Aluminum Question

[Emprr_Angl]

I'm building a sump and want to put an aluminum leaf strainer over the intake and return. Will this aluminum gaurd corrrode??

Thankses a bunches

beye

[Bingo]

yes, it will corrode. Try to find something plastic.
B

[Doug1]

Yes!!!!!!! Aluminum corodes readily in SW
Check local discount home supply, you should be able to find plastic leaf guard material, Eggcrate lighting grid from same might work, or check out craft stores for the plastic mesh used in latch hook rugs or the like. FWIW the only reef safe metals are fairly pure gold and titanium.
Aluminum can form compounds (aluminum oxide?) that leathers esp find detrimental (reason why phospate sponges arent good) and any of the Copper based alloys like brass etc are death on inverts. Iron and steel of course rust and if metal poisoning isnt an issue iron is a big algae nutrient. Most stainless is resistant to rust at best but will eventually be oxidised
Bottom line minimize metal exposure, some people even siilicone the SS screws on the mag drive pumps

[fishinchick]

Salt water rule........... no metal.

[Casie]

You know what I love to use for "straining through muck" when I do a water change? One of those big plastic pasta strainers, the kind you find at WallMart. They have good size drain holes...not too big...not too small. And they have nice handles. =)

[Emprr_Angl]

duuuh, i must be in non-thinking mode tonight from all the stuff i picked up, heheh. i had the plastic leave gaurds in my hands and have no idea why i didnt buy them....