Do I need to use stainless hose barbs or can I get by with brass ones screwed into my stainless strainer?
Thanks

Let me add that it is the strength that I am concerned with. I intend to mount a valve on the inlet with a nipple and I am concerned about the strength of the brass. If I just bolt up the strainer and don't support the valve I will have about 4 or 5 inches of leverage on that nipple on the inlet side.
Thanks again

Use a stainless nipple. It will be stronger than brass and should be readily available at an industrial plumbing supply house. Good luck, Joe Murray