Stainless Steel?

Brent Porterfie · #1 04/05/2007, 09:18 PM

Has anyone ever used any stainless steel to do any plumbing on aquariums?

jkhudson · #2 04/05/2007, 09:20 PM

I try to stay away from metal. Stainless might be okay, but I know pvc is safe and easier to work with.

BrianOKC · #3 04/05/2007, 09:23 PM

I'm not positive but I'm pretty sure even stainless steel will rust exposed to saltwater for along period of time.

jkhudson · #4 04/05/2007, 09:31 PM

I think it will too. At the very least it will corrode and God help your coral if there's copper in the alloy

dugg · #5 04/05/2007, 09:55 PM

My float swith in my RO/DI storage bin has a stainless arm and inlet that show no corrosion after over a year in service, but that is fresh water.

I wouldn't think stainless is a very good choice for plumbing though. Just in cost alone, there is no way it can be near the PVC price.

Brent Porterfie · #6 04/05/2007, 10:26 PM

This is going to be a short line 3/8 tubing from bucket of di water to a float switch, it will never be exposed to salt water.

jdieck · #7 04/05/2007, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brent Porterfie
This is going to be a short line 3/8 tubing from bucket of di water to a float switch, it will never be exposed to salt water.

That will be no problem but why make it so expensive. Use 3/8" polytubing with 3/8" John Guest quick plug ins, chaper, easier to install and most of all very easy to modify and repair.

Brent Porterfie · #8 04/06/2007, 10:57 AM

I have SS tubing running out my ears, i use it at work.

jdieck · #9 04/06/2007, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brent Porterfie
I have SS tubing running out my ears, i use it at work.

Then you can use it, if you have a choice select 316 electropolished.

Zen685 · #10 04/07/2007, 12:11 PM

I agree with jdieck. 316 will pit when immersed in seawater but that's more of a concen for fatigue life. I'm sure it will be fine for this application. A lot of marine pumps and equipment are made of 316. Stay away from 330 and 347. They have traces of copper in their composition. Don't use your tubing if it's 304. It won't hold up at all to sea water.

Russ Braaten · #11 04/07/2007, 12:29 PM

My first fish tank had a stainless steel frame. You older guys may remember them.

I didn't have saltwater in them but I saw people who did. The only thing I remember was they had a lot of salt creep but for your situation, Go for it.