Metal hose clamp

[shoelaceike]

Hey Randy,

Is there any harm in using metal hose clamps in the sump? I have been using them on both my pumps for quite a while.....I keep them above water level but when I turn the pumps off they get submerged.....the screws are quite rusty.....

I've thought about going with plastic clamps but I'm not sure if I should trust those with so much pressure.....tia!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Definitely switch to plastic.

They are likely delivering zinc and other trace metals to the water, and those may rise to undesirable levels.

Everything in the tank seems to thrive OK?

 

[shoelaceike]

Thanks..... I guess I will do that....you are referring to the ones that the you have to squeeze with channel locks, right?

 

[shoelaceike]

Yes never had any coral issues....

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I didn't have any particular type in mind. Whatever you can find. :)

 

[Rybren]

I use Zip-ties.

 

[Cory]

You can also buy titanium hose clamps. Thats on my list next!

6$ each no worries

http://www.titan-marine-hardware.com/titanium-hose-clamps.htm

 

[radiata]

You can also buy titanium hose clamps. Thats on my list next!

6$ each no worries

http://www.titan-marine-hardware.com/titanium-hose-clamps.htm

Thanks for the link! I've always been annoyed that the clamps I've purchased that were labeled "Stainless Steel" managed to get their screws rusted pretty quickly...

...

 

[Cory]

Thanks for the link! I've always been annoyed that the clamps I've purchased that were labeled "Stainless Steel" managed to get their screws rusted pretty quickly...

...

Yeah i just ordered some today. Randy said titanium is pretty good for a saltwater environment. Formerly i was using a plastic hose clamp. But i cannot risk that breakin off.

 

[reef80]

Yep those plastic hose clamp are a risk. It clip of my ehiem return pump and it sprayed about 5 to 7 gallons out of saltwater onto my carpet...was not fun that morning. Thx for the info on titanium clamps.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

I used standard hose clamps that have some rust forming on them. Should I worry? Is iron oxide an issue in the water column?

 

[BZOFIQ]

You can also buy titanium hose clamps. Thats on my list next!

6$ each no worries

http://www.titan-marine-hardware.com/titanium-hose-clamps.htm

These a legit. Few years on my tank and zero issues or spots on the hardware.

Wouldn't recommend anything else.

 

[BZOFIQ]

I used standard hose clamps that have some rust forming on them. Should I worry? Is iron oxide an issue in the water column?

It's not just iron, its other heavy metals that the clamp is coated with.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I used standard hose clamps that have some rust forming on them. Should I worry? Is iron oxide an issue in the water column?

Are they in the water?

no hose clamp is pure iron.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

Yes- its submerged coming off the return pump barbs-its a hose clamp from home depot and what looks like iron oxide is forming around it after months of use. I definitely should have better thought that through.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yes- its submerged coming off the return pump barbs-its a hose clamp from home depot and what looks like iron oxide is forming around it after months of use. I definitely should have better thought that through.

While it may be OK, I'd either look for good quality stainless steel, or another material such as the linked titanium ones.

 

[JTP424]

Adding the titanium ones to the list of "To-Buy"