Tube Clamps in Water

**ryandlf** · 06-30-2009, 10:27 PM

Everyone knows and probably uses those metal tube clamps that will tighted a tube around whatever so it doesn't slip off. My simple question, it I had a mistake where my return tube popped off the pump and was shooting water under my cabinet like a fountain, so I went ahead and put a clamp on there. Was just wondering if it was going to rust and kill all of my fish? If so, what should I use instead?

***lReef lKeeper*** · 06-30-2009, 10:34 PM

if it is metal, there is a good possibility of that. im sure you can find something at home depot or lowes thats made of plastic.

**CarmieJo** · 06-30-2009, 11:27 PM

I use zip ties.

**ryandlf** · 06-30-2009, 11:34 PM

Zip ties are a good idea.

**lance** · 07-01-2009, 04:19 AM

it will rust you can use zip tie's but I personally choose these

Aquarium Plumbing: Plastic Clamps

better then zip tie's and in my opinion better then the metal clamps

lance

**7perseo7** · 07-01-2009, 07:56 AM

I agree with Lance this are the best for salt water, i always start like carmie with a big wire tie;when i am happy with the position and angles i clamp the plastic ties and left both in place,the old grey ones where great,they would withstand everything. the blackones tend to decay with UV exposure;one of my old tanks has an old UV sterilizer that is very strong and there is an open area to let you see is ON. i still use the other metal clamps since i get stainles steel (wich is not rust proff only resistant) evrything breaks down exposed to saltwater and oxigen....almost

**CarmieJo** · 07-02-2009, 12:52 AM

Originally Posted by lance

it will rust you can use zip tie's but I personally choose these

Aquarium Plumbing: Plastic Clamps

better then zip tie's and in my opinion better then the metal clamps

lance

Those look great!

**lance** · 07-02-2009, 01:21 AM

Originally Posted by CarmieJo

Those look great!

they have saved my butt so many time's and are fantastic you get a 6 pack for a decent price and from what I heard lowe's may carry them in there plumbing section come fall 2009 but not 100% sure on it yet though will let you all know thanks for thanking me guy's on the post.

lance

**rroselavy** · 07-02-2009, 12:41 PM

Personally, I use the CLAMPS!!!

Seriously, I have the both zip ties and the plastic tube clamps. I find that they both fatigue after a while, so I check them periodically.

**bbl_nk** · 07-03-2009, 12:51 PM

Does Drs F&S carry the angry robot? Does it have the Arrive Alive Guarantee?

Definitely 86 the metal ones. The zip tie idea is a great idea as well as the plastic clamps from the link above. I'd use at least two big fat zip ties since its always good to have a backup

Just a quick electronics lesson for you. A battery is basically just two dissimilar metals with an electrolyte allow them to react together and create electricity. Guess what, slat is a great electrolyte and you will always find more rust around two dissimilar metals anywhere near your aquarium. The two different metals of those clamps make a great little rust battery. You'll also notice this around hinges and screws where SW gets to around your stand and such.

Just a little FYI from my corrosion control training days Navy

That's why we're always washing and painting the decks, ships and airplanes.

**Dragonwolf** · 07-03-2009, 01:55 PM

2 words: Stainless Steel

**ryandlf** · 07-03-2009, 04:14 PM

Ya I guess is kind of common sense *smacks in the head*. I went out an got some zip ties, I got the black ones because they are tighter haha...just kidding.

**bbl_nk** · 07-03-2009, 04:43 PM

Dragon, SS can still rust, especially in contact with iron or another metal (eg flakes off a screwdriver or hammer)

Ryan, zip ties (especially the black aka tigther ones

) are a definite must have! I always have different sizes on hand and always come up with some strange...errr....useful way to use em.

**Coreyz** · 07-04-2009, 03:41 AM

Thanks I just placed an order for a dozen clamps.

**Dragonwolf** · 07-04-2009, 03:20 PM

[QUOTE=bbl_nk;109585]Dragon, SS can still rust, especially in contact with iron or another metal (eg flakes off a screwdriver or hammer)

Stainless steel is made up of at least 10 % chromium with nickel, molybdenum, titanium and a few others. There are many differnt grades of SS. The cheap stuff will rust, hose clamps are probably not the best grade of SS, but they hold better than any thing else and peace of mind is a wonderful thing. I sure didn't mean to use SS clamps underwater but for hoses that are not underwater I'll stick with SS. You'll be replacing the hoses way before the clamps give way.