[ourcoralreef]

So this is a question for all of you with some knowledge on this
please elaborate or provide links etc not just a simple yes or no

Im looking into making a low power small chiller and want to use aluminum pipe or cooling blocks
so saltwater in direct contact to aluminum and then back into a reef tank

 

[Katrina71]

I would say no.

 

[ourcoralreef]

I would say no.

Please elaborate why not

 

[Katrina71]

Please elaborate why not

I was trying to find the thread for you where this was discussed. Please forgive my verbage if it is incorrect, but in a nutshell, it does corrode. The powdery residue...

 

[ourcoralreef]

I was trying to find the thread for you where this was discussed. Please forgive my verbage if it is incorrect, but in a nutshell, it does corrode. The powdery residue...

Oh great thanks
And this powdery residue is not reef safe or is it low enough that it doesn’t really matter

 

[tripdad]

Aluminum reacts( corrodes) in salt water and thus releases parts of itself into the water. We normally coat all aluminum parts on a boat to prevent this. Current anti-freeze products for autos include agents to delay, stop corrosion even in "fresh" water systems. Why not just use stainless tubing? It can be annealed so it is easily formed into a coil. Perhaps even use a prefabricated coil ?

 

[BZOFIQ]

salt water safe grade stainless steel or titanium only,

aluminum or copper no go when in contact with water.

 

[ourcoralreef]

Aluminum reacts( corrodes) in salt water and thus releases parts of itself into the water. We normally coat all aluminum parts on a boat to prevent this. Current anti-freeze products for autos include agents to delay, stop corrosion even in "fresh" water systems. Why not just use stainless tubing? It can be annealed so it is easily formed into a coil. Perhaps even use a prefabricated coil ?

Im definitely open to other options i thought steel would rust in saltwater
Steel also takes longer to cool might also take longer to warm up giving it a bigger delay (not that we can’t account for this and shut it off before it gets too cold)

 

[GThompson]

The corrosion factor would be multiplied by the flow of water also

 

[ourcoralreef]

salt water safe grade stainless steel or titanium only,

aluminum or copper no go when in contact with water.

But is that reef safe as well or it just won’t rust etc

 

[ourcoralreef]

The corrosion factor would be multiplied by the flow of water also

Please elaborate

Is it because flow slowly breaks down anything like a drop on a rock eventually makes a hole? Orr

 

[Katrina71]

Is glass an option for your use?

 

[ourcoralreef]

Is glass an option for your use?

It can be it would have to be able to hold up to high low temperatures and be formed in a compact way
Maybe some sort of science equipment
This is actually a great idea

 

[Katrina71]

It can be it would have to be able to hold up to high low temperatures and be formed in a compact way
Maybe some sort of science equipment
This is actually a great idea

I have seen Pyrex coils just like you are describing.

 

[ourcoralreef]

I have seen Pyrex coils just like you are describing.

I wouldn’t be against something custom but would rather something that others can have access too it also needs to be cost efficient

 

[Katrina71]

Look at glass coil condenser on eBay. Would that work? Pretty inexpensive.

 

[shred5]

Chemistry And The Aquarium: Aluminum In The Reef Aquarium
By Randy Holmes-Farley


https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/7/chemistry

 

[Katrina71]

Thanks @shred5

 

[ourcoralreef]

https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/7/chemistry

Thank you
i was reading this when i was doing research it focuses on products leaching aluminum into a reef and about safe levels of aluminum in a reef system
My question is a bit more focused on if a actual piece of aluminum has prolonged contact with saltwater (water running through it) also not sure if it makes a difference but the aluminum would be very cold
Would that be ok in a reef tank

 

[ourcoralreef]

Look at glass coil condenser on eBay. Would that work? Pretty inexpensive.

They are round i need it more flat
Also might loose some (cold) with the insulating glass around it