Stainless steel in our reefs?

[Drew]

Oh boy, I don't like the sound of that one. I am trying to find a way to attach the hose to my EV-150 and the only hose clamps I can find are stainless steel. Will these be ok for a reef? I couldn't find any plastic or rubber coated clamps anywhere. The hose is going to be submerged in my sump, will these be ok? Thanks.

Drew

[Rick O]

Hey Drew,

I'm not sure where you can get these but they're all plastic and real strong. I used some stainless steel clamps in my tank and part of it rusted (go figure).

Rick

[galleon]

Rick, you and I were posting at the same time. If you can find a clamps like that shown in Rick's photo (they can be hard to find in appropriate sizes, yet come in several similarly appropriate designs), they work very well.
Cheers,
Chris

[ 07-08-2001: Message edited by: galleon ]

[slash7]

Those clamps are usually referred to as high pressure plastic clamps or ratchet clip hose clamps and can be found at most home improvement stores such as Home Depot and I would imagine they are available at most places that have plumbing supplies. They come in a variety of sizes. If you can't find them locally, several online aquarium sites have them available in their plumbing supplies sections.

[ 07-08-2001: Message edited by: slash7 ]

[Drew]

Thanks guys. I looked at HD and Ace and neither place had anything like that. I will look at all the online Aquarium sites, thanks again. BTW, Slash, Welcome to The Reef Tank!

Drew

[Drew]

One more thing,

Since I am getting my LR Tues, even if I ordered those clamps from an online site they wont arrive in time. If I use the stainless steel clamps temporarily and they do rust, what effects does that have on the tank?

Drew

[galleon]

Drew, try using a heavy duty cable plastic zip-tie, either .25" or .5" wide. Works very well for submerged/over water applications, even if it is tempopary.
Chris

[Doug1]

Well metal toxicity is a possibility, increased Fe levels contributing to algae blooms, etc. Short term less than a week I wouldn't sweat it myself but I can't tell you its ok. If the tubing fitts snugly on the fitting a hefty zip tie might add some security to the attachment. On the other hand if its for a return line and theres no back pressure except head resistance you will prolly be OK with it(ziptie and tight fit)
You might want to get an assortment of sizes and have them sent 2nd day air, better than waiting a week or more to get them, HTH

[Drew]

Thanks guys, I think I will try the zip-tie.

[slash7]

Thanks for the welcome Drewman, I've been lurking here for a while and didn't realize that was my first post in this board.
As for HD not having the clamps, you may have overlooked them so maybe if it's convenient you could check again. All the HD stores I've been in here locally carry them, usually they are in the same section as hose barbs, adapters, reducers and various other hose connections. They are in a small plastic bag and come 2 to a bag. Another thought is to print out the pic that was posted and showing it to a sales clerk. Hope you can find something.

[JJGeisler]

Interesting timing for the post Drew as I just set up my 55g sump this weekend and yup.....I have two stainless steel clamps connecting my submerged pump in the tank.....
JJ

[inthesand]

you can't trust the grading of SS. SS is graded 316, 304,302 etc. the problem is that some of the imported are not the quality claimed and will rust. i tried a 316 ss bolt for a grounding probe and it rusted within a week or two. i would seek out those plastic clamps to be safe.

[Drew]

Thanks everybody!

[JJGeisler]

I went back and checked the clamps in my tank and discovered the strap part looks fine but the screw part is already rusting in 24 hours! So much for SS clamps!
JJ

[Phill]

Hi Drew, Premium Aquatics handles plastic clamps. http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...ry_Code=Clamps

HTH Phill