Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

What are the pressed metal bathtubs made of?

With all this talk of leeching from PVC and what not, I was wondering whether my bathtubs were safe. Some of the enamel has come away in spots, and it's rusting. It will probably take a few years to rust through, and I gather the rust will actually do the plants some good, but I was wondering if there was anything apart from Iron in that metal. Anyone know?

Older ones may have lead in the paint/enamel?

If it is rusting I would guess it is some sort of iron/steel.

Metals that one should avoid putting in contact with the fish water I know are copper and the zinc from galvanized metals.

Is there a thread on here noting dangerous materials and where they are likely to be found?

Think George W is still looking for them himself TCL ....

Zinc! Dang I was going to use galvanized tanks.

Most modern bathtubs are made from stamped steel with a coating of porcelin enamal on them. They are not gavanized underneath the enamal. Thats why you will see rusting if the enamal is chipped.

Older tubs are made of cast iron with a similar porcelin enamal on them.

Some newer tubs are also made of fiberglass with a coat of acrylic, but it definately doesnt sound like thats what you have.

I started a thread on this back in the day, I think the gist is that lead, brass, bronze, copper, zinc, tin, etc. are all bad. Some people are skittish on aluminum too. Carbon steel and stainless are great of course.

Thanks, it's definatley the stamped steel one, though I also have a fibreglass. From what you're saying, I've nothing to worry about.