[NanoDave]

So this might be a crazy question and seem a little out of the ordinary but is titanium safe to use in an aquarium? I work as a medical sales rep selling medical grade titanium screws and plates to fix broken bones and have been thinking about using a few screws to hold a few pieces of wood together for a strong, secure hold. I do know titanium screws might sound crazy but I can easily use a few as I have extras available.

 

[OVT]

Yep, probably better then stainless steel as titanium is an inert element.

v3

 

[lochaber]

Yeah, should be.

We've got those titanium heaters, and a few other odds and ends made out of titanium that are even good for marine aquariua use.

One of the reasons it is commonly used inside of people

Out of curiosity, what's the rough/general cost on those? I imagine if they are intended for medical use they are going to be quite a bit more expensive then they wood be otherwise.

 

[NanoDave]

They run around $60-$120 a screw depending on size and kind but I have some lying around so why not right!

 

[DaveK]

They should work fine. Years ago I had a heater that used a titanium heating element. It was an industrial grade heater, and just about indestructible compared to the stuff you see today. I used it on a SW system.

 

[NanoDave]

Goog to know DaveK

 

[Schreckeng]

Very expensive...

 

[thelub]

If its good to be in your body I can't imagine why it wouldn't be aquarium safe......

 

[nofearengineer]

Yep, probably better then stainless steel as titanium is an inert element.

v3

Hehe, couldn't help myself from making a slight correction here.

Titanium itself isn't inert. Actually, it oxidizes rapidly. But like Aluminum, its oxidized form is extremely unreactive. So Titanium essentially "protects" itself in a skin of Titanium Dioxide.

End result? The same.

 

[Dylan M]

Titanium Items in Fish Tank

Hi all
I was considering doing something totally different in our fish tank. I was wanting to do an industrial type theme then thought about actual items to put into tank.
If i could get hold of some faulty titanium implants?? even like hips, should blades. I know it sounds creepy but I wouldnt display as such, but wanting to create a scrap metal type look in the tank. Not the boring plant theme, and cant find any suitable ornaments.
What do you think?

 

[PlantedRich]

I came into the hobby through a different door than many who are plant keepers with fish as a side. In cichlid tanks there are so many more folks open to using the odd items that there is a world of difference in attitude. On this forum the prevailing thoughts are concern over even a few bits of this or that like metal. People may be keeping far more sensitive animals or just not really gotten into what can be done in or to a tank.

In the cichlid world it is not at all unusual to find tanks with almost any kind of debris. Some intend to make the tank "natural" by adding cans and bottles for trash. Others use an old bike frame while still others use things that remind them of their favorite hobby. One discussion I remember was how to keep a surfboard down in the tank.

The considered opinion on cichlid-forum seemed to be that it should be cleaned of oil, grease or wax but from there it is pretty open season. It's not like a titanium hip joint is going to be much worse than a metal impeller shaft or two. Just keep the water changed and I see no harm.

 

[dirbrit]

Hi all
I was considering doing something totally different in our fish tank. I was wanting to do an industrial type theme then thought about actual items to put into tank.
If i could get hold of some faulty titanium implants?? even like hips, should blades. I know it sounds creepy but I wouldnt display as such, but wanting to create a scrap metal type look in the tank. Not the boring plant theme, and cant find any suitable ornaments.
What do you think?

yup,, that does sound creepy...lol