Yup, the pump does have a stainless steel shaft on the impeller. I've only had them for a few years, and when I checked the model early tonight I took a close look for rust. Didn't see any noticeable rust, but who knows it might be an issue some day. I definitely would not recommend them as a return pump, or anything else that's going to see full time duty or be part of a critical system in the tanks operation.
Like I said, when they do come in contact with saltwater it isn't for long, and I don't leave it sitting in there. My pumps are most often just in plain RO water.
With regard to the hose.. I hate to quote myself, but "I took a regular garden hose (make sure it is not treated with any kind of anti-bacterial or other stuff) and cut the brass fittings off both ends."
I reckon with the hose it's the same scenario as the pumps. They're not in constant contact with the tank water, and they do get drained out and coiled up when I finish the water change. I wouldn't recommend a garden hose as a permanent fixture in the tank - mostly because I'm not sure how the rubber would hold up under constant use over time. For just doing water changes though, it's been working fine for several years.
