I asked in new forum... No help there
- Thread starter duckmeat
- Start date
I was advised at one point that unless you get it powder coated, aluminum issn't reef safe, and the only thing that was really "ok" was stainless.. The person who advised me seemed to know their stuff, but I moved on to other things and never followed up...
+1 on the diy forum
+1 on the diy forum
Aluminum can irritate corals.;as it oxidizes some may contaminate the tank. Stainless is mostly iron but contains other metals too. It doesn't preserve itself well in salt mist. Even high grades of stainlesss steel contain significant amounts of nickel for example. IMO, keeping metals away from the aquarium or spots where there may dust or drip corroded materials into it is prudent.
BuffaloReef
New member
Good info! Metals should generally be kept away from salt water tanks. Salt water can corrode nearly any metal. I know that titanium was used for some things but you rarely see that anymore. For one thing it's expensive but secondly it too, to my understanding, can corrode in salt water. All the ions that make up salt water make it a much more reactive solution than fresh water. That's why you see so many of the shafts in pumps being made from ceramics instead of stainless as they used to be.
It sounds attractive, but I wouldn't do the aluminum rim. The newbie forum sounds nice and I'm sure it's nice to avoid the, "You stupid newbie!" comments some people leave but beware. Newbies answering newbies is a dangerous recipe. If you feel unsure don't hesitate to cross post.
duckmeat
MIKE
I got a 65g that was dated 1991 and the silicone was chipping and flaking so I cleaned it all disassembled the top rim removed the glass The problem is the old rim was plastic or nylon or whatever. But I couldn't remove any of the silicone from it. I would get close and cut the plastic w razor. So now I think I'll just build one from hardwood. It's 3/8"glass 36"Lx18"Wx24"H
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here is a thread on euro bracing: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1626105
BuffaloReef
New member
The braces are designed to keep the tank from bowing. You don't want your tank to burst open. I'd get some 1/4" plate glass cut to size and brace it. Plan for your lights when you're building. For example if you were to have two metal halide bulbs you would want one center brace. If you have three LED fixtures you might want two braces, or you could just brace along the edges if you do It right. Research euro-braces and you should be fine. It'll just take a little more work.
