Tank stand cracked

[curiousreefkeeper]

Help!

The stand of my 90 litre blue marine tank has a crack in it. It looks like it’s just the vinyl decorative part that’s cracked however it’s cracked on the outside of the stand and the inside. Would this be causing weakness to the stand and does it need replacing?

 

[Kfed1994]

The inside one looks a little concerning, if you’re at all in doubt just get a new stand or have someone repair it for you.

 

[Rocks reef]

I would be concerned, yes. Does the crack on the inside run the whole width of the side panel? Are you able to paint over that area or seal it somehow to prevent moisture until you can drain the tank in order to be able to the move it to a safe location? After moving the tank you can assess the area more. The thing with particle board is once it gets wet, it will swell quite a bit and deteriorate pretty quick.

 

[mmorrison55]

Since it’s on both sides, I would think it’s an accident waiting to happen. If you are not concerned about looks, I’d get a could of small pieces of plywood, some double sided tape or hot glue, and 4 stainless bolts and nuts.

Afix one of the squares of plywood on the inside using the tape or hot glue. Do the same on the outside, drill 4 holes and put the bolts in to hold it in place and add stability.

Ultimately, I would replace the stand if it were mine.

 

[CBonito]

That's an imminent "dump truck" waiting to happen. Yes, please replace it ASAP.

 

[Fishy888]

You need to replace that stand ASAP. You could get one from the tank manufacturer or maybe the store you bought it from.

Better yet build one with REAL wood! I guarantee that if you do it right it’ll last long enough to be a family heirloom! It’ll be about the same cost, possibly even less than a particleboard stand.

The problem with MDF/particleboard is, like was mentioned previously, once it gets wet it doesn’t take much to turn it to mush. It’s already a very weak material to start with.

A simple wooden stand will hold 2 to 3 times the weight of your 90l filled with sand, water and rock! Just make sure you get a good wood glue and use coated deck screws and you’ll be set. If you don’t want to design your own there are many designs here and on the web.

 

[CBonito]

You need to replace that stand ASAP. You could get one from the tank manufacturer or maybe the store you bought it from.

Better yet build one with REAL wood!

The problem with MDF/particleboard is, like was mentioned previously, once it gets wet it doesn’t take much to turn it to mush. It’s already a very weak material to start with.

A simple wooden stand will hold 2 to 3 times the weight of your 90l filled with sand, water and rock! Just make sure you get a good wood glue and use coated deck screws and you’ll be set. If you don’t want to design your own there are many designs here and on the web.

All of this, and a beer on me.

MDF turns to oatmeal once it gets wet.

 

[Fishy888]

All of this, and a beer on me.

MDF turns to oatmeal once it gets wet.

That’s a perfect description!