Mechanical Filtration - Stainless Steel Mesh

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Still, the question is about using 50 (and occasionally 25) micron stainless steel mesh in a freshwater aquarium, since this would be completely, and almost infinitely, reusable.
 
I looked and it comes down to this: if you don't use any salt in the tank, you should be fine for a long time. If you use salt, then you'll help accelerate the oxidation process and may begin leeching component metals into the water. No one can tell you how long that will take or how much it will be. Iron would normally not be a problem for FW fish. I can't say for things like chromium or nickel. It would depend on many variables how long this takes and whether it's an issue.

However, since people do use SS in different ways in FW aquariums, I think it's fair to say, that it shouldn't be a problem. If you were to use the same thing in a SW tank, I'm certain you'd be advised to re-think it or to get SS that has a high corrosive resistant character.
 
It's hard to get a straight answer on product metal composition, even from the supplier. My other concern is anything 25-50 micron being unpressurized. A lot of the flow ratings for 25-50 micron media is for pressurized systems.

I think I'll get a 50 micron poly sock and see how it flows when wrapped around my existing overflow. (by the way Dr, that link you posted was nice, as far as socks go, it was exactly what I needed)

The other idea I had was to set up a canister/HOB filter that is completely dedicated to mechanical filtration; possibly running from, and back to, the sump. I've built this system to be mostly hands free - and bucket free - and it has worked well that way... and I'd like to keep it that way. The upside here is that I could engineer a gravel-vacuum attachment to be used with the canister, and I wouldn't lose water... but I guess that's for another thread.

Thanks for the input everyone.
 
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