Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Does anyone know if these metals are ok in a fish tank?

-- Generic aluminum window screen mesh
-- Chrome plated, stainless steel food drainage tray:

e.g. https://www.centralrestaurant.com/Steam ... f4QAvD_BwE

I was presuming that food safe meant fish safe, but the chrome plated tray is already rusting a little...

Thanks so much for your help!

Aluminium - NO
Chromium - NO
Stainless Steel - OK
Rusty Iron - OK

Thanks. Is it possible to note your reasoning or the source of your information? I'm sure you're right, I'm just trying to understand everything...

Many metals are toxic to fish in very low concentrations, an internet search will turn up lots of references to papers about the subject.
Stainless steel is non-reactive with the water found in AP systems, so the toxic-to-fish metals it contains don't leach out.
Here's some info about rust in water: https://corrosion-doctors.org/Experimen ... mistry.htm - it isn't very soluble. A bit of contact with rusty Iron wont put much Iron into the water, but you dont want a large area exposed.



I doubt there is such a thing. Stainless steel doesn't need Chromium plating, and wont rust unless of poor quality, due to exposure to AP water.