au01st

Well, I usually like the natural look, rocks, plants, etc, no little bubble treasure chests, ceramic figurines, or the like. For my new tank, I want to keep the same look, but I think a used propeller from an old boat would look great and provide something for fish to hide in/around. Are there any negative effects of having something like this in the aquarium? Rust? Will it throw off the PH or anything? What if it was powder coated so there was no bare metal showing? I didn't see a specific category this question would fit under, which is why I'm asking it here.

Chief_waterchanger

I do know that the Tennessee Aquarium at Chattanooga has a tank setup that is supposed to depict a very run down lake or river with beer bottles, soda cans, shoes, broken fishing poles, what appears to be trash, etc in it.

Rust would NOT be a problem as long as waterchanges are done regularly. Most propellers are cast aluminum or stainless steel anyway. I would think that will look AWESOME. Please share pics?

Ghostfish

I would not believe this would be a good idea. Metal objects are generally not very aquarium safe from what I have heard. Also, if the object is painted, then thats another potential hazard. Beyond that even, if the propeller has sharp edges then you have another potential hazard.

au01st

Yeah, I would be worried about the sharp edges, but I have a grinder and could make them smooth as a baby's butt. Also, powder coating is not painting. It's a chemical that is applied and then baked on. I have several pieces under the hood of my truck powder coated to match, so if it'll withstand 500degrees without flaking, I think it would do fine in an aquarium. So I guess I could grind the blades til they're smooth, then powdercoat. I was really more concerned about chemical reactions leaching toxins into the water if it was plain metal. I found one on eBay at a price I would be willing to pay for an aquarium prop, but I don't want to drop $100 on a new one.

I know the exhibit you're talking about, and I love the aquarium in Chattanooga. Have you been to the one in Gatlinburg? That one is nice as well (though much smaller) and has some cool exhibits (longest underwater shark tunnel) with some very cool fish.

Chief_waterchanger

Yes. Ripley's was pretty cool. I've been to Chattanooga's atleast 3 times, but Ripley's only once, but enjoyed both tremendously.

Lucy

When I read this my first thought was left over oil and grease being released into the tank.

It would look cool with the right kind of set up and fish.

Chief_waterchanger

A 5% bleach solution after whatever cleaning needs to be done (including a dechlorinated water rinse after the bleach solution wash) should render it food grade sanitary, which is what is generally acceptable for fish tanks.

au01st

Cool. So the consensus is, if it's not sharp and is clean, it'll be good. I'm still thinking about it. Not sure I want to spend $25 on an ornament, but I think it would really add to the look. Plus, I have this vision of loaches resting on the blades looking out the front of the tank at the world, with a shrimp or some other invertebrate making it's home in the propeller itself, lol.

Chief_waterchanger

I would be interested to see if you make it work, definately.

au01st

OK, how about a plastic propeller from a trolling motor? No worries about rust or anything. I think I may go that route if I can find one I like.

amx304

I think the prop would look great in a big tank. Lean it over on a log or piece of driftwood. Very cool.

I'd take the prop to a shop with a media blaster (sand, walnut shells, plastic pellets. whatever) and let them strip it down to the bare metal. Have them hit it inside the prop shaft housing and get anything in there out as well. You're not going to use it on a boat, so you don't need to worry about grit marring the mating surfaces. Have it powdercoated or painted with something that's not going to leech into the tank, and I think it'd look awesome.

Angelika

I think it would look awesome, I dont know anything about the metal or dangers, but for aesthetics... oh yes it would look great

Fishies-for-me

Is there not some kind of clear resin aquarium coating you could put on it after it is cleaned and smoothed?

Cody

a 75 gallon setup with some larger ocsars or other large fish people bring in has one in the tank with no problems