sinkers

hI are the sinkers you can buy for fishing safe to use for weights in our aquarium tanks ??? ???

 

If I am correct that would be a no. The lead weights you use for fishing are coated in something that is toxic to the aquarium and is a very thin lair of it anyways, so once the lair breaks down a little, the whole tank will get posioned. I think I remember either hearing that from someone or reading it somewhere, I just can't remember where. Sorry.
Tom

 

And just out of curiosity....what are you weighing down in there with fishing weights?

To answer further - the typical one's you dig out of your grandfathers tackle box are not, but you can buy non toxic, chemical free alternatives that you could use in your tank. Those old ones are so horrible, filled with lead and all sorts of nasty things, you shouldn't throw them into any body of water anyhow.

 

Many places are now doing trade-ins, where you bring your old sinkers for new, non-lead ones. Call your local sporting-goods store and see if they're doing any sort of trading program.

 

I have a tube for air bubbles that I would look great in the centre of the tank and the fish could swim all about it but it suctions onto the glass and I can't get it to stick to the bottom of the tank as it keeps floating to the top and the bubbles don't go downwards. I thought a couple of sinkers attached to it with fishing line would keep it where I want it.

 

You can buy aquarium safe lead at teh LFS. Also comes wrapped around plans sometimes.
Carol

 

or if you just want a few, they'll usually be willing to give you a few (used) ones free.