Rust preventor?

[Reef Reaper]

I have 12 gallon nano tank and I made a stand out of steel brackets for the light canopy. I raised the light by 4 inches , so the protein skimmer can fit in the rear sections of the nano tank. What is the best product to use to prevent the steel bars and brackets from rusting? I also do want something that my be toxic to the fish and invertebrates in the tank. Please help!!:scratchch

 

[MarkF]

Por-15 - You'll have to check to see if it is toxic, but it is basically a paint.

 

[ZANYMASTER]

I believe there is a spray called salt creep but not sure if it prevents rust.Foster and Smith sells it.

 

[RaSooch]

Are the brackets concealed? If so why not use aquarium silicone to coat the brackets so no water/salt gets to the actual metal, maybe that could work for you...

 

[Reef Reaper]

Thanks for the info!

 

[KathyC]

If you have a West Marine store anywhere near you, maybe you could re-make the brackets for the light out of stainless steel pieces. They carry a large variety of SS doo-hickeys that might make a great substitute

 

[NYreefNoob]

rustoleum, clean the brackets and make sure to coat them completely, tis is pressuming they arent going to actuallly be in water, you could also just use a clear coat paint, best would be marine paint.

 

[Reef Reaper]

Thanks, I just worried that Rustoleum or marine paint can leak toxins into the tank. None of the brackets actually touches the water, but is exposed to the water. The brackets are still dry, but I see a slight salt built-up starting on the top brackets. Since I raised the lights, the temperature has dropped a bit. I just lost the nano cube look. It looks like my 24 gallon aqua pod w/mh lights now.