Aluminum Frame - Good? - Bad? - OK?

[TANKSALOT]

I just picked up a 110 gallon tank that has an Aluminum frame around it.
I can see a lot of oxidation from it being a fresh water tank.
I shutter to think what salt water will do to it.

Anyone have any experience with these?
Was it used for fresh or salt?
Any feed back will be appreciated.

TANKSALOT
aka - Steve

Click on images for a larger PIC

 

[inactive]

Aluminum is a horrible material, just being exposed to the air degrades it. Unless sealed properly, which in this case it was not, it's not ideal for anything SW besides heat sinks IMO. Over time, the corrosion will shift the material and could actually cause the tank to fail.

The aluminum on the tank makes absolutely no sense to me. I would get rid of the entire thing.

 

[sprinklerdudes]

I used to have a fresh water tank years ago with a aluminum frame, that was a antique way back then, I got rid of it. find someone who needs a reptile tank, and make em a good deal. they are no good for salt water imo

 

[TANKSALOT]

It looks so home made, that I may try to remove the aluminum framing and add a glass cross brace.

 

[Troylee]

i build all my stands from aluminum and have never saw any problems from it....i dont paint it or seal it... my current 220 sits on a aluminum stand, it's not really exposed to water just moisture from the sump, but i have never even noticed any oxidation..... that aluminum on your tank has seen it's day thou..... im not to hip on the center brace but the bottom trim i would'nt sweat...

 

[TANKSALOT]

What if I take steel wool to the aluminum to eliminate the oxidation and then coat it with an Epoxy Paint?

The Epoxy Paint shoud not be harmful once it is cured.

Thought? Pros? Cons?

TANKSALOT
aka - Steve