Heh! I'm not sure you understand how my rod looks!
Yes, Pete-----I understand-----and I agree-----it's virtually impossible to eliminate aluminum oxide from forming----it does so almost instantaneously-----but what I'm talking about is the return of aluminum to it's native form as ore. The rod in question looks like hell, not just dull in appearance.
The point is, if there is enough moisture present, it won't stop degrading. A preventive measure, to eliminate moisture, will insure it remains viable. Simply storing it in a closed tube or sorts would likely work. Sure would be better than what I did------which was nothing. I was thinking the same way you are.
Harold