Worried about tank stand quality

[Aldo0990]

Hi guys, this is my first post here. Yesterday I recieved a 30g tank and a stand i had custom made from my LFS, the tank looks pretty good but I’m not so sure about the stand, It’s made of mdf and the structure doesn’t look great to me, also it is really dirty. Do you guys think it can hold the weight of the tank or should i get another stand?

 

[reeftankdude]

Head on over to the Goodwill and or the salvation Army. Plenty stands at dirt cheap prices.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Eye-balling it it looks OK to distribute the weight if it’s level side to side / front to back, but keep it dry. However I’m not an engineer; see what others think as well.

 

[Sebastiancrab]

I wouldn't chance it. Once MDF gets wet, you may be in trouble. And it will get wet!

 

[Aldo0990]

Head on over to the Goodwill and or the salvation Army. Plenty stands at dirt cheap prices.

Thanks man but I can’t I live in Mexico

 

[Aldo0990]

Head on over to the Goodwill and or the salvation Army. Plenty stands at dirt cheap prices.

Thanks man, but I can’t I live in Mexico

 

[Aldo0990]

I wouldn't chance it. Once MDF gets wet, you may be in trouble. And it will get wet!

I’m considering getting another stand custom made, what material would u recommend?

 

[blaxsun]

Clean it and silicone all the edges on the inside. I'd also get some feet to raise it up off the floor by a 1/4".

 

[Uncle99]

Looks fine, 30g and square.

 

[blaxsun]

Looks fine, 30g and square.

Yep. I'd just get some feet or pads to raise it up off the floor. You will will get water down the sides of the stand at some point, and you don't want water pooling at the base of the MDF panels.

 

[Aldo0990]

Yep. I'd just get some feet or pads to raise it up off the floor. You will will get water down the sides of the stand at some point, and you don't want water pooling at the base of the MDF panels.

If the MDF gets too wet could it collapse?

 

[blaxsun]

If the MDF gets too wet could it collapse?

Not necessarily, it will end up absorbing the water and you can get swelling/deterioration over time. But as long as the edges aren't sitting in water for any prolonged period of time you should be fine.

 

[HuduVudu]

Hi guys, this is my first post here. Yesterday I recieved a 30g tank and a stand i had custom made from my LFS, the tank looks pretty good but I’m not so sure about the stand, It’s made of mdf and the structure doesn’t look great to me, also it is really dirty. Do you guys think it can hold the weight of the tank or should i get another stand?

It will work for now but MDM doesn't fare well with salt water and that doesn't even look like a good seal on the MDM. Paint is very poor at dealing with the ravages of salt water. I always use a polyurethane finish to be sure. Prolly better though if you can get another stand, this one isn't very good.

Also a note those euro hinges will turn into rusted goo as time goes on. Especially if you put a sump in the bottom.

The LFS that made this for you really doesn't know or care about the needs of a stand for a salt water tank. I wouldn't do business with them again in this regard.

 

[HuduVudu]

If the MDF gets too wet could it collapse?

No but the distortion can cause problems with how the tank sits and THIS will cause problems over time. MDM is the worst material to use for stands.

 

[HuduVudu]

@Aldo0990 if you live in Mexico you have access to T-Slot. This makes a far better stand material.

There are many examples of this type of stand on this site. Here is one.

DIY T-Slot Stand Guide

Ok so I’m getting a ton of PMs I can’t possibly reply to about help in designing T-slot stands using affordable t-slot products from zyltech.com I have no affiliation with zyltech (I believe they are actually more of a 3d printing company than T-slot supplier) but have found them to have great...

www.reef2reef.com

This material does not rust and is strong and flexible. No painting required.

 

[Aldo0990]

It will work for now but MDM doesn't fare well with salt water and that doesn't even look like a good seal on the MDM. Paint is very poor at dealing with the ravages of salt water. I always use a polyurethane finish to be sure. Prolly better though if you can get another stand, this one isn't very good.

Also a note those euro hinges will turn into rusted goo as time goes on. Especially if you put a sump in the bottom.

The LFS that made this for you really doesn't know or care about the needs of a stand for a salt water tank. I wouldn't do business with them again in this regard.

Thank you so much man, my main concern was if the stand could break under the pressure and drop my tank. I didn’t expect the stand to be this poor in quality so now I’m thinking in getting another one as soon as I can

 

[Aldo0990]

@Aldo0990 if you live in Mexico you have access to T-Slot. This makes a far better stand material.

There are many examples of this type of stand on this site. Here is one.

DIY T-Slot Stand Guide

Ok so I’m getting a ton of PMs I can’t possibly reply to about help in designing T-slot stands using affordable t-slot products from zyltech.com I have no affiliation with zyltech (I believe they are actually more of a 3d printing company than T-slot supplier) but have found them to have great...

www.reef2reef.com

This material does not rust and is strong and flexible. No painting required.

Thanks dude I appreciate it a lot

 

[uhgster1]

Hate to tell you guys but that’s what most of the “high end” brands use. It’s going to be fine, just use common sense and watch any areas that might get wet.

 

[Sebastiancrab]

I used this Florida Aquarium design for my stand. It is used by most people from the postings I have seen here on R2R. I have read about stand failures in the past here on R2R but can't locate the postings for you. As best I can recall, they involved MDF boards. IMO, it's worth it to have a solid stand for peace of mind.

Build Your Own Aquarium Stand

Every Aquarium Needs a Stand and Sometimes It's Difficult or Expensive to Find a Stand That Suits You. Sometimes You Find Something You Like, but You Aren't Sure It Will…

cflas.org

 

[EricR]

Did they tell you it was made of MDF?
The edges I see look more like plywood to me.
...or maybe I'm just seeing paint strokes and not getting a clear view.