Metal trim on SW tank?

Gyr · 01/23/2010, 01:33 PM

A LFS has reef ready tanks for sale at good prices, but the trim on the top of these tanks (Oceanson) are metal (pretty sure aluminum). The trim is well above the high water level, but I worry about salt water causing corrosion over time. Is this a legit concern? My light fixture is metal, too, and doesn't sit that much higher and hasn't had any problem, so far.
The tanks look to be pretty well made, based on my limited experience.

Greatwyte · 01/23/2010, 04:31 PM

Ocean-Son tanks are made in China. If they are putting metal trim on a reef ready tank you would assume it would stand up ok to salt water.

Salt water does oxidize aluminum. It will corrode and get brittle over time. I would say wipe down spills and drips when you see em and it will look good for quite awhile.

Kenzy · 01/23/2010, 04:42 PM

They might be ok for fresh water, but for saltwater I would look for a tank with plastic trim.

spleify · 01/23/2010, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenzy

They might be ok for fresh water, but for saltwater I would look for a tank with plastic trim.

+1 on this. Metal or aluminum, it will corrode in time.

I personally would avoid it

Gyr · 01/23/2010, 06:00 PM

Yeah, I was worried about the salt water corroding the aluminum, but the tanks are sold as reef-ready, so I was hoping my concerns were unfounded. Sounds like they were founded.
I imagine if I was real diligent about wiping up any splashes and cleaning the creep, the trim would last a long time, but I have to admit to myself that I'm just not that guy. My light fixture has splash stains on it right now.
I'd save $200-$400 going with Ocean-son over other brands, but in the long run its probably not worth it.

01/23/2010, 01:33 PM	#1
Gyr Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sacramento, California Posts: 294	Metal trim on SW tank? A LFS has reef ready tanks for sale at good prices, but the trim on the top of these tanks (Oceanson) are metal (pretty sure aluminum). The trim is well above the high water level, but I worry about salt water causing corrosion over time. Is this a legit concern? My light fixture is metal, too, and doesn't sit that much higher and hasn't had any problem, so far. The tanks look to be pretty well made, based on my limited experience.

01/23/2010, 04:31 PM	#2
Greatwyte Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 104	Ocean-Son tanks are made in China. If they are putting metal trim on a reef ready tank you would assume it would stand up ok to salt water. Salt water does oxidize aluminum. It will corrode and get brittle over time. I would say wipe down spills and drips when you see em and it will look good for quite awhile.

01/23/2010, 04:42 PM	#3
Kenzy Premium Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Gananoque,ON Posts: 845	They might be ok for fresh water, but for saltwater I would look for a tank with plastic trim.

01/23/2010, 06:00 PM	#5
Gyr Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sacramento, California Posts: 294	Yeah, I was worried about the salt water corroding the aluminum, but the tanks are sold as reef-ready, so I was hoping my concerns were unfounded. Sounds like they were founded. I imagine if I was real diligent about wiping up any splashes and cleaning the creep, the trim would last a long time, but I have to admit to myself that I'm just not that guy. My light fixture has splash stains on it right now. I'd save $200-$400 going with Ocean-son over other brands, but in the long run its probably not worth it.