Are stainless steel hose clamps safe?

lazyrhino · 10/04/2011, 07:34 PM

So I'm finally setting up my sump and I'm planning on using a foot or so of vinyl tubing on the outlet of my return pump to cut down on vibrations. Is it safe to use a stainless steel hose clamp in a submerged location in my sump?

Thanks for any feedback.

dsn112 · 10/04/2011, 07:36 PM

i would use the black plastic clamps if you are going to submerge them.

jamesyoung_31 · 10/04/2011, 07:41 PM

Stainless steel is fine but the screw will rust with most of those clamps. You will need stainless steel screws as well.

iamwrasseman · 10/04/2011, 08:08 PM

they make plastic clamps for aquarium use so i would recomend finding one so you dont have to worry about any problems in the future .

lordofthereef · 10/04/2011, 08:11 PM

Stainless steel will likely also end up rusting, just in more time. I'd go with something plastic. Thendownside is you will likely have to special Order those. As far as the tank is is concerned though it won't hurt anything.

Sent from my iPhone (please excuse the typos)

Tin_Whistler · 10/04/2011, 09:59 PM

As others stated they make plastic ones, you can also use zip ties, but you'll need to buy one of the zip tie ratchets to get it tight enough.

smellslikeTUNA · 10/04/2011, 10:14 PM

you could always throw some silicon around the clamp if you dont have access to plastic ones and/or are worried about rusting? Might be a pain if you have to remove the pump often to clean it or use it for something else like major water changes though... anyways just my 2¢

Palting · 10/04/2011, 10:54 PM

The screws on the stainless steel clamos wll rust within a week, and the clamp itself will show corrosion in a month or so. I tried it on a previous tank

.

The problem with the plastic clamps is that they are hard to find locally, and I have to get them on-line, and end up paying more for postage than the clamp itself.

I now use zip ties. You can get them anywhere. I do use a ratchet tool, but you'd be surprised how tight you can get them just with your fingers, or even assisted with using a pair pf pliers to pull them tight.

Sk8r · 10/05/2011, 09:50 AM

A little leak in a submerged unit doesn't hurt anything except efficiency. I always just screw in a hose barb where I have a screw, or socket one in if possible, and if not, as with the little Maxijets, I just slide the hose on. A rubber band can serve as a mini-gasket.

lazyrhino · 10/05/2011, 09:51 AM

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Using the stainless ones didn't feel right to me.

I checked HD and the other place this morning and they didn't have the plastic ones. They looked at me like I was insane for even asking. I see them cheap online at Marine Depot and a couple other places but as was mentioned, shipping is 10X the cost of the clamps. I think I'll use zip ties until I need to place another online order and can add them without paying shipping for just them.

Thanks again for all the advice.

jamesyoung_31 · 10/05/2011, 10:52 AM

Stainless steel does not rust. I think most powerhead impellers are stainless steel are they not? Also all of the mag pumps have stainless steel screws, just not understanding the logic.

referring to the impeller shafts

jimmy frag · 10/05/2011, 11:01 AM

i would think there is differant grades of stainless steel

yz250motoxrider · 10/05/2011, 11:06 AM

Stainless steel rusts. However high quality stainless will rust very slowly and it will take years to notice. Stainless rusts at a much slower rate than "regular" steel. If you need hose clamps (lines under pressure should have them) then get titanium marine hose clamps. Yes they are expensive but not compared to the rest of your tank.

jamesyoung_31 · 10/05/2011, 11:07 AM

Well I haven't seen a stainless steel clamp rust only the screw.

redneckgearhead · 10/05/2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesyoung_31

Well I haven't seen a stainless steel clamp rust only the screw.

Isn't the screw part of the clamp? And yes Stainless steel will rust. I believe that stainless is just steel with extra nickel in it.

jamesyoung_31 · 10/05/2011, 11:18 AM

Yes the screw is part of the clamp. That's why you need stainless steel screws to go with the clamp.

yz250motoxrider · 10/05/2011, 11:22 AM

jamesyoung_31 · 10/05/2011, 11:27 AM

Well proof is in the pudding with the pic, although I personally have never seen a stainless steel clamp rust. Thanks for the pic.

