Rust?

[seas_inside]

Hi. A few weeks ago, I clipped one of those "binder clips" to the side of the tank to attach something else. I'm pretty sure no part of it touched the water. But, I noticed that there was a little bit of rusty-colored stuff on my live rocks and tank divider. Is it possible that it leaked rust into my tank?? If this is rust, how would I measure it? And how would I get rid of it? Thanks.

[bpd964]

probably not rust. do you have a pic?

[seas_inside]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/136671PB260015.JPG

It just started looking like that, and it's not natural.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It is hard to tell in the picture. Is it a stain on the rock, or something on top of the rock, like cyanobacteria?

[seas_inside]

I'm thinking now that it is some kind of algae. (on the rock pic above)

But, on one of the other rocks, it looks more like a stain.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I probably would not blame the binder clip. :)

[seas_inside]

Ah haha, that's good to hear! But I was just worried that the binde clip could rust and leak into my tank... guess that's not the case!:) Thanks.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Red rust from iron does not usually coat things like that. Many people add soluble iron in supplements or even "rust" when they use iron oxide phosphate binders, and they do not get such stains. :)

[seas_inside]

Hello all. I'm bringing up the thread again, because this time I'm a little more concerned about the rust this time (different than above).

I have a divider (for 10g) that had clips on the side, which I assumed would be safe since they're made for aquariums. But, now I've noticed actual rust this time from them, it doesn't look like algae. I've removed the divider... most of the rust is stuck to the glass and even when I scrape it, it won't come off.

I could post a pic, if necessary.

Any ideas on what to do? (is this harmful?)

Thanks. :)

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If it is actual iron oxide deposited onto the glass, it is not likely harmful. I assume it is just near the clips? Can it be scraped with a real razor blade?

Acid will remove it if not.

[seas_inside]

Yes, there is a deposit on the glass, above the water level, where the clip was. A razor blade isn't removing it. What kind of acid can I use?

Thanks for your help, Randy. :)

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If you can remove it, straight vinegar or muriatic acid diluted one part acid into 10 parts water may well be adequate. :)

[seas_inside]

Thanks. I should be cautious of getting any vingegar into the tank water, right? What can I do to make it safe?

[TekCat]

I'd apply a vinnegar soaked piece of fabric or goze to the stain (provided it is above water line). Hold it there for a few minutes and try scraping it. A few drops of vinnegar in tank, IMHO won't harm it.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I agree. :)

FWIW, is there a reason that the stains need to be removed? The tank is not hurt by having it remain.

[seas_inside]

There's not really a reason, just that it's unsightly and fairly noticeable.

Thanks for your help, Randy and TekCat

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Good luck and let us know how removing it turns out. :)