dj_huck Posted June 23, 2003 Share Posted June 23, 2003 Hello everyone this is my first post. I came across some stainless steel plate that was going to get tossed out at work. My question is this, a lot of reflectors are made out of aluminum but is there any reason that a person should not use Stainless steel for a DIY reflector. The only advantage that i know of for choosing aluminum over stainless is weight and cost. please give me any feedback Thanks Shane Link to comment
wingsfan Posted June 23, 2003 Share Posted June 23, 2003 cost is about the only problem, stainlesswill not rust so it should be ok to use, just a little heavier Link to comment
adinsxq Posted June 24, 2003 Share Posted June 24, 2003 check this out: http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/showthread...=&threadid=4939 Link to comment
dj_huck Posted June 24, 2003 Author Share Posted June 24, 2003 Thanks a lot for the link and input, the cost is not an issue because i am getting some stainless for free from my work, i can tig weld it. i really like that other hood. I think that I will polish mine and clear coat it and leave it shiney on the ounside too. i am about 6 months out from my tank, but when i see stuff i may be able too use.... well I guess that i am just cheap this is an awesome forum shane Link to comment
Totlxtc Posted June 26, 2003 Share Posted June 26, 2003 Just an FYI, SS will eventually rust. It will last almost forever in a FW enviroment but rusts within a year in SW. Protecting it with a clearcoat probably will help alot but i havent tried it. Here is a pic of my SS reflector after a years use. Might of lasted longer if i had a splash shield, clearcoated it, or cleaned the salt spray off it. Link to comment
dj_huck Posted June 27, 2003 Author Share Posted June 27, 2003 Totlxtc do you know what grade of stainless you used? what I have is some 304 grade. thanks. I am still not sure what i am going to do yet i am still in the early recearch stage Link to comment
Totlxtc Posted June 28, 2003 Share Posted June 28, 2003 I believe it was 403 series but not positive. Link to comment
onthefly Posted July 14, 2003 Share Posted July 14, 2003 As evident by totlxtc's post , SS comes in various grades. Cheaper grades have more impurities (i.e. rustable element). In boats, they use SS for above the waterline fastners and fittings, but below the waterline they usually use bronze.....although it is not as reflective. If you do find a nice shiny piece of SS, coat it with a thin layer of epoxy and that should stop or delay any rust issues. Link to comment
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