VertigoXLR8R222

can anyone tell me what metals would be safe to go in my aquarium, if any?

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the only metal that would not react and release chemicals and contaminants into the water is brass or bronze. Anything else will have some sort of reaction to water and be either poisonous or unhealthy for the fish. Ideally, avoid using any metalic fittings and use plastic instead.

VertigoXLR8R222

wow brass and bronze huh those are two i would have never imagined is stainless steel dangerous? and will brass or bronze tarnish if left exposed? my original question began with the idea of the styrofoam and concrete. no i want to see about a skeletal structure for the concrete to make more intircate landings to move between. see i have a crayfish and im trying to give him places to investigate and hang around on and which will give the tank a terraced/multi-layered look. this idea orignated from those little plastic rocks that lock together like lego's and a spiral staircase with one single metal shaft and some flat surfaces (i.e. hand made concrete platforms or natural stone) i can drill a hole in the end of each platform and stack them on the shaft one of these in each corner with the higher levels extending to reach each other mite make a really nice backdrop the shafts could be L-shaped and buried under the gravel as a forward supporting "foot" im sure i can find some brass or bronze wire to reinforce the platforms if i use concrete and my wife asked about tile grout. could it be sealed and made safe for an aquarium? or should i stick with concrete for hand made projects okay thats the end of this brain-pick tim ive always been the d.i.y. guy around the house but its alot harder to toxify the air and kill ppl than it is to kill fish so im glad i found a guy that knows what he talkin about and i hope eventually i stumble on an idea that will look good in the tanks and other can benefit from thanks for the help Lee

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Stainless would work, but is very expensive around here, whereas braising rod, which is brass is both cheap and plentiful and available in different diameters, so would be my first choice. It is easy to bend, strong and won't corrode. SS would be similar but like I say, is much more expensive. I would also have concerns about long-term exposure with SS, as before mentioned, there is a possibility of heavy metal release over a long period.

Aluminium is a definite NO, as is steel, copper, tin, and any plated material. It makes me wonder how fish used to survive in the old, metal framed fishtanks we had when I started fishkeeping though. (Sorry, showing my age now!) Most fish tanks were made of welded steel angle and the glass was fitted with ordinary glazing putty, I seem to remember! (Putty is oil based. How come that didn't affect the fish?) Are we being too cautious these days, or have our fish got soft?