stainless steel mesh

[David]

hi everyone

recently about 3 weeks back, i got some stainless steel mesh and tied moss onto it....after that, my tetra started knocking off, one at a time and recently, death toll got up to 3 simultaneously.....one sure sign is the typical locked jaw prior to death....and some of my fish are getting deformed.....it is a healthy tank prior to the steel mesh thingy...

has anyone experienced this before when using steel mesh?...

[benny]

A case of metal toxicity?

Perhaps the mesh isn't really stainless steel or it's just coated. The portion where you snip off may be leaching unwanted metal into your water column over a period of time.

I have seen weighted plastic mesh and special moulded stainless steel mesh in various sizes in other countries. Wish someone would bring them in and sell in Singapore.

Cheers,

[David]

purhaps you are right....maybe the next time i use those plastic ones instead....thanks benny

[vinz]

Moulded? Into what shapes?

I've not used any of the meshes, but can't you just bend them to the shape you want?

[David]

they are quite stiff to be moulded actually vinz...have to cut

[anakin]

David, stainless steel comes in various grades. from totally inert surgical 18/8 to the chapalang grade we find in stainless steel scissors from China. the no. before and after the '/' refers to the alloy-chrome composition. 18/8 is good because the steel is inert and will not rust or react with water or most chemicals, China stainless steel scissors will rust no matter how stainless steel they are []

I guess the stainless stell grade for the mesh may be inferior and the chrome might have leached into the water and poisoned the fish? sorry to hear about that, BTW []

[David]

thanks for the information anakin...but how do we tell what grade is the stainless steel? Is there any tell tale sign other then asking the person selling them?

[Allen_1971]

I've always wondered about that... what do the numbers mean? For example lots of kitchen stainless steel is 18/10... so what does 18 mean and what does 10 mean?

[anakin]

Allen, I think 18/10 means 18 part steel 10 part chrome.
David, the only ss grade you'd find on appratus is on exp ones - those that really matter - like surgical equipment. so you'd only find the good grades if you ever find one. Think $$$. why not stick to plastic/ synthetic mesh? mine works beautifully - in fact, just harvested my riccia from my log 2 days ago too [:] always be careful when you introduce metallic or even rocks from unknown origin - never trusted these. Some marble are known to give out cyanide too[:0]. If I find out which type, will post it.

[Allen_1971]

David,

on another note, if it is heavy metal toxicity, mebbe you should dump in some water conditioners like Tetra's Aqua Safe which claims to bind heavy metals? Just a precaution?

[David]

thanks anakin....allen i decided to remove the steel mesh

[M0rph3us]

how do u guys keep the mesh sinking if using plastic meshes?

[hoppinghippo]

there are various grades of stainless steel, the best grade is 316L, medical grade which is super ex and impractical for aquarium use.

david where you buy your mesh from?

[kc]

I got my SS wire mesh from NA at $5 for 4 pieces (size around 14cm x 10cm). I put them all into the tank. It have been more than a week and so far no problem.

I saw another type of SS wire mesh at a hardware shop. $2 for a 1 ft x 3 ft. Now I feel lucky i didn't buy that.

[Allen_1971]

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On 12/22/2002 11:08:30 PM

thanks anakin....allen i decided to remove the steel mesh
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Err yes... but I was thinking that even if you remove, whatever has leeched from the mesh into the water will still be there right? So using aquasafe will help minimize any other problems with the leeched metals in the water

[David]

allen...water change like crazy already over 3 days.....should be okay....I hope......[]

[anakin]

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On 12/22/2002 11:43:29 PM

how do u guys keep the mesh sinking if using plastic meshes?
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M0rph3us, can wrap it around a piece of slate. I don't use those hard, stiff mesh, but the softer type that people use to keeps out insects. Tied it with fishing line. works fine for my riccia.

[anakin]

kc, i second your opinion. David, sorry but not meaning to rubbing it in. but the mesh from hardware shops may have pollutants such as oil and grease on them. so be careful.

[griffon]

I brought some plastic mesh from a shop in IMM on the 3rd floor.It called "Daiso", the is very cheap.
I pay $2 for a packet of 10pcs (15cm x 15 cm). They are at the gradening section. They also come in various grids sizes.
I have tied some moss on it and it sink w/o needs of any weights.
You guys might wants to get some if staying near there.
Hope this info helps.

[David]

hi anakin

i actually bought it from an LFS....