Metal inside the canopy????

[ronj]

the hinges that i used in my canopy are metal..the screws are as well..i am wondering if over time they will corrode and deposit metal into my tank could i seal them with Rustoleum????

 

[Scooterman]

They could & probably will rust, I dab silicon over screws but in some places you can't, then I just keep & eye on these, it isn't like it all will rot out over night so you should be ok.

 

[ronj]

i didn't even think about silicone!!! i can't put it on the hinges though..i am thinking of trying the sealer that i put over my stain..i don't know if it will adhere to the metal though

 

[aquarookie]

Yeah, I would try silicone, at least on the non-hinging part of the hinge (OK, I know it sounds dumb, but I hope you know what I mean).

 

[ronj]

well part of the hinge is visible..it would look really bad!! i know what you mean about "the hinging part"...i am actually thinking of covering the hinges on the inside with a small peice of wood paneling...i could seal around the paneling and it would stay dry

 

[auqua man]

I also have the same hinges on my hood and have never seen any rust so far, it has been 9 months now. If they stay dry like mine " probably the lights " I think you will be ok. But if there is water driping off them I would try the silicone idea.

 

[ronj]

actually now that i think about it, they are up pretty high..the heat should evaporate anything that gets near them..i will at least silicone the screws

 

[Krish]

I never put anything on my hinges or screws because well...I never kept anything long enough to rust! I agree with Scooty though...If you don't want to make everything look messy with silicone, just keep an eye on it as it won't rust over night and when you see signs of rust, just change them out. Brass may be a good way to go as well

 

[ronj]

the hinges are painted..i don't know what kind of paint it is..they were black when i bought them.. i will get some pics when i bring the canopy inside..i may have to touch up some of the sealer tomorrow..i found some spots i missed..it is taking forever to dry..this cold weather and rain isn't helping.. i may take a hair dryer to it tomorrow to speed the process..other than that, i am just waiting for my freakin ballasts..i made up my mind..i didn't want to bug the guy, but the last time i talked to him, he said he was sending them..that was Saturday.. i only live about 4-1/2 hrs from him..i should have just made a day trip out of it!!!