Will Stainless Steel Plumbing Ever Bother a Fish?

[aquaventions]

I plan on using a very short run of either 304 or 316 stainless steel.

Will the steel have any adverse effect on fish? Does it matter which type of steel I use?

 

[Knowdafish]

Yes, it matters which grade stainless steel you use! 316 will not rust in most instances, 304 will!

 

[aquaventions]

Will 316 rust in an aquarium environment?

 

[aquaventions]

I plan on using a very short run of either 304 or 316 stainless steel.

Will the steel have any adverse effect on fish? Does it matter which type of steel I use?

I spoke with someone who sells 304 and 316 plumbing. He said that in marine or more hazardous applications there will be no oxidation with 316. In fresh water he said 304 would be ok.

 

[koop171]

My question is Why do you not just want to use PVC?

 

[aquaventions]

Although it takes quite a while, ultraviolet light will breakdown PVC that is within a certain proximity.

 

[nfored]

Are you going to an open UV light? most people have UV enclosed in the housing. Are you going to use like a restaurant style Open UV light?

 

[sizors]

Although it takes quite a while, ultraviolet light will breakdown PVC that is within a certain proximity.

^ i have heard that applying even 1 layer of paint can help to minimize these affects; perhaps someone who knows more can elaborate.

 

[MadRussian79]

Salt water will eat almost anything given time. 316 will corrode in saltwater particularly around threads. http://www.microdaq.com/occ/application_notes/stainless_steel.php

 

[bob965]

According to my calculations, you would have to replace the PVC piping 89347345 times to make up for the expense of using stainless.