Metal chain in the water?

[NYgiantsRP]

I am setting up a new tank this week and I found a length of thick old chain in my backyard. I was thinking it would make a cool decoration. I plan on keeping shrimp, I thought they would like to hangout in and around all the links. Is it safe to put metal in the water? Should I spray paint it before I put it in? Any help?

 

[fort384]

It depends what kind of metal it is. Some would be inert and safe, and some would oxidize like crazy in the water and could cause water quality issues.