Preventive Maintenance on tank stand

[Bauerljiv]

As I dive into setting up my tank stand, I’ve noticed in many build post that I have viewed that some folks experience rusting hardware screws, bolts, etc. inside their cabinets or stands over time. This got me thinking has anyone taken steps to prevent this, like applying anti-seize to the screws/bolts or even coating them with a thin layer of clear silicone?

I’m curious to hear from the community

1. Have you tried these methods or others?
2. Did it make a noticeable difference in preventing rust?
3. Could rusting hardware potentially impact the tank’s ecosystem?

I want to make sure my setup is not only durable but also safe for the tank's environment.

 

[cdemoss01]

As I dive into setting up my tank stand, I’ve noticed in many build post that I have viewed that some folks experience rusting hardware screws, bolts, etc. inside their cabinets or stands over time. This got me thinking has anyone taken steps to prevent this, like applying anti-seize to the screws/bolts or even coating them with a thin layer of clear silicone?

I’m curious to hear from the community

1. Have you tried these methods or others?
2. Did it make a noticeable difference in preventing rust?
3. Could rusting hardware potentially impact the tank’s ecosystem?

I want to make sure my setup is not only durable but also safe for the tank's environment.

Gonna bump this for you. That could possibly impact the ecosystem. Pretty sure it can cause bad issues

 

[Timfish]

One reason I prefer wood stands. It's not talked about much but I imagine there are others like myself that will use silicone grease on electrical connections and silicone or other sealants on fittings.

 

[Buckster]

I have self closing hinges on my canopy and on my cabinet. When the rust gets to the point that it flakes of then I replace them. I always have spare ones waiting in my garage.
I don't like to introduce any type of finish around the tank environment as a precaution.

 

[Bauerljiv]

One reason I prefer wood stands. It's not talked about much but I imagine there are others like myself that will use silicone grease on electrical connections and silicone or other sealants on fittings.

Being a retired diesel tech, I like your thought process regarding electrical connections. I will be doing the same when establishing my connections

 

[Paul B]

As an industrial construction electrician in Manhattan, I have built many stands and supports for heavy equipment on roofs of sky scrapers. I also built my last 3 stands. I only use redwood for the stand as it doesn't warp and stands salt water very well.

I also only use "hot dipped galvanized" hardware and prefer to bolt it through rather than use screws.

As for the stand, I don't like to sandwich wood because water will get in between the planks and stay there forever rotting the wood. I use wood strong enough, so one piece will suffice.

The top supports are not just bolted on. The upright 4X4s are chamfered so the horizontal supports sit on the cut portion of the wood and are not dependant on just the bolts.

My last stand was used for 40 years straight. It is still there but I moved. :beaming-face-with-smiling-eyes: