Galvanized safe for fish?

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MrRngr94

Candiru
MFK Member
Apr 5, 2006
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Central FL
I found a 700 gal stock tank that I was thinking of using for a pond, but wasn't sure if it would be safe. And what about long-term? Will the metal eventually start to break down on me?
 
I'm not 100% certain, but I would say it isn't. I know it isn't healthy for humans if galvanized metal gets super heated. I would imagine that could leach as well though.
 
Well I started looking (Who'da thunk a search for galvanized ponds would work?) and turns out it's somewhat popular.

Here's a pic of a glavanized stock tank that I found. It says that he has 20-30 gold fish as well as sunfish and shiners. I also read that some people have had good luck (about 30yrs) and some were only able to get a few years out of them. Guess it all depends on the prepwork.

1211_uploaded.jpg
 
I've always cautioned people about using a NEW galvanized tub. They need to be coated with some sort of paint or emulsion. After they've spent a season in the weather they're normally safe. Dan
 
fishmaven;561918; said:
I've always cautioned people about using a NEW galvanized tub. They need to be coated with some sort of paint or emulsion. After they've spent a season in the weather they're normally safe. Dan

agreed, but i dont know what they are like at tropical temp
 
WyldFya;561907; said:
Huh, interesting. Guess my speculations were way off.

no your speculations are not off.They do need to be treated and if not galvanizing can be dangerous to humans and fish along with others of course.
 
Galvanized metal needs to have either a liner or coated with epoxy or rubber coating before using to hold live animals. The galvanizing process uses a heavy metal (Zinc) that can leech into the water and cause debilitating neurological symptoms (loss of balance, easily spooked, light sensitivity, loss of appetite, spontaneous aggression, etc in animals (and humans).
 
So hell, if I'm going to go through all that I may as well start digging and just go with a liner.
 
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