Sizing plywood top for DIY stand

[touchstone88]

Ever see or own one of those shelf units that have MDF shelves and steel supports? Or worse yet, the MDF tank stands? The MDF eventually sags, even if nothing is loading them. Or it swells. I forgot that the OP said he was going to pad those cross braces so that the top panel would be fully supported, perhaps the MDF wouldn't sag then. Still might swell though, no matter how well you try to seal those edges.

Oh man- I am definitely mistaken... can I delete my posts of MDF- my first tank was Red Sea 34d with that garbage stand- mdf that swelled up after 2 years. I assumed it was particle board but MDF basically is that.

Thanks for the edification my friend!

 

[foxt]

Wel

Oh man- I am definitely mistaken... can I delete my posts of MDF- my first tank was Red Sea 34d with that garbage stand- mdf that swelled up after 2 years. I assumed it was particle board but MDF basically is that.

Thanks for the edification my friend!

Well, particle board is indeed different than MDF, and some MDF these days has so much glue in it that it might never swell, but why take the chance?

 

[wickette]

Wel

Well, particle board is indeed different than MDF, and some MDF these days has so much glue in it that it might never swell, but why take the chance?

Ive used Particle board and MDF for tops of smaller tanks including sumps. I paint it with that black matte paint on my stand (thats the $10/gal walmart paint-I use it as an undercoat for almost everythin)
Then I use elmers glue glue and aluminum foil to line bottoms,then use foil tape around borders of the goil, edges of the board, insides of hols, etc.

If its a hood of a non-sump I spray paint the edges and top black,

Im sure it wont last forever but Ive had some for 3 years without swelling.