How to protect the reflectors

[br1200]

I've just bought some reflectors from http://www.aquatictech.com/index.html

I assume they are made from Aluminum.
What would be the best way to protect it from the salt water ? Is there any coating I can apply ?

Thanks

--Arnon

 

[mgamelin]

br1200
The reflctors you bought are more than likely anodized aluminum, They don't rust.
Only alminum that hasn't been anodized (zaped with electricity) will corrode.In fact aluminum can only be painted by means of powder coating(another use of electricity).any other conventional paint will only stick for a short period of time, then you will end up with paint in your tank. If they are reflective almost like a mirror and thin than they are anodized( like spider reflector). Marc

[ September 05, 2001: Message edited by: mgamelin ]

 

[br1200]

Marc,

I just gave them a call, and they said it will "Oxidize" after a while.

The reflectors I got have a white side to them, looks like some sort of paint.

Is there anything that can be done to ensure
long lasting reflectors ?

--Arnon

 

[MDBentley]

I've similar refelctors and they have lasted for years with no ill effects.

 

[br1200]

I just got 4 new polished stainless steel
already bent. The whole rpoject cost me $96.90. The dim are 48"X8" with 30 degrees bend. I personaly think its worth it.

--Arnon

 

[mgamelin]

br1200
That's great. But I'm sure you need to polish them yourself right? I recommend using
an orbital sander with polishing pad and compound.Take a look at the other thread concerning reflectors and you will see the reflector that I made. they turned out great and are much more sturdy than the conventional ones.
Marc

 

[br1200]

Marc ,

What kind of compound do I need ?

P.S they look very polished to me. They are like mirrors at this point. Do I still need to polish them ?

--Arnon

 

[mgamelin]

br1200
There should be a hase on the surface of the metal that is from the manufacuring process, and is easly removed. Get some course car polishing compound and a sander. If you can't get a polishing disc, use a thick rag and wrap it around the sander pad surface, that should do the trick. Marc

 

[br1200]

Thanks Mark
I'll post the pics at the end.

--Arnon