Rust - is it a problem in the tank?

[Fish_Fin-atic]

I have a nice piece of driftwood which is attached to a chunk of slate with two metal screws (I didn't do this, it was some other rocketscientist - no offense to any rocketscientists out there ;D) I left this wood in a BB tank for about a month, and after lifting it out for a good scrub down, I noticed that there were rust stains on the tank bottom. This concerns me. Could rust be poisoning my fish? I do a daily 20% WC on this tank, but could the rust be building up to toxic levels? And more importantly, what can I do to stop it? I was thinking of covering the screw heads with a glob of silicone, or maybe some epoxy glue. Any thoughts?

[slicksta]

Fish-
What I did on mine before I set it in the tank is put a coat of silicone over the screw head......one to stop rust, and two to protect the bottom of the tank.......you could also replace the screws with ones made of stainless steel.

John

[Fish_Fin-atic]

Thanks John. I'm gonna give it a try. If it worked for you, then silicone it is. 8)

[Willie]

Rust is ferrous oxide. If you use an iron skillet, you've probably consumed rust. Not a problem for higher life forms.

Willie

[slicksta]

Fish-

I actually had the driftwood out of the tank the other day after being in the tank for 9 months......not a sign of rust.

John