Lead in the tank

[Kris P Bacon]

I cast ant mounds with molten lead, the effect is like a tree statue (not sure how to post image URL, cant I just post from files?)

Will solid lead hurt the fish? My understanding is lead is most toxic when made into dust (from sanding, cutting) or vapor when molten.

Thanks for any input.

 

[J. H.]

people use lead strips to hold down plants withoutissues; it's probably safe, but an anthill casting is a lot bigger than a strip.

 

[esoxlucius]

It's a bit of a funny one this. Over time lead releases its toxins into water and as a result lead levels are meant to be zero in drinking water, hence doing away with the old lead water pipes years ago. But yet, as others have mentioned, plants always seems to come with the lead strips to weigh them down. Whether the effects of lead on humans is totally different to the effects of lead on fish who knows. I suppose a quick google search would enlighten you a little more.

 

[A201]

I believe lead becomes more of a concern when water is acidic. Pretty sure the recent water quality problems in Flint
Michigan originated from an acidic water / old lead pipes
situation.

 

[TwoHedWlf]

At the very least I'd suggest giving it a good thick coating of polyurethane or some kind of epoxy resin. You're likely going to have plecs rasping on the surface scraping bits off into the water, which isn't going to be good even if it's not particularly harmful.

 

[Deadliestviper7]

Cast in bronze instead, then coat it, I once had my fish get lead poisoning from a weighted plant, when weighing down plants one should use tungsten or a other non toxic metal.

 

[Kris P Bacon]

Cast in bronze instead, then coat it, I once had my fish get lead poisoning from a weighted plant, when weighing down plants one should use tungsten or a other non toxic metal.

Would need a furnace for that. I use a cast iron crucible on an open fire. I also use a ladle and mold to cast round lead ball for 1858 New Model Army, cap n ball .44 and colt clone

 

[Deadliestviper7]

Would need a furnace for that. I use a cast iron crucible on an open fire. I also use a ladle and mold to cast round lead ball for 1858 New Model Army, cap n ball .44 and colt cloneView attachment 1315006

Awesome, always like firearms/weapons.

Perhaps you can make a anthill mold of fishing plastic and weight it with iron?

 

[Kris P Bacon]

Awesome, always like firearms/weapons.

Perhaps you can make a anthill mold of fishing plastic and weight it with iron?

There is a thought! Maybe wax, also? Years ago, I took a 140 pound sow hog with the 1858 from 100ft. It was a 136 grain round lead ball. Went high behind the shoulder, thru a rib, both lungs and lodged just under the hide on the far side. Hog ran 15 ft and sqeeled twice and gave up the ghost. I love bacon!

 

[Deadliestviper7]

There is a thought! Maybe wax, also? Years ago, I took a 140 pound sow hog with the 1858 from 100ft. It was a 136 grain round lead ball. Went high behind the shoulder, thru a rib, both lungs and lodged just under the hide on the far side. Hog ran 15 ft and sqeeled twice and gave up the ghost. I love bacon!

Boar meat is the best, makes a nice Reuben , some people eat javelina out here, haven't tried it yet, but I like elk, deer and other wild game as well.