Paper clip (metal) in tank

[al mc]

Ok....Don't ask how.

..but I managed to drop a paperclip into my reef tank

and of course it decided to land in a spot that is very difficult to get to without some major moving of corals and rock. Should I be worried if I decide to just leave it there? Thanks
The system is 156 gallon DT with 175gallon sump/refugium

 

[spanko]

Can you use one of those mechanics magnets to get it?

 

[al mc]

Excellent idea on the mechanics magnet...do I get one at Sears?

 

[spanko]

Sears, Action auto or other auto parts stores.

 

[al mc]

Originally Posted by spanko
http:///forum/post/2929507
Sears, Action auto or other auto parts stores.
Excellent...I should be able to get to it, but if not...is it likely to cause problems?

 

[spanko]

Really can't say someone else going to have to chime in here.

 

[al mc]

Originally Posted by spanko
http:///forum/post/2929518
Really can't say someone else going to have to chime in here.
Thanks for your help. I used your idea of magnets and tied a string around one half of a 'magna float' and pulled it up.

 

[spanko]

Good job!!!!

 

[locoyo386]

I do believe they don't oxydize initially, not sure in the long run in saltwater though. I would try to get it out.

 

[adee]

good job!! i was going to suggest using your magfloat if you had one.. might i ask how a paperclip managed to fall in your tank though? lol.. its just not one of those items i hold near my tank lol

 

[al mc]

Originally Posted by ADEE
http:///forum/post/2929578
good job!! i was going to suggest using your magfloat if you had one.. might i ask how a paperclip managed to fall in your tank though? lol.. its just not one of those items i hold near my tank lol
Ok...I have found that when the tiny air vent on the drain from the DT gets
clogged the noise associated with the draining water gets louder. An opened
Paper clip is the perfect length/diameter to clean the air vent out......hence paperclip near swf...clumsy person (me) drops into DT....

 

[adee]

Lol.. it makes perfect sense now, i just couldnt think of a reason a paperclip would be near one lol.. great to know ill havet o keep that in mind

glad you got it out

 

[florida joe]

Exactly what do you think would be present in the decomposition of a paper clip that would be detrimental to your tank

 

[oceansidefish]

I would not imagine that it would cause too much of a problem.... Think of all the metal they used to use in pumps and such that rusted... Iron Oxide aka rust is not really a polutant.

 

[florida joe]

Paper clips are generally made from galvanized steel wire.

 

[locoyo386]

Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/2930032
Paper clips are generally made from galvanized steel wire.
True, some are made from plastic aswell and others are made from iron. If rust "iron oxide" is not bad for the livestock than no worries at all, it could be left in there.

 

[oceansidefish]

That is true...It would depend what variation on the paperclip you lost in there. Although I would not anticipate any of them causing problems in your tank. Although if you can get it out with a magnet, assuming it is not plastic in any way wont hurt.