Used Tank - Structural Stability Concerns

[rnegrette]

My wife @Fusillijenni and I came across a deal on FB marketplace that we didn't want to pass up: we picked up a Red Sea Reefer 450 (tank, stand, sump, TopLid) for a great price. Our concern is with the rear of the stand (see attached pictures). A good portion of the main rear MDF panel is waterlogged and swelling. We agree that using the stand as-is is out of the question. This leaves us with two options (as we see it):

1. Replace the board (3/4" thick)
2. Build a new stand

We'd prefer to use the stand as it's much nicer looking than what we'd build (most likely), but we know that it might not be the wisest idea structurally-speaking.

Does anyone have any experience with replacing a portion of a tank stand like this? Is it permanently compromised no matter what we do? Or, are we wrong altogether and it's safe to use?

If we build a new stand, we're planning on using the design by @RocketEngineer that we found in other DIY threads. Thanks.

 

[Jekyl]

I always err on the side of caution. I'd build a new one. Too much liability involved

 

[Cichlid Dad]

My wife @Fusillijenni and I came across a deal on FB marketplace that we didn't want to pass up: we picked up a Red Sea Reefer 450 (tank, stand, sump, TopLid) for a great price. Our concern is with the rear of the stand (see attached pictures). A good portion of the main rear MDF panel is waterlogged and swelling. We agree that using the stand as-is is out of the question. This leaves us with two options (as we see it):

1. Replace the board (3/4" thick)
2. Build a new stand

We'd prefer to use the stand as it's much nicer looking than what we'd build (most likely), but we know that it might not be the wisest idea structurally-speaking.

Does anyone have any experience with replacing a portion of a tank stand like this? Is it permanently compromised no matter what we do? Or, are we wrong altogether and it's safe to use?

If we build a new stand, we're planning on using the design by @RocketEngineer that we found in other DIY threads. Thanks.

A hard no. Besides you will have fun doing a build

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

Just replace the damaged panels with marine plywood. You can paint them or veneer them. You already have the pattern. The Ikea things you can reuse or just get them from Ikea. Get the right size forstner drill bit and I think there may be a jig you can buy to do those holes, but freehand is just as easy.

 

[Lowell Lemon]

Just no!

 

[mfinn]

I'm assuming the entire stand is MDF. I would build a new stand. As mentioned, you already have the panel sizes. Just duplicate them with 3/4" plywood. The doors on stands like those usually make up all or most of what you see from the front. Use them.

 

[X-37B]

Maybe red sea could sell you a replacement panel? If the rest is good you should be fine but no way will it be reliable the way it is, imo.

 

[dadnjesse]

I hope you checked the Tank for leaks, that water could have come from one.

 

[RocketEngineer]

That looks sketchy to me. Not something I would trust. I would see about a replacement. JMO

 

[FUNGI]

Sir.....just replace the whole thing and diy one....here is my Red Sae 120G stand build....$250.00

 

[rnegrette]

That looks sketchy to me. Not something I would trust. I would see about a replacement. JMO

Agreed, thank you. We're thinking of following these plans. Since the tank is 5ft / 93gal, am I correct in understanding that we should use 2x6s for the upper rails & ends, and we can use 2x4s for the remainder? What do you typically recommend for the top?

 

[rnegrette]

Sir.....just replace the whole thing and diy one....here is my Red Sae 120G stand build....$250.00

Very nice build! Does the plumbing go through the wall to another room?

 

[FUNGI]

Agreed, thank you. We're thinking of following these plans. Since the tank is 5ft / 93gal, am I correct in understanding that we should use 2x6s for the upper rails & ends, and we can use 2x4s for the remainder? What do you typically recommend for the top?

You can use 2x4's throughout the build. Just sister board where it would be needed....i.e. corner uprights....for top, I would do 3/4 plywood. (see my build pics) that a 6footer 120G....all 2x4's

 

[FUNGI]

Very nice build! Does the plumbing go through the wall to another room?

I have canisters at bottom and hang on back skimmer.

 

[FUNGI]

 

[Troylee]

I’d replace the stand and the tank! I’m sure that tank is near the 3yr mark when it all goes bad! Have you checked the front lower silicone joint across the tank?

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

My wife @Fusillijenni and I came across a deal on FB marketplace that we didn't want to pass up: we picked up a Red Sea Reefer 450 (tank, stand, sump, TopLid) for a great price. Our concern is with the rear of the stand (see attached pictures). A good portion of the main rear MDF panel is waterlogged and swelling. We agree that using the stand as-is is out of the question. This leaves us with two options (as we see it):

1. Replace the board (3/4" thick)
2. Build a new stand

We'd prefer to use the stand as it's much nicer looking than what we'd build (most likely), but we know that it might not be the wisest idea structurally-speaking.

Does anyone have any experience with replacing a portion of a tank stand like this? Is it permanently compromised no matter what we do? Or, are we wrong altogether and it's safe to use?

If we build a new stand, we're planning on using the design by @RocketEngineer that we found in other DIY threads. Thanks.

Agree with those who recommend replacing the stand. But I also would be concerned about how the current one got so much water damage... Depending the model/year, Red Sea tanks have been known to leak.

 

[RocketEngineer]

Agreed, thank you. We're thinking of following these plans. Since the tank is 5ft / 93gal, am I correct in understanding that we should use 2x6s for the upper rails & ends, and we can use 2x4s for the remainder? What do you typically recommend for the top?

Hey! I recognize that thread! He really knows his stuff.

For only 93 gallons, you could go either 2X4 throughout or 2X6 uppers. I recommend a plywood top, well sealed.

 

[rnegrette]

Hey! I recognize that thread! He really knows his stuff.

For only 93 gallons, you could go either 2X4 throughout or 2X6 uppers. I recommend a plywood top, well sealed.

Thank you! To accommodate for the plumbing on the middle/rear-underside of the tank -- is it safe to drill out a small rectangle into the plywood top? And to use multiple support (blue) bars (instead of one), offset from the middle?

 

[FUNGI]

Thank you! To accommodate for the plumbing on the middle/rear-underside of the tank -- is it safe to drill out a small rectangle into the plywood top? And to use multiple support (blue) bars (instead of one), offset from the middle?

yes