Mini standlet?

[Daphne's_Reef]

I've currently got a 10 gallon planted tank under my 40 breeder reef. It's a huge pain to drain water from it because of how low it is. I just got a 20 long to replace it, and was wondering if it'd be okay to just grab a 4x4, chop it to size, and use that as a bit of a "stand" to get it to sit a bit higher. Also, is there a waterproofing method that doesn't take much time to off-gas? I used sealant for my 40's stand, but I left it outside for weeks before I felt comfortable bringing it into the house (parrots in the same room), and I'd rather get moving on getting the tank swapped out, just so the spare isn't taking up all that room IN my room.

Thank you!

 

[UncommonSense]

I've currently got a 10 gallon planted tank under my 40 breeder reef. It's a huge pain to drain water from it because of how low it is. I just got a 20 long to replace it, and was wondering if it'd be okay to just grab a 4x4, chop it to size, and use that as a bit of a "stand" to get it to sit a bit higher. Also, is there a waterproofing method that doesn't take much time to off-gas? I used sealant for my 40's stand, but I left it outside for weeks before I felt comfortable bringing it into the house (parrots in the same room), and I'd rather get moving on getting the tank swapped out, just so the spare isn't taking up all that room IN my room.

Thank you!

4x4 actually has an annoying tendency towards twisting as it dries out!

I’m thinking of making the platform out of 2x4! — either two layers tall, laid flat… or on edge, as a screwed together box! (Possibly with an exterior wood scrap lip to keep the tank from moving!)

Paint works pretty well for waterproofing, specifically exterior house paint! — it’s usually water based, and is safe to bring around animals as soon as it’s dry (<24hrs)! (Just be sure to paint your cut wood ends prior to assembly!)

 

[Fish Fan]

If this is a standard, rimmed tank then yes, you can cut some 4x4's (I'd actually suggest some 2x4's) and make a "stand" with them. As long as you support even the two ends of a rimmed tank it will be fine, the plastic rim adds a lot of support.

You'll get all kinds of crazy answers about waterproofing, including the *need* to use marine grade plywood, and epoxy finishes designed for submarines. I have been keeping fish for decades, and I don't believe you need any of that. Polyurethane is fine, it's perfectly safe once dried and cured, but it can take a long time to fully cure.

Lately, I have used regular latex exterior paint and a product called Polycrylic as a protectant. This has held up just fine for me around both fresh and saltwater tanks, and is a safe, low VOC and easy to work with finish.

Polycrylic at Lowes

Good luck!

EDIT: I know next to nothing about parrots except that they are very sensitive to fumes and things like that, so please be careful around your bird!

 

[Fish Fan]

4x4 actually has an annoying tendency towards twisting as it dries out!

I’m thinking of making the platform out of 2x4! — either two layers tall, laid flat… or on edge, as a screwed together box! (Possibly with an exterior wood scrap lip to keep the tank from moving!)

Paint works pretty well for waterproofing, specifically exterior house paint! — it’s usually water based, and is safe to bring around animals as soon as it’s dry (<24hrs)! (Just be sure to paint your cut wood ends prior to assembly!)

^100% correct, just beat me to it

 

[That Crusso Kid]

^100% correct, just beat me to it

You've got to be fast. I have noticed that Jack is pretty quick on the trigger.

 

[Daphne's_Reef]

Thank you! I'll try paint and see if I can get it done tomorrow to move it into my room next weekend. I might also try the 2x4s if I can't find a straight 4x4. Depends on what the local Lowe's has.

And yes, the birds are the top priority! I'd rather keep it on the floor and deal with the hassle of water changes than to do something that might hurt the two of them.

 

[UncommonSense]

I might also try the 2x4s if I can't find a straight 4x4

That’s why 4x4 can be so annoying!

It can be nice and straight in the store while wet, then start twisting as it dries, after it’s in use!

(Unless you purchase it kiln dried, but that can get pricy extremely fast!)

 

[Daphne's_Reef]

That’s why 4x4 can be so annoying!

It can be nice and straight in the store while wet, then start twisting as it dries, after it’s in use!

(Unless you purchase it kiln dried, but that can get pricy extremely fast!)

Kiln dried pine is about $11, and since it's a 20 long, that'd be more than enough for the tank (2 30" sides, 2 12" sides). Otherwise, the 2x4x16 pine is about $14. Does the kiln dried NOT warp, then, or would it still be prone to messing up as it sits there?

 

[UncommonSense]

Kiln dried pine is about $11, and since it's a 20 long, that'd be more than enough for the tank (2 30" sides, 2 12" sides). Otherwise, the 2x4x16 pine is about $14. Does the kiln dried NOT warp, then, or would it still be prone to messing up as it sits there?

Wow! Your prices are around 5x less than my local lumber yards!

Typically, Kiln dried 4x4 will stay nice and straight, even in wet environments, if well sealed with paint!

 

[Fish Fan]

I'd rather keep it on the floor and deal with the hassle of water changes than to do something that might hurt the two of them.

Have you considered that you can drop a small pump like a Rio in your tank, and pump water out for water changes? Just a thought

 

[Fish Fan]

I am maybe not fully understanding what the OP wants to do, but I think 2x4's are the way to go here, not 4x4's

 

[Daphne's_Reef]

I was just trying to raise it a bit, but I had NOT actually thought of the pump idea. That sounds a whole lot easier than trying to build something, so I might see if I can find a little pump somewhere. Thanks for the idea!

Edit: On second thought, looks like I couldn't clean the substrate doing it that way. Ah. Back to the first thought of just getting the tank a bit higher off the floor so the siphon will work better.

I DO think we've got a lumber mill, but it's well over an hour away, so bit of a drive.