Protecting stand?

TimSalty · 02/07/2016, 03:20 PM

I'm switching over from 2- 55 gallon tanks to a 72 gallon bow front tank.

My question is about the stand. The one that the 55 gallon tank is on has bucked and swelled from salt and water.

Could I protect the new stand before I set up the system? Polyurethane or something? I'm not a wood worker and not sure what would be best to insure a long lasting stand.

Tim and Rosa

don_chuwish · 02/08/2016, 11:16 PM

You're gonna build the new stand yourself?
A Formica top is one option, either have it made (very cheap) or glue it on yourself. Of course granite or other solid surfaces are also possible. Quartz would be great really.
I put 3-4 coats of polyurethane on a plywood topped stand. When I drained the tank later for a move there was discoloration but no swelling. Paint is another option - primer and multiple layers of latex paint. There's even marine grade latex paint.
The stand I'm just finishing has multiple coats of latex paint. Only time will tell!

02/07/2016, 03:20 PM	#1
TimSalty Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: West Islip, New York (Long Island) Posts: 392	Protecting stand? I'm switching over from 2- 55 gallon tanks to a 72 gallon bow front tank. My question is about the stand. The one that the 55 gallon tank is on has bucked and swelled from salt and water. Could I protect the new stand before I set up the system? Polyurethane or something? I'm not a wood worker and not sure what would be best to insure a long lasting stand. Tim and Rosa

02/08/2016, 11:16 PM	#2
don_chuwish Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 345	You're gonna build the new stand yourself? A Formica top is one option, either have it made (very cheap) or glue it on yourself. Of course granite or other solid surfaces are also possible. Quartz would be great really. I put 3-4 coats of polyurethane on a plywood topped stand. When I drained the tank later for a move there was discoloration but no swelling. Paint is another option - primer and multiple layers of latex paint. There's even marine grade latex paint. The stand I'm just finishing has multiple coats of latex paint. Only time will tell!