[wiredgeorge]

The Suburban anode is aluminum and you can cut if you like. It is just a hunk of metal. The magnesium is aftermarket and from what I read, it can mix with water and form bad stuff... can't remember the chemistry but I would avoid the magnesium version. Most country folk such as myself are familiar with quick-rust steel water tanks in their home water heaters and what happens if you don't change out the rods in those once in awhile. Once those things get eaten good, they also become a bear to remove.