rockgurl89 Posted September 8, 2012 Report Share Posted September 8, 2012 I have a moss tree I made with some sticks from an old floral arrangement and ever since I have put it in my tank the Ph keeps slowly climbing. So I was going to remove the stick and use some 16 gauge galvanised wire to replace it. Will this have any effects on any levels in my aquarium? Any input would be appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted September 8, 2012 Report Share Posted September 8, 2012 I have a moss tree I made with some sticks from an old floral arrangement and ever since I have put it in my tank the Ph keeps slowly climbing. So I was going to remove the stick and use some 16 gauge galvanised wire to replace it. Will this have any effects on any levels in my aquarium? Any input would be appreciated I don't think there are any test kits commonly available that will show you levels of zinc toxicity. Are the sticks just plain wood? Shouldn't make your PH increase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueether Posted September 8, 2012 Report Share Posted September 8, 2012 I agree with Ira, and wouldn't replace with zinc coated wire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markvs Posted September 8, 2012 Report Share Posted September 8, 2012 I am not sure if the zinc will be toxic to your fish. Remember that it is a sacrificial protector of the steel wire below, and as such will dissolve into the water reasonably easily. Possibly copper wire may be better, with the same drawbacks. I would suggest either stainless wire, or aluminium if you can access them. If necessary try a scrap dealer or a welder if you know one? I hope this is some help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueether Posted September 8, 2012 Report Share Posted September 8, 2012 copper is very toxic so would be a no-go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted September 8, 2012 Report Share Posted September 8, 2012 Or you could just replace the sticks, which I doubt are causing any issues...Have you considered replacing them with sticks? Driftwood, plastic, etc all will be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeebee Posted September 8, 2012 Report Share Posted September 8, 2012 Stainless steel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockgurl89 Posted September 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2012 I was originally thinking plastic coated wire, but trying to find anything suitable was a nightmare! I have no idea what else would be causing the Ph to rise (other than I have used two non galved screws to fix my driftwood together) so like I said it was my only thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Godly3vil Posted September 8, 2012 Report Share Posted September 8, 2012 What are you using for substrate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockgurl89 Posted September 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2012 daltons aquatic mix with silver streak 08-1.4mm grade aquarium gravel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F15hguy Posted September 8, 2012 Report Share Posted September 8, 2012 copper is very toxic so would be a no-go didn't thin cpoper would dissolve into the water in enough quantities to cause issues, in the solid metal form its pretty stable. used to have heaps of copper piping in the plant ponds in the theory that it would control snail growth, never did a thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted September 8, 2012 Report Share Posted September 8, 2012 The water needs to be acid for the copper to go into solution. I have seen cases of copper piping and hot water cylinders full of pin holes in areas of acid water---usually old swamp country. Sacrificial anodes of zinc are sometimes used in hot water cylinders to protect the copper so it can't be too toxic. I have used the white bait netting from fishing shops for making spawning traps and have never had a problem. Not sure what it is---may be aluminium alloy. Stainless is worth about $100 a square metre but would be the ultimate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickey_1975 Posted September 8, 2012 Report Share Posted September 8, 2012 Use Stainless steel, try getting a strainer and using the mesh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F15hguy Posted September 8, 2012 Report Share Posted September 8, 2012 ok, back to the original post, first of all, I seriously doubt some floral arranging sticks would affect the pH of the water, also wonder how wood, which makes pH drop would be making the pH rise. the Silver streak will slowly buffer your water back up to around 8.0 - 8.5 for the first 2-3 years of use. when you say slowly rising what do you mean???, 0.1-0.2 over the course of a week, although not perfect is still ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hazara Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 copper is very toxic so would be a no-go Really - that might explain what happened to me a while back when I used some copper wire to train & attach plants to driftwood!! :facepalm: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spoon Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 stainless welding wire Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smidey Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 stainless welding wire or plastic welding rod. "the sticks" are wood? they should lower the ph if anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted November 17, 2012 Report Share Posted November 17, 2012 Definitely only use stainless steel wire for aquariums. This is where I got mine from: http://www.xcluder.co.nz/fencing-mesh-sales.html Costs $16.10 for a 100x30cm sheet of their "6 mesh". Excellent customer service too :thup: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueether Posted November 18, 2012 Report Share Posted November 18, 2012 We use these guys for our 'Bee Mesh' as well, although I think or last order was slightly more than your order joe, I think it was 8 full rolls of #6 mesh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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