Will brass hardware harm my tank?

[EbiAqua]

Wanting to build a custom filtration system for a tank, I need some 90 degree hose connector bulkheads but can only find them in brass. Regarding the toxicity of copper for inverts, would this be a bad idea in the long run? Thanks.

 

[A201]

Brass pipes were once commonly used as interior water pipes. Unless your tap is acidic, my guess is the chances of a significant amount of copper leaching into the system are likely remote.

 

[Fishfur]

Wanting to build a custom filtration system for a tank, I need some 90 degree hose connector bulkheads but can only find them in brass. Regarding the toxicity of copper for inverts, would this be a bad idea in the long run? Thanks.

I use all brass fittings on my DIY water changer and before plastic everything became the norm, there were no options such as we have now.

Brass is not all the same of course - the quality is variable and cheaper or lower quality brass may leach some lead, especially if the water is acidic. Might leach a little copper too but certainly no more than water pipes do.

Most brass contains a bit of lead except for recently manufactured plumbing parts which should not contain any if they meet modern legal standards.

Don’t know what size you need for that bulkhead elbow but here is at least one that might be useful that’s made of plastic -

Active Aqua Grow Flow Drain Elbow

 

[SparkyJones]

Amazon has about all bulkheads and fitting types you could imagine in pvc and most usual colors. I'd think you'll save more than a couple bucks doing it in pvc most likely over brass.

Plus the brass ones ares mostly meant for boats and not all of them are true water tight figuring youll be using a bilge anyways. The brass ones in my opinion are kind of sketchy. Dont overtighten it whichever way you go with it. Hand tight is sufficient, I've seen some people wrench on them thinking it's better because the fitting has a nut and then Crack the tank. Hand tight is enough.

 

[FishDude92]

The copper in the brass could be a little risky, and toxic for marine animals like starfish and sea urchins. A safer idea may be plastic bulkheads or anything else made of plastic.

 

[EbiAqua]

Should have specified, it is for a mini canister filter so the parts have to be small.

Really small.

I ended up finding what I needed.