Bad idea to use brass for DIY projects?

[Raven_]

Hi.
I have heard people say many times to never use brass in aquarium because it leaks copper which eventually will kill both plants and fish.
But i have also seen some use brass without sideeffects.

Is it or isnt it harmfull to use brass in an aquarium?
Is there any difference if ph is low or high?

Regards

 

[CHOMPERS]

Brass is frequently alloyed with copper, but it isn't something you need to fear. The brass will form a layer of oxidation over it, shutting off any copper leaching. If the pH is kept extremely low, the oxidized layer will be removed. However, there is not enough copper to be concerned about.

 

[Raven_]

If the pH is kept extremely low, the oxidized layer will be removed.

Guess its far lower than can be used with fish and plants?

 

[spiff]

Hey Chompers, would a stray current reek havoc or would that have to be saltwater?

 

[grem89]

I'm using copper elbows for the intake and discharge going into the tank I have setup for a turtle tank. Its a 55 gallon and have had anacharis flourishing for the past couple months and havent had a single fish ever die. I never scrub these peices clean for the same reason Chompers said its okay to use. The oxidation and build up of algea keeps harmful copper molecules from leaching into the water. Using small peices here and there shouldn't hurt. I probably wouldn't use it excessively though. Ive been holding a steady pH of about 7.21-7.34 for a couple months now. No problems here

 

[spiff]

I believe a layer of calcification moots that too. Calcification over oxidation= even better.

 

[CHOMPERS]

Hey Chompers, would a stray current reek havoc or would that have to be saltwater?

Why? Are you doing electrolysis experiments in your fish tank?

 

[spiff]

Why? Are you doing electrolysis experiments in your fish tank?

Nah. Just thought it might be a cool way to turn ones fish green in liu of dying them.

 

[Jgray152]

If your woried about copper getting into your aquarium, then don't use your household water beause your plumbing is all copper.

I would say there is zero risk of this. Are there any facts on this? Because it seems like it may have been just a paranoia myth?

 

[spiff]

If your woried about copper getting into your aquarium, then don't use your household water beause your plumbing is all copper.

I would say there is zero risk of this. Are there any facts on this? Because it seems like it may have been just a paranoia myth?

I think invertibrates are sensitive to copper leachings. But yeah, its like lead in pipes... the effect is almost completely negated by a good layer of calcium which happens naturally over time.