Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi! We are at the point where hubby is going to start making trips to pick up our 6 IBC containers.

I thought it might be a good idea to get a can of spray paint or some outdoor paint and paint the steel cages to try and slow down the inevitable rust. (Particularly for the IBCs which will act as Sump pits as they will be partially buried.)

What's the best budget-friendly idea for doing this?

Normal paint? Or something like rustoleum? Or a paintable waterproofing of some sort?

I am conscious of the fact that the cage on the bottom of the Grow-beds has potential to form condensation which may then drip into the sump tanks and thus carry any toxins from the paint through to the fish...

Metal Etch Primer is the best it eats into the metal at makes a better bond than normal paint, it comes in a grey that is a close match to the cage.

It will eventually rust anyway especially if salt up.

The metal should be galv coated, which would be better than most paints, so it should be pretty rust proof.