Is It Kosher To Use Brass?

[squeakytoy]

Hi all, gotta question for the knowledgeable amongst we the unwashed. I am trying to get my tank plumbed out in the best order to simplify water and filter changes. Currently, I have a Magnum 350 handling the mechanical filtration with an eheim 1250 on the bio sump. For water changes, I want to tap into the magnum lines, and I was wondering about using brass garden hose fittings. I haven't seen many fittings that are as sturdy as the higher build brass, and if I put a couple of valved "Y"'s, I can easily connect the vacuum pipe to clean the bottom, as well as just hook the hose to output for the tank drain. All of these things and more could be mine if brass is safe in the tank.

Oh yeah, freshwater tropical tank... no salt or brackish

 

[Colin_T]

although brass is generally safe to use in aquariums it does corrode (it's not meant too but it does) a bit and it costs a heck of a lot to buy. You are better off using plastic hose fittings or PVC pipe fittings available from any reticulation store.

Most people simply use a long hose with a gravel cleaner to clean the gunk out of the tank.
Filters have to be cleaned manually otherwise they eventually block up and cause problems.