Sump Out Of Stainless?

[Splatter]

Hey all, I'm getting ready to build my sump and I'm considering stainless steel, I thought it'd probably end up being cheaper than an acryllic sump as my Dads friend has some steel bending equiptment he'd let me use.

So the main question is - Is stainless steel okay to use as a sump? Would it leech any hard metals into the aquarium which would be detrimental to the health of my fish/corals?

Thanks very much

 

[SkiFletch]

Wow yeah I wouldn't try it tbh. You'd need to use the BEST quality of stainless steel (I always forget my steel #s) and even still, over time you'd probably get rust/corrosion. The really high-quality stainless is also really really expensive, and you definitely would not realize savings over acrylic then. Saltwater is definitely one of the most abusive substancess towards metals. Battery acid may be worse, but seawater is also exceptionally bad. I've used plenty of "stainless" steel products designed for use in seawater and even those rusted eventually. Just not a great idea IMO.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

I dont know of any metal that isnt cheaper than acrylic that wont rust if it is exposed to sea water.

 

[xxBarneyxx]

If your looking for a cheap option then I have seen people build tanks out of resin covered wood. Not sure what kind of resin you need to use to be reef safe though. Alternatively just check out the local classified ad's and pick up a second hand tank.

 

[andywg]

Wooden box + pond liner = pretty cheap larger sump

Or, just line the steel box with pond liner. Again, pretty cheap if you can get some off cuts of line.

 

[Splatter]

Thanks SkiFletch! You've just saved me many, mnay headaches in the long run

And thanks for the advice xxBarneyxx and Andywg I'll almost definately do it that way now

Thanks everyone once again!

 

[jeasko]

you only have to look at the street lights i deal with in a coastal environment that are made out of marine grade stainless and you would be put off using it! these things started to reust within a month of going in and they aint even in permanent contact with the SW