Should I paint my aluminum stand?

[Reefpharmer]

Hey guys/gals
I have a running 120 gallon tank and sump. The stand is built out of 2 inch tubular aluminum. I forgot to powder coat it prior to set up and had to add water in a hurry do to needing to rehome my fish from another tank. The bottom has rubber liner to catch small spills. Should I paint brush it with killz or some other paint to prevent future damage? I plan on leaving the back of the stand open so there should be less moisture build up.

 

[Joekovar]

Keep in mind that aluminum oxide is used as an abrasive in industry.

I would use primer/paint specifically formulated for aluminum.

 

[Reefpharmer]

Any specific paint / primer you recommend ? Since it’s under a running tank, I can’t really use spray paint. I can theoretically pull the sump out if needed

 

[Ratherbeflyen]

I didn't paint my stand, but it is marine grade aluminum.

 

[X-37B]

I used POR 15 Topcoat on my steel 120 stand. Painted it on. It is easy to use and can be used on aluminum.

 

[SeaJay]

Any specific paint / primer you recommend ? Since it’s under a running tank, I can’t really use spray paint. I can theoretically pull the sump out if needed

Not much is really going to adhere to aluminum without etching or blasting first. Powder coat certainly would have been the best option. Since it’s not exposed to much abuse like a car or boat would be, you’ll be fine sealing it up with an enamel paint. You can buy a quart of rustoleum and brush it on. Just make sure to touch up if it gets chipped or scratched. We paint bare steel roll cages in race cars this way and it does fine.

 

[alain Bouchard]

I would suggest epoxy based paint. It worked well for my light rack.

 

[Grill]

I've done a few tanks with aluminium rails. For any metal be sure to use an etching primer, Rust-Oleum has one designed for aluminium. Lightly sand and clean before any painting. Here are a few before/after photos. Hope this helps others.