Metal clips on pump

I have metal clips on my skimmer pump and I'm beginning to think that it wasn't the smartest idea. Can it rust? Or should I be fine? They are submerged in my display tank.

 

Not so good; replace them with plastic ones. They will rust and obviously you don't want that leeching into the water.

 

+1 I'd get them out ASAP and run some carbon

 

Yep.

 

Thanks where could I get some? I called myself looking at Home Depot & couldn't find any

 

Hmm, I bought mine at Lowe's which is kinda like a Home Depot. If I'm not mistaken I found them in the plumbing section as they're near the metal clamps. It's been a while since I bought them but I think that's where they'd be. If not, ask someone, they'll help you find 'em.

 

What kind of metal? If it's steel, the iron rust isn't terrible for the system, but I believe your salt provides the proper percentage, so more could become troublesome; especially when some scientists consider it a limiting nutrient in algal (phyto plankton) growth.

 

The problem is with cheap metal, you never know where it came from. If its from Lowes Home Depot etc, its probably from overseas, and who knows whats in it.

 

You should be able to find the plastic clamps in home depot or lowes. I usually find it in the plumbing section by their underground sprinkler systems.

If you can't find any locally, you can find them online:

Plastic Hose Clamp

Aquarium Plumbing: Plastic Clamps

 

Or just use a zip tie.