Magnesium versus aluminum anode rods

[VE3ESN]

I couldn't get a replacement magnesium anode rod for our 6 gallon Suburban water heater, and put in an aluminum one. However, we notice that there's a terrible sulfur smell that comes back several weeks after the tank has been thoroughly cleaned with vinegar. When we used magnesium, we didn't experience the sulfur smell, and am wondering if others have had that experience. I'm a bit confused, because some folks say that there's the sulfur smell when using a magnesium rod. When we look at the aluminum rod, its diameter has hardly changed, but there's always white crud on it. I recall that the magnesium rod deteriorated a lot faster, but isn't that a good thing?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[fj12ryder]

"Aluminum can also produce an aluminum oxide deposit in bottom of water heater tank. A Gel like substance which can be clear, milky, hard, soft, gooey."

Yep, that's what ours had.

[Old-Biscuit]

Aluminum is an alternative vs magnesium which can react with bacteria in water source and create that sulfur smell. Aluminum can also but it not very common problem

Aluminum does NOT deteriorate as quickly as magnesium which is why magnesium is supplied as OEM rod.
Aluminum can build up with deposits, can swell and become difficult to remove thru drain hole
Aluminum can also produce an aluminum oxide deposit in bottom of water heater tank. A Gel like substance which can be clear, milky, hard, soft, gooey.

[BB_TX]

I went from a magnesium rod after it’s life was over to an aluminum/zinc rod. Didn’t have the odor (due to the zinc I think) but after 3 years the rod had barely corroded. That didn’t seem to be offering much if any protection so I went back to magnesium. Quickly available on Amazon.

[RobWNY]

amazon.ca has a bunch of magnesium anode rods available from different sellers.

[MFL]

Yes, the rod needs to deteriorate to protect the tank. For this reason the magnesium is installed standard from manufacturer, and best choice, in most cases.

Jerry

[fj12ryder]

We switched from aluminum to magnesium due to the deposits in the bottom of the tank when using the aluminum rods. Don't have any with the magnesium.

[Lynnmor]

There are aluminum zinc anodes made to help control odor. You can buy any length anode and saw it off to the correct length.