what Snoopy said. No need for a Brass rig to ever get to the point of it being tarnished. It sure as hell doesnt happen over night. As for Brass vs. Steel...what Sonth said. The steel that Hookahs are made with these days is not Stainless, so therefore, the material is inferior to brass. If you want something thats gonna outlast you in this lifetime, get a brass rig