clamps for hoses... what should I use?

[LilBugger225]

I put these supposedly stainless steel clamps on my hoses in my sump and well, the actual clamp did not rust but the screw did right away. So I asked home depot about it and they said that they don't make clamps with stainless steel screws to tighten the clamps. Makes sense doesn't it?

Anyways, I was wondering if anyone has found other ways to clamp their hoses that is safe for a reef tank and if this rusting of the screws has already contaminated the water in some way. I don't have anything but sand in the tank now but I'm getting my rock next week. Home depot said that the bolts are made from steel, iron, and zinc or something to that effect. I don't think there is copper in them.

TIA

Erica

 

[slash7]

The best clamps I've found are the ratchet clip hose clamps. They are all plastic and work very well. A recent thread on this subject and a pic of the clamps can be found at http://www.thereeftank.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003778

 

[-JB]

dido on the ratchet clamps. They work great, all my LFS sell them. But you should be able to find them MO with little effort. The only place I don't use them is on my 1 1/2 lines, I don't think they make them that large.

 

[Mouse]

i use the clips for the top of a bread bag to keep the bread fresh. Thats only for airline/calcium reactor tubeing though. But food shop instead of DIY shop maybe fruitfull for plastics etc.

 

[RichK]

If you can't find the ratchet clamps, go to your nearest Home Depot or home center and get plastic cable ties. They work great in a pinch (no pun intended).

 

[Bobzarry]

I just use Rubber bands

 

[GKL]

go to www.mcmaster.com and search for snap grip hose clamps. They have double snap grips in many sizes, up to over 2", and are dirt cheap; way cheaper than LFS. They also have the stainless clamps with stainless screws, not the zinc plated like what it sounds like you have.

 

[LilBugger225]

Thanks for all the suggestions

So, is my water contaminated at all by the rusting of these screws?? I want to make sure it is safe before adding anything to the tank.

TIA

Erica

 

[srbayless]

Howdy,

Your tank shouldn't be contaminated. As long as the rust wasn't disturbed on the clamps (i.e. brushed off), then there shouldn't be any of it in the tank.

As for clamps, ditto the plastic ratchet clamps. I got mine at www.petwhse.com, they have 1/2, 3/4, and 1" sizes. They work really well, even on high pressure setups.

Good luck,

Scott.

 

[kjb]

I have black plastic rachet clamps which are made by Two Little Fishies. I know you can get these at Premium Aquatics MO.

 

[Toadally1]

I use to work at an auto parts store. Probably the best place to look for them. We use to sell all sizes.