quick question: stainless steel reef safe?

[jafoca]

I need a better clamp for my skimmer pump than i have now.

All i can find is an "all stainless steel" worm gear clamp.

Is this reef safe?

Thanks

[Avi]

If the waterpump is plumbed "dry" or outside of the water, then stainless steel would be all right to use. If it's in the water, then don't use it. Instead, get this kind of clamp:

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_plumbing_parts_fittings_hose_clamps_flexible_vinyl_tubing.asp

[jafoca]

that is the kind of clam that I have and it is useless... doesn't hold tight enough to do any good.

[Drake1]

the stainless steel clamps are no good for saltwater, stainless stell is just what it means...it stains-less but is still steel. the ring bolt is really bad stainless if they actually are, all mine rust out after 6 months and there just above the sump. i would use PVC glue

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

you have to get the right size....those clamps work well.

[Avi]

To say that those clamps don't work well means that you've been using them incorrectly, jaf.

[ste6168]

stainless less comes in different grades, those clamps are the lowest grade stainless thats produced, they will rust over time wheras if you get medical grade stailess, well lets just say good luck getting it to rust.

[ste6168]

Stainless Steels constitute a large family of iron-based engineering alloys containing a minimum of 12% Chromium. When you see 18/8, 18/10, 25/20 etc. the first is always Chromium and the second is always Nickel.There are several groups of stainlesses, known by their crystal packing or microstructural arrangement.

These are: (generally)

Austenitic - 300 series = 17 to 20+ Cr, 8 to 20+ Ni = non-magnetic.
Ferritic - usually less Cr and no Ni = magnetic.
Martensitic - 400 series = <18 Cr <5% Ni + Carbon for hardenabilty - magnetic.
Also duplexes and superduplexes = 25%Cr/20%Ni = non-mag, very corrosion resistant.
And also others - have mixed phases for special uses.

Chromium provides oxide film on surface and hence corrosion resistance.

Nickel provides strength mainly.

(not my own writing, copied from somewhere else)

[Fast Fred]

General rule of thumb: If the stainless steel in question will hold a magnet, then it's junk.

[Shoestring Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6666613#post6666613 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ste6168
stainless less comes in different grades Yup.

[ClubReef]

Try using zip ties. I have a few attached to my water top off pump and hose.