Stainless steel clamp for sure?

yz250motoxrider · 10/05/2011, 11:36 AM

Yes the clamp is stainless it’s exposed to salt spray which causes it to corrode faster than it normally would in the water.

jamesyoung_31 · 10/05/2011, 11:38 AM

Thanks. As I say, I would never agree that it rusts, but one cannot dispute that evidence.

pmark · 10/05/2011, 09:26 PM

Agreed with the other posts, use a plastic hose clamp. They also go by the name ratchet hose clamp.

Chiefillini · 10/06/2011, 08:57 PM

When I first started I also used stainless steel claps and they rusted. I noticed film floating in sump where I had my return pump with the stainless steel claps. Switched to plastic and never had a problem.

BlueCorn · 10/06/2011, 09:02 PM

As as been mentioned, nearly all "stainless" clamps still have mild steel screws; i.e. they rust.

It's probably possible to find one that's completely stainless but it'll be expensive. Order some plastic ones and be done with it.

This one slipped off of a hose and I didn't find it until I cleaned my sump one day.

Reefnut2010 · 10/06/2011, 10:41 PM

Metal (stainless or not), water, and electricity.....DON'T MIX !!

ThaBeast · 10/06/2011, 10:43 PM

stainless steel is also referred to as corrosion resistant steel, and has a higher content of chromium than carbon steel. The higher the chromium content, the higher grade of stainless. I have seen stainless steel rust in many industrial applications, and some cheap stainless clamps rust in my fish room.

10/04/2011, 07:34 PM	#1
lazyrhino Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Great Lakes, IL Posts: 101	Are stainless steel hose clamps safe? So I'm finally setting up my sump and I'm planning on using a foot or so of vinyl tubing on the outlet of my return pump to cut down on vibrations. Is it safe to use a stainless steel hose clamp in a submerged location in my sump? Thanks for any feedback. __________________ Ryan Current Tank Info: BC29, RapidLED Retrofit, AquaticLife 115 skimmer, RKE, MP10Wes. Fish, LPS, softies, and zoas.

10/04/2011, 07:36 PM	#2
dsn112 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Jersey Posts: 1,139	i would use the black plastic clamps if you are going to submerge them. __________________ I'm disturbed! I'm depressed! I'm inadequate! I got it all!! Current Tank Info: Fluval Edge w LED freshwater. Looking at doing a 20-40g long penninsula fowlr soon

10/04/2011, 08:08 PM	#4
iamwrasseman Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: syracuse Posts: 7,003	they make plastic clamps for aquarium use so i would recomend finding one so you dont have to worry about any problems in the future . __________________ This hobby certainly can put you in some weird positions ! Dave Current Tank Info: 40 freshwater,25saltwater 2000 gallons ,enough tanks for an army ?

10/04/2011, 08:11 PM	#5
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	Stainless steel will likely also end up rusting, just in more time. I'd go with something plastic. Thendownside is you will likely have to special Order those. As far as the tank is is concerned though it won't hurt anything. Sent from my iPhone (please excuse the typos) __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

10/04/2011, 09:59 PM	#6
Tin_Whistler Mayor of Podunk Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 263	As others stated they make plastic ones, you can also use zip ties, but you'll need to buy one of the zip tie ratchets to get it tight enough. __________________ So long and thanks for all the lulz. Current Tank Info: In Progress

10/04/2011, 07:41 PM	#3
jamesyoung_31 Moved On Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 47	Stainless steel is fine but the screw will rust with most of those clamps. You will need stainless steel screws as well.

10/04/2011, 10:14 PM	#7
smellslikeTUNA Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 453	you could always throw some silicon around the clamp if you dont have access to plastic ones and/or are worried about rusting? Might be a pain if you have to remove the pump often to clean it or use it for something else like major water changes though... anyways just my 2¢ __________________ -Great minds don't think alike, they innovate!- 57g Oceanic Illuminata \| Kessil A150W 10K LED \| 1x 453nm Stunner \| Trigger Systems Sump/Refug \| Reef Octopus NWB-110 Skimmer \| RKL+ System \| 2X Evo 750gph \| BFS RO/DI

10/04/2011, 10:54 PM	#8
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	The screws on the stainless steel clamos wll rust within a week, and the clamp itself will show corrosion in a month or so. I tried it on a previous tank . The problem with the plastic clamps is that they are hard to find locally, and I have to get them on-line, and end up paying more for postage than the clamp itself. I now use zip ties. You can get them anywhere. I do use a ratchet tool, but you'd be surprised how tight you can get them just with your fingers, or even assisted with using a pair pf pliers to pull them tight. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

