The Puffer Forum

I was just wondering what metals that are used in plumbing at small diameters would be safe for aquarium use. Somewhere around the size of tubing we use for air pumps. I am trying to think of ways of making a DIY chiller for smaller aquariums....around 40 g or less.

Since you are talking about a chiller, I will assume you mean in a saltwater tank..lol. Everything I've ever heard is that you shouldn't put any metal at all in your tank, however my return pump on my main display tank has four metal screw right on the outside of it, and I have not noticed any problems in the 3 years I've been running that pump. On the other hand, I'm sure that almost anything you would want to do involving metal, there would be a way to either do without it at all, or at least build it so the water never actually comes into contact with the metal. Just thought I could help in some way.


-Chevis

Thanks. Yeah, it is for a SW tank, not mine, I just came up with a design in my head that I am curious to see if it would work. The salt will increase the rate of oxidation, which is why I am wondering if anything at all might be safe. Copper is out of the question...as is steel, I just wonder if there are any other options at all. I guess it does not have to be metal, it just has to be conductive.

Another thought I have....i know people have been trying to increase the capabilities of water pumps over the years....but how do I decrease capabilites......I am probably looking for something that has a turnover of 1-3 gph....the slowest I have found is 18. Any thoughts on that at all?

titanium is saltwater safe. Use a valve of some sort to cut flow rate from your pump.

Surgical stainless and Inconel are both saltwater safe.

Another way to decrease the efficacy of your pump is to trim the impeller blades.