Salt Spray Rusting Potential

[TankUp]

Hello everyone,

Considering finally getting a first tank after a long time watching from the sidelines.

Curious on rusting potential of items near the tank from humidity and salt spray - understood the salt doesn’t evaporate with the water but from what I have read some salt spray still occurs.

Anyone have any input on how far away from the tank this would be a concern? Looking at around a 50 gallon AIO and will either go solid lid or maybe even try to figure out a canopy (I’m not a big fan of of the rimless look but to each their own!).

I have some electronic equipment about 25’ away I’d be most concerned about, and the HVAC intake is by that equipment so am wondering if it will be pulled into that area. There might also be a TV next to the tank but it could be one that’s not so nice if it needs to be.

Is the concern generally directly adjacent to the tank or has anyone seen corrosion throughout the house / across greater distances? Considering air filtration and a dehumidifier if needed.

Thanks for any input / thoughts / experiences.

 

[KrisReef]

It’s certainly a potential, with bubbles popping at water surfaces ( tank & sump & overflow boxes) or the dreaded break/ water change flood being the most common cause of saltwater exposure in a home with a marine tank.

Most of these problems can be avoided or mitigated by taking care in the set up of the system and avoiding putting the tank in a place where spray or a/c intakes or fans blowing can push the splashing into the house.

 

[Subsea]

Humidity in the house and corrosion from salt creep are not the same thing.

Corrosion from salt creek is limited to 12” around tank.

 

[TankUp]

Thanks. I am thinking I can hopefully manage the humidity. The salt was more of a concern however if we are talking 12” out and it’s not getting pulled by the HVAC system to distances of 20-25’ away where my items of main concern would be, or into the rooms around the corner, that seems manageable.

 

[FishLvR]

Go for it. I do have a 5 liter dehumidifier in the room. Don't use a solid lid.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hello everyone,

Considering finally getting a first tank after a long time watching from the sidelines.

Curious on rusting potential of items near the tank from humidity and salt spray - understood the salt doesn’t evaporate with the water but from what I have read some salt spray still occurs.

Anyone have any input on how far away from the tank this would be a concern? Looking at around a 50 gallon AIO and will either go solid lid or maybe even try to figure out a canopy (I’m not a big fan of of the rimless look but to each their own!).

I have some electronic equipment about 25’ away I’d be most concerned about, and the HVAC intake is by that equipment so am wondering if it will be pulled into that area. There might also be a TV next to the tank but it could be one that’s not so nice if it needs to be.

Is the concern generally directly adjacent to the tank or has anyone seen corrosion throughout the house / across greater distances? Considering air filtration and a dehumidifier if needed.

Thanks for any input / thoughts / experiences.

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I think the issue is more commonly seen in regions of the world (or rooms) with higher humidity. I've never had any issues with computers and electronics in rooms with aquariums here in the Midwest US. I have had issues with public aquariums, where the air space is very warm and humid - we would keep our electronics in separate air conditioned spaces.

As a side note: I have a well that has water with high hydrogen sulfide. I used to need to replace my electronics every few years or so, until I started a hydrogen peroxide water treatment that turns to corrosive sulfide into sulfate.

 

[TankUp]

Thanks. I am in a dry environment. All sounds promising perhaps with the addition of a dehumidifier.