is this pump safe?

[pdfb55]

this is an old pump we used on our pond. It pumps like 250 gph. I think it is a little giant pump but i'm not sure. My question is is it ok to use, will all the metal screws and stuff leach copper or anything bad into my tank?
Thanks

[smidoid]

Saltwater is very corrosive when compared to fresh and (personally) I won't put anything metallic in my water column. You wouldn't want to drink it - so why should your fish?

[Poseidon]

Well my MAG drive pumps all have Stainless steel screws holding them together. My guess is those are also stainless steel. That being said, it does NOT mean that pump is saltwater safe. There should be some sort of info on the pump somewhere to at least say what it is, brand wise.

[smidoid]

The gotcha there Mike is that not all stainless steel was born equal.

I'd take a non-submersible any day (even if I could afford a MAG!).

[Ninong]

Only brass screws are a problem because of the copper. Those screws are steel. They won't hurt anything even if they do rust.

[smidoid]

Only brass screws are a problem because of the copper. Those screws are steel. They won't hurt anything even if they do rust.

Until the pump falls apart because the heads have rotted away!

Just kidding.

[Ninong]

I'm not expressing an opinion about whether using that pump is a good idea or whether it will last very long, just that the screws won't hurt anything in the tank.

[pdfb55]

so what if were to take the screws out and silicone it or something? Would that work?

[Ninong]

so what if were to take the screws out and silicone it or something? Would that work?

There's nothing wrong with the screws. They won't hurt anything and they'll almost certainly outlast the pump anyway. I wouldn't worry about it.

[Poseidon]

I agree, that pump looks like it will be fine. Did you ever find a model/manufacturer on it?

[pdfb55]

i remember i got it from lowes when we made our old pond. I am pretty sure this is it,
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...210&lpage=none

[Steven Pro]

I would track down the manufacturer and ask them.

[daveyhouse]

My first post here, figured I would chime with my 1/2 cent (inflation)

I would say that those are stainless screws since you have already used that pump in water and no rust has developed.
As mentioned above, there are different grades of stainless steel. If in doubt you could go to a fastener company and order high grade stainless screws to fit that. One set back would be that alot of those fastener companies require a mininum dollar purchase

[pdfb55]

daveyhouseMy first post here, figured I would chime with my 1/2 cent (inflation)

I would say that those are stainless screws since you have already used that pump in water and no rust has developed.
As mentioned above, there are different grades of stainless steel. If in doubt you could go to a fastener company and order high grade stainless screws to fit that. One set back would be that alot of those fastener companies require a mininum dollar purchase

actually, my dad is the president a company that makes drives and gearboxes but they also have a fastener company. I will see if he can get me some.