Aluminum in a canopy

[crvz]

Hey everybody. Got a question for a canopy I'm building. I plan on using aluminum "angle iron" that I bought at home depot for building a hanging rack for the T5 lights. Intent is to just rivet it together with stainless steel rivets, and I'll have 2 6" fans in the canopy to cool the bulbs and for evaporative cooling.

Also, for opening the canopy I have 2 60" piano hinges that are made from 3003H14 alloy (if that means anything to anyone). These will be on top, so I dont expect that much condensation corrosion for those, but I thought I'd through it out there.

So, for folks who have used aluminum for building light racks or otherwise, have you seen any corrosion/rust that I should worry about?

Thanks!!

 

[Pbrown3701]

I haven't noticed any yet. I don't expect to either...considering that most comercial light fixtures are aluminum as well as most retrofit reflectors etc.

Al will corrode a little over time, but it's nothing to be afraid of if its not directly in the tank.

 

[BeanAnimal]

You should be fine. You do not want excesive condensation forming on the oxidized surfaces and dripping into the tank... but that is not very likely anyway.

I used Al to build my light bars and have not noticed a problem. It has started to discolor a bit after a year or so.