Aluminium use around the tank

[christiaan]

Hy Bob, Leslie, guys . . .

I want to mod my light unit by adding more t5s - I need to build a frame around the unit to hold the new lights - My question is this - Can I use aluminium from builders warehouse to build this with or will the alu leak into to system thru salt creep, water splatter etc. I've read that alu phosphate removers can damage softies etc?

thx c

 

[Tobes]

I'm sure you can, Andreas built himself a lighting unit from aluminium - not sure if he treated it or something. Check out his tank thread.

 

[Shaun]

Both my hoods are made from Alu, has not been a problem. Every month or 2 just wipe it with a damp cloth.

 

[Mekaeel]

My old 6ft tank had an aluminium hood. No problems. I have also seen on some of the international forums where some of the guys make aluminium sliding lighting rigs.

 

[christiaan]

Cool thanks guys! whats the best way to cut aluminium?

Any other tip when working with aluminium

 

[Mekaeel]

Working with Aluminium is pretty easy. Cut using a hacksaw and you can drill it and pop rivet the pieces together. This is what I am planning.

 

[christiaan]

Thx!

 

[seank]

I used Aluminum on my setup- No Problems:



The Alu sheet that I polished, again from Class Glass:

Ok, some photos of last week- polishing my butt of on the frame

 

[christiaan]

WOW! thats amazing - thanks for sharing!. . . Okay that has all my ideas all " deurmekaar" and I'm thinking of something alltogether different.

Anyone have an idea where I can buy aluminium sheeting in Pretoria

 

[leslie hempel]

sorry for the late reply but from what i have read and knowing the aluminuims resistance to corroding quickly id say yes it should be fine.. being the worry wart and painter i am, id perhaps use a clear lacquer areosol to just give it that extra edge and to prevent tarnishing.. the added lifespan is worth a R23 bottle of spray.

 

[christiaan]

Thanks Leslie!

 

[leslie hempel]

pleasure dude..

 

[crispin]

Christiaan did you look through this thread? seemed really good to me before i left and cheap

Alanod in Johannesburg - Lighting

also i am told to remove the protective film, a cloth with some meths applied to it makes it peel much easier, but i have never done it

 

[Reef Inmate]

If you use bare aluminium it will corrode especially in a saltwater environment. You need to treat it, apply strontium chromate primer primer and then two coats of paint.

 

[dallasg]

Christiaan did you look through this thread? seemed really good to me before i left and cheap

Alanod in Johannesburg - Lighting

also i am told to remove the protective film, a cloth with some meths applied to it makes it peel much easier, but i have never done it

i am using that, very reflective