What do you think about stainless steel as plant weight?

[brewmaster15]

Wanted to weigh down some pothos to root. I have used stainless steel nuts to weigh down airlines in my axolotl tanks alot and haven't has issues. .. so thought I would try them here. These are ram tanks.
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What do you think? Safe or not? should add Axolotls are pretty sensituve critters.
Al

[Iminit]

Are they sunk in the tank? I just put an end into the water. They root quickly from the end and grow on top of the tank. No need to sink them. I think if you sink them they will die.

[NeptuneNomad]

I am usually wary against putting any sort of metal in water. even if it was stainless steel

[brewmaster15]

Are they sunk in the tank? I just put an end into the water. They root quickly from the end and grow on top of the tank. No need to sink them. I think if you sink them they will die.

Tom they are submerged completely. Pothos is one of the few terrestrial vines that tolerate submersion well. What happens is they root like crazy and they will eventually grow out of the top of the water .. the submerged leaves may die off over time but can last months.

You can see it here..
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These pothos cuttings are completely submerged and have been from day 1.

[brewmaster15]

I am usually wary against putting any sort of metal in water. even if it was stainless steel

Generally I am too Jason. But I used these same nuts to hold airlines down in axolotl tanks from the eggs to adult with no issues. They may also just be high quality stainless steel as I noted no rust what so ever. I don't know their grade though as they were a tagsale find.
Al

[Charlyc11]

If it is 316 SS that's the best alloy but I don't know most of the time you get 304 with nuts and bolts. The marine grade hardware is 316 SS also used for implants and medical instruments. But 304 might be ok for fresh water for salt 304 will eventually corrode. I think Homedepot is all 304 ss but you can get 316 ss on Amazon. I used a lot a SS at work and on my sailboat and it was a must for me 316, the boat was moored all summer on the LI sound. Usually 316 ss has a A4 mark on them 304 is A2. I don't know if the nuts get a marking.

[brewmaster15]

I agree the 316 would definitely work I agree.. but peobably these are 304.

Maybe if I didnt do water changes regularly there might be i issues but with water changes i cant see it.

This guy over at planted tank sums up my experiences in the lab too.. we used stainless all the time in some pretty harsh environments.


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Al

[Charlyc11]

We use all stainless 316 for acid plating tanks that are mostly sulfuric acid and copper sulfate. Now if you had a high caustic liquid like ammonium chloride you would prefer titanium.

[brewmaster15]

We use all stainless 316 for acid plating tanks that are mostly sulfuric acid and copper sulfate. Now if you had a high caustic liquid like ammonium chloride you would prefer titanium.

Probably should avoid keeping fish in caustic chemicals lol

[Charlyc11]

Probably should avoid keeping fish in caustic chemicals lol

Yes you should. lol

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