Aluminium and Saltwater

[gerryo]

Good morning.

Has anyone had any experience with using aluminium around (not in) saltwater.
I know that there is some corrosive effect, but how serious is it?

I'm thinking of making my light rack out of alum. with a wooden hood cover with exhaust fans at the back.  Does anyone see major probs with this?

[NextReef]

I think you'll eventually see minor corrosion and surface pitting on it.  Paint or powedercoat will help.

I doubt that you'll corrode it to the point of failure, it just may not stay pretty forever!

Dave

[gerryo]

Thanx Dave.

That's sort of what I thought. I will be building a hood around this as well so looks are not so important. I just want the alum. for the initial framing and still be strong enough to carry the weight of the lights.

Thanx again.

[Hosser]

If you look at most light fixtures they are all aluminum. Take it from me that aluminum will out last the glass in your tank, wood on the hood, and quite possibly even you. Thats the good thing about it, if you used a polished or "finished" aluminum then simply wipe it down from time to time. If you use a solid coating of like Dave mentioned powder coat or even Krylon you should never see an issue. The only thing I have found that will break down aluminum in a quick fashion is copper. The oxidation on copper (when it turns green) will absolutely make aluminum dissapear. Hope all that helps. Its my favorite metal haha