stmrm01

Hi all,

Question --- I am running a wet/dry sump filter system on my 75 gallon SW tank. I used a stainless steel hose clamp (supplied to me by my LFS) on my hose connection to the sump pump. I have been noticing some rusting on the clamp --- is this normal? Will this advesely effect the tank's live rock, live sand, and 3 blue/green chromis? Should I be using a different hose clamp on this connection?

Thanks for your help and Happy Holidays!

Mike

caseyholland

Salt water will rust steel very fast, nothing is wrong. I use the clamps on a couple of my things, just dont submerge the clamps in your aquarium. they work for external use but use plastic or rubber for internal use.

sirdarksol

As long as there is no way for the metal to leach into the water, you're good. As was said above, never submerge steel clamps. If you notice water dripping off of that clamp, you may want to switch to a plastic or rubber one. If it's just getting damp, it should be fine.

stmrm01

The lfs actually put this clamp on the submersible pump before I took it home and it is underwater in my sump. They said it is normal but I kinda figured it didn't sound right. I will change out this clamp right away to a plastic one --- do you recommend a zip tie type clamp or do they make actually hose clamps out of plastic (not sure)?

Thanks for your help!

sirdarksol

Can't help you with what to use. I'd probably just use a zip tie, if it were me, but that would be out of convenience, as I have them scattered around my house.

Yeah, change it out immediately. Chances are that nothing would happen, but there might be copper or some other heavy metal in that clamp, and that could poison your aquarium (I think rust itself is also toxic).

nemo addict

is it a return pump ?? if so you can buy a plastic connection with a screw clamp i will try and find a link or take a picture of one i have ,, its the same this as on a coral life skimmer to join the pump if that helps

stmrm01

It is a return pump --- thanks!!! Right now I am using a zip tie till I can find something more secure.