Stella Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 I am putting together a four foot tank for some fast-water native fish. The tank arrived today (needed to be reassembled and new lids) so now I am thinking about a stand. A friend has the simple concrete-block-plus-board style, which sounds nice and cheap.... I am sure it will look cheap too, but will do for the moment. Now, what sort of board should I use under it? MDF would inevitably swell. Plywood? Am also open to other ideas on how to do this cheaply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wok Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 use timber across the blocks. Ply would be best for the top. Add a table cloth to hide the blocks before putting on the tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella Posted April 6, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 oh, so thinking like the blocks are the 'piles', timber (you mean like 2x2 or similar?) as 'joists' then ply as the 'floor'? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wok Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 you got it.. thing more like 4 x 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 This was my African tank stand. A sheet of plywood with polystyrene on top. The other thin layer is the Pinex which was the under-tank heat pad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim r Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 Preferably marine ply if the budget goes that far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwipete Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 Um, paint the blocks too. Also if you are cleaver enough you can place planks between the blocks for shelving too. 8) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 No reason really to paint the blocks unless they're going to be visible. I'd say if you know anyone crafty get them to sew you up a curtain around the bottom of the tank. That way you won't see them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 I found the holes in the blocks handy to store stuff in. I always meant to curtain it off but never got around to it :roll: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke* Posted April 6, 2008 Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 How wide is the tank? I got a 5ft long steel stand by 38cm wide stand for sale, not very heavy, and already has a blue curtain glued to the front of it so looks tidy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella Posted April 6, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2008 Hmmm, it is 121x50cm at the base. I wonder what postage from Taurange would be like for a large volume of steel-caged air? :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kd123 Posted April 25, 2008 Report Share Posted April 25, 2008 Stella I hope its ok if i ask this question on your thread :oops: :oops: Would a block/wood stand work for a 450ltr tank? 1500x500 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smidey Posted April 25, 2008 Report Share Posted April 25, 2008 Preferably marine ply if the budget goes that far. why? there has been alot of talk about plywood on here lately so here is some info. Marine ply is A grade plywood with a different laminatation glue. this glue (can't remember name) is designed for curving the ply, when heated (usually with steam) it loosens & when the glue cools it resets & the ply holds its shape. kinda like hot glue. This was created for marine applications, curving for bows etc of boats. Its designed to be fibreglassed over & IT IS NOT TREATED! they have renamed it "Premium A" Plywood now because of the misconception it is treated. Treated Ply is H3 plywood suitable for getting wet but not submersed in water. then there is the different grades of face, A,B C & D............... im bored now. Anyone thats wants the rest let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted April 26, 2008 Report Share Posted April 26, 2008 A block/wood stand would be fine kd123 as long as you have enough blocks and a piece of wood the right size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrienne Posted April 26, 2008 Report Share Posted April 26, 2008 I don't think this type of stand looks too bad at all. You see a lot worse. And if it works well then why knock it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stimpy29 Posted April 26, 2008 Report Share Posted April 26, 2008 off topic a bit, i have just had a new stand made , i got the steel for free , ask at the motorcycle shops , they crate some of the bikes ,especially 4 wheelers in a steel frame , it is cheap steel but it ideal for tank stands mine was 2"x1". i called in a favor with one of my customers and he welded it up for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darrell Quadling Posted April 26, 2008 Report Share Posted April 26, 2008 one end of my fishroom//all 28mm treated ply on concrete blocks..can be changed very easily Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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