is zinc toxic?

[danepatrick]

if i use a zinc screw to drill two pieces of driftwood together, would the zinc, over time, harm my fish? i'm a little paranoid.

 

[M|L]

freshwater?

I think you should be fine.

if it's saltwater, then no.

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

Use stainless steel instead! Zinc can erode off in exchange for other metals, and it can leach cadmium (often a contaminant in galvanized surfaces).

HarleyK

 

[Oddball]

Zinc would actually be better (but not good) in a marine setup than freshwater. Zinc is soluable in acidic conditions and will deteriorate quickly in a soft acidic aquarium chemistry. In a marine setup, zinc will hold itself better but, is toxic to many inverts. Your fish need zinc but, get all they need in a balanced diet. In the long run, it's best to keep any additional zinc out of all of your aquariums.
Use stainless steel as recommended above. Or, use plastic/polyethylene screws, washers, and nuts (like those sold to hold toilet seats to the commode). An inexpensive tap will provide the threads in the driftwood to screw the plastic hardware into.

 

[guppy]

Zinc is toxic and long term low level exposure can cause deformed fry as well as gill infections.

 

[danepatrick]

thanks guys. i'm taking it out in the morning.

 

[johno27]

Just because your paranoid doesn't mean they are not out to get you better safe than sorry good move

 

[CHOMPERS]

Yes it is a good idea to remove them. Hopefully you have already done so...if not, consider this your reminder What you are calling zinc screws are probably zinc plated steel like what you would find at Gnome-Depot. We have all seen them rust. The plating does the job of galvanizing but is micro thin by comparison. The plating is just thick enough to keep the screws looking pretty until you can lose the reciept.