Rust in my tank during a fishless cycle

[eco23]

After 22 and a half years of busting rust as a Deckape on ships, I feel very comfortable in this area. Rust is iron oxide. It is a process during which oxygen molecules bond and transfer electrons with metals. The by product is rust. If its brown then it is from, iron and since steel is derived from iron then iron or steel was in the tank. The process is slower underwater than on land but still happens. Aluminum also corrodes leaving behind a white powder called aluminum oxide. It is the pigment in some paints along with titanium oxide that makes the paint white.
Heavy metals are not good for fish bottom line. Rocks that are rust colored may contain iron ore so be careful with them also....Who knew being a Deckape could come up in conversation???

Wow, Deckape dropping the knowledge

Great post and good info man.