All done! Image gallery here (for now)... http://manybrightdots.com/twg/index.php?twg_album=open%2F0421+water+heater+and+expansion+tank+repair Finished images: The "rot" pictures are astounding.  Glad I did this finally, and I DEFINTELY needed a new anode!!! Original install date on the tank was 2013/01/26.