Rust....what to do?

[Reef GE]

My sump/DT cabinet was originally designed/assembled with regular screws. 8 months later, all of them are rusting as well as the door hinges. Can I just coat the screw heads with silicone to prevent any problems with my reef? Or is it better to replace them?

What do YOU do to prevent any metal / screws / hinges in the sump area from rusting?

 

[Tankkeepers]

Replace then as the screws will give out if they are rusting and normally I use deck screws that won't rust along with loctite on every matted surface to help keep it together should 1 of the screws decide to give them either paint or clear coat I use clear as I like the natural wood look

 

[Tankkeepers]

As far as hinges go you can buy coated rust proff ones or vasaline them

 

[jpnegrete14]

Definitely replace. Sooner rather than later. Eventually the head will get so rusted when you try to replace them you’ll just strip the screw and then taking them out will be a giant headache.

Deck screws are cheaper than stainless steel but both would work. Good luck!