10/05/2011, 09:50 AM	#9
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	A little leak in a submerged unit doesn't hurt anything except efficiency. I always just screw in a hose barb where I have a screw, or socket one in if possible, and if not, as with the little Maxijets, I just slide the hose on. A rubber band can serve as a mini-gasket. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

10/05/2011, 09:51 AM	#10
lazyrhino Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Great Lakes, IL Posts: 101	Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Using the stainless ones didn't feel right to me. I checked HD and the other place this morning and they didn't have the plastic ones. They looked at me like I was insane for even asking. I see them cheap online at Marine Depot and a couple other places but as was mentioned, shipping is 10X the cost of the clamps. I think I'll use zip ties until I need to place another online order and can add them without paying shipping for just them. Thanks again for all the advice. __________________ Ryan Current Tank Info: BC29, RapidLED Retrofit, AquaticLife 115 skimmer, RKE, MP10Wes. Fish, LPS, softies, and zoas.

10/05/2011, 10:52 AM	#11
jamesyoung_31 Moved On Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 47	Stainless steel does not rust. I think most powerhead impellers are stainless steel are they not? Also all of the mag pumps have stainless steel screws, just not understanding the logic. referring to the impeller shafts Last edited by jamesyoung_31; 10/05/2011 at 11:06 AM.

10/05/2011, 11:01 AM	#12
jimmy frag Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: burlington ontario Posts: 845	i would think there is differant grades of stainless steel

10/05/2011, 11:06 AM	#13
yz250motoxrider Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CT Posts: 172	Stainless steel rusts. However high quality stainless will rust very slowly and it will take years to notice. Stainless rusts at a much slower rate than "regular" steel. If you need hose clamps (lines under pressure should have them) then get titanium marine hose clamps. Yes they are expensive but not compared to the rest of your tank.

10/05/2011, 11:07 AM	#14
jamesyoung_31 Moved On Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 47	Well I haven't seen a stainless steel clamp rust only the screw.

10/05/2011, 11:18 AM	#16
jamesyoung_31 Moved On Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 47	Yes the screw is part of the clamp. That's why you need stainless steel screws to go with the clamp.

10/05/2011, 11:22 AM	#17
yz250motoxrider Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CT Posts: 172

10/05/2011, 11:27 AM	#18
jamesyoung_31 Moved On Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 47	Well proof is in the pudding with the pic, although I personally have never seen a stainless steel clamp rust. Thanks for the pic. Stainless steel clamp for sure?

10/05/2011, 11:36 AM	#19
yz250motoxrider Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CT Posts: 172	Yes the clamp is stainless it’s exposed to salt spray which causes it to corrode faster than it normally would in the water.

10/05/2011, 11:38 AM	#20
jamesyoung_31 Moved On Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 47	Thanks. As I say, I would never agree that it rusts, but one cannot dispute that evidence.

10/05/2011, 09:26 PM	#21
pmark Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: NYC Posts: 170	Agreed with the other posts, use a plastic hose clamp. They also go by the name ratchet hose clamp.

10/06/2011, 08:57 PM	#22
Chiefillini Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Saint Charles, IL Posts: 53	When I first started I also used stainless steel claps and they rusted. I noticed film floating in sump where I had my return pump with the stainless steel claps. Switched to plastic and never had a problem.

10/06/2011, 09:02 PM	#23
BlueCorn Retired Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,908	As as been mentioned, nearly all "stainless" clamps still have mild steel screws; i.e. they rust. It's probably possible to find one that's completely stainless but it'll be expensive. Order some plastic ones and be done with it. This one slipped off of a hose and I didn't find it until I cleaned my sump one day. __________________ Doug [I]Dodging and burning are steps to take care of mistakes God made when establishing tonal relationships. ~ Ansel Adams[/I]

10/06/2011, 10:41 PM	#24
Reefnut2010 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Gabriel Valley, Ca Posts: 427	Metal (stainless or not), water, and electricity.....DON'T MIX !!

10/06/2011, 10:43 PM	#25
ThaBeast Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 332	stainless steel is also referred to as corrosion resistant steel, and has a higher content of chromium than carbon steel. The higher the chromium content, the higher grade of stainless. I have seen stainless steel rust in many industrial applications, and some cheap stainless clamps rust in my fish room.

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