lead in the tank

[jhd]

Is it dangerous for fish? Can I keep weight lead the plants came with from the store without dissolving heavy metal in the water? I would like to keep it to weight down floating plant.

 

[madasafish]

I wondered the same thing when I first got bunched plants. I consulted many LFS owners (some of whom I respect), and they all agreed that these lead weights do not significantly increase the levels of lead in the water.

Of course, now a few months after getting this advice, the weights are visibly reacting with the water (going white, breaking apart), but I would not go as far as to suggest that this is hurting my fish.

I don't think this product would be on the market (you can buy lead weights in stores) if it was harmful to fish.\

In short, no!

 

[dralarms]

What about getting some plasti-coat and dipping the weights? That would keep them from breaking down, and protect your fragile enviorment from the lead. Don't know why I haven't thought about it before. lol, I'm using rubberbands tied to "gem stones". Time to get some plasti-coat.

 

[Allivymar]

I saved all my lead plant weights and use them to weigh down zucchini for the fish; then again, the weights are in the tank only overnight. Its not recommended to leave em in the tank for extended perikods of time. The lead can leach out, and can also damage plants if thats what its used for. Then again, one needs to be sure what the wieghts are made of; I've heard they also may be made of tin.

Coupla links to peruse: http://fins.actwin.com/aquatic-plants/month.9902/msg00848.html

http://fins.actwin.com/aquatic-plants/month.9902/msg00830.html