Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Not at all.

In the system you more than likely intend to run the iron tank will make next to not difference in the short term.

The odd thing about heavy metals is majority of them tend to begin to dissolve at or around a pH of 6.9. Just below neutral as you would know.

No major issue using iron tanks, as long as you are prepared to use plants that love to chew on heavy metals. I am sure you guys know of a few....

Thanks Crusty, needed some more definitive answers as to this tank and whether or not I needed to line it or abandon it in favour of something else.

Could you clarify for me, are you saying that this tank (in your opinion) would leach heavy metals over long periods of time?

If so do you know of any sealants available to line this sort of tank?

Could you post a link at all regarding any research done by yourself or others in this regard?

It would be of great assistance to not only myself but others I'm sure.

Thank goodness for forums like these so that we can learn from the experience of others eh

I was going to clap for this post reply and its cleverness. However, the fact that you would expect some research into leaching of heavy metals from metal tanks for the production of some obscure



FFS mate you just dont let up.

Did you not read my last post or are you intentionally being annoying?

errr. looking at what you have done already, I dont forsee you changing anything at all mate and I would bet you are just wastin my time yes?

Anyway......

Dont need proof really, as you know what you are doing a will have it sorted in no time......

Thank goodness you are not drinking that water mate.......

Can you find me the research on the initial combination of copper and lead when sealing electro-galvanised tanks?.... and how much aquatic life loves it?

No need to abandon any more in your life.



Yes it will. It is made out of metal.



there are none.



I was not aware that this was a science.... No need as you know what you are doing.



You do not learn at all otherwise you would not have even considered metal tanks.....................

Goodness Crusty, you certainly sound like you have your knickers in a twist! Calm down.

We all have our areas of expertise and we all try to help each other. Thank heavens for the knowledge and patience of others on this forum who have done the research and generously shared their experience. My auto-siphons still wouldn't be working without their help. And this forum is awash with links to research papers that people have found and posted to aid others. (Getting off my soapbox now.)

Rupert, I'm not chemically knowledgeable, but I can offer some things to consider.
- What is the tank made of? If it had lead in it, I wouldn't use it, but it's probably steel or iron, right? You actually need a little iron in your diet, so what harm is that? Many folks in AP actually have to add a little chelated iron to their water because their plants are deficient.
- Could you have the rainwater that's been sitting in it tested? Certainly anything that was going to leach should have by now since your rainwater is most likely a bit acidic. If they find bad levels of havy metals in it, don't use it.
- Are you interested in raising ornamentals or food fish? If ornamentals, then heavy metals aren't really a problem.

Hope that helps a little.

I give you a plane and simple answer and still you wally on.....

Understand whta you are say ing Janet.

It asked for advise on the iron tank thing and then went postal on my answers. Like I said if you do not like my answers to your delusion then don't use iron....

Rubert, I can't help you in coating your tank but would think you'd need something if it is not coated now, at least to prevent corrosion. Be patient or ask EB I think he would know or advise you of your options.
Looking forward to watching your system grow.
Love the sharing everyone without it id be lost... ohh crap I am still. LOL

Why would you want to coat your tank?. Perfect tank it is indeed.

It seemed that you wanted the last word there skimpy...

Are you refering to me Crusty. It would seem that you are begging to be banned before you go to bed.

ohh goodness let the grog were off first VB?
Rupert, TimC has posted an option for your tank and EB as well read back and happy APing.

QUOTE: "Rupert, TimC has posted an option for your tank and EB as well read back and happy APing." Yes HAPPY APing...

Guess I'm in the firing line now.... I'll try not to get my head bitten off.

Plain galv. corrogated tans have been used for years and years for water tanks. It is only just recently that they come standard with a special coating on the inside (ask EB what it is called...'aqua plate' i think) to assist corrosion prevention and I suppose leaching.

Fact is all plain tanks can and will rust over time, our old water tank sprung a leak due to rust. You can paint the outside with any ordinary rust proofer or special rust shield paints. If the inside is constantly filled with water then you should be ok. If you are worried about leaching, you can prime the metal to help resin based products (like flow coat) to stick. You can line it with pond liner or there are other products about that involve latex based paint . Worst case scenario is you can fibreglass the inside of the tank.. thats when cost creeps up more than you need to worry about leaching.

Really IMHO, iron tanks are pretty safe. You just need to make decision based on how long you will actually use the tank, taking into account future upgrades... I would be more worried about the heavy metals in tap water...

A voice of reason! Good call TC