Fish safe?

[lnelms2]

This might be a dumb question lol.
I recently installed a new tub/shower surround in our bathroom and this was the old shower control that was removed.


I was wondering if I could tie this into the hot and cold lines in my basement above my tank using pex, then have a hose connected to it for quick water changes at a set temperature.
Eventually plumb to a rainbird for auto water changes.

 

[Hendre]

Some fish are sensitive to copper, I think some more experienced members could give more insight. Lots of old houses run copper pipes, if there are mineral deposits inside then copper leaching may be minimal

 

[tlindsey]

This might be a dumb question lol.
I recently installed a new tub/shower surround in our bathroom and this was the old shower control that was removed.
View attachment 1416833

I was wondering if I could tie this into the hot and cold lines in my basement above my tank using pex, then have a hose connected to it for quick water changes at a set temperature.
Eventually plumb to a rainbird for auto water changes.

I've personally had Marbled Catsharks live for 4 years and all my pipes were copper you should be fine.

 

[tlindsey]

The new homes today in my area also has copper pipes for water.

 

[lnelms2]

I've personally had Marbled Catsharks live for 4 years and all my pipes were copper you should be fine.

Some fish are sensitive to copper, I think some more experienced members could give more insight. Lots of old houses run copper pipes, if there are mineral deposits inside then copper leaching may be minimal

I have rays and peacock bass. My main concern would be the rays.

I've lived in homes with copper pipes and never had an issue but that was before I was ray keeping.

 

[deeda]

I don't see any issue with re-using it BUT you may need to check it to see if it is the balancing valve type rather than a temperature balancing type. Not sure how accurate you want to be or if there is a concern if someone else is using water in the home when you are doing water changes.

The fact it is copper and probably brass shouldn't make a difference since I would assume your home uses copper plumbing and you've been using it for water changes.

 

[tlindsey]

I have rays and peacock bass. My main concern would be the rays.

I've lived in homes with copper pipes and never had an issue but that was before I was ray keeping.

Yes that's why I mentioned the Catsharks. All true Sharks and Rays are very sensitive to copper such as meds with copper ingredients.

 

[lnelms2]

I don't see any issue with re-using it BUT you may need to check it to see if it is the balancing valve type rather than a temperature balancing type. Not sure how accurate you want to be or if there is a concern if someone else is using water in the home when you are doing water changes.

The fact it is copper and probably brass shouldn't make a difference since I would assume your home uses copper plumbing and you've been using it for water changes.

When I bought the house I had all the plumbing redone so it's all pex now. I'll see if I can figure out what type of valve it is.

Yes that's why I mentioned the Catsharks. All true Sharks and Rays are very sensitive to copper such as meds with copper ingredients.

Ok awesome! I don't know much about catsharks. Thanks!

 

[TheWolfman]

Yes you can use it. All plumbing in houses are copper so there's nothing to worry about. Pex is just a cheaper alternative to copper plumbing.​

 

[phreeflow]

Don’t think copper will leach since it’s old and probably coated with minerals. If you wanna be safe, just run the water for a bit to get rid of any old water that was sitting in the pipes before using it for a water change. The hot water side will leach more but it’ll be minimal since you’ll be mixing with mostly cold water