Water proofing a stand?

[dave72787]

So I just got my glasscages tank and stand delivered, beautiful 75g setup. Im using the mega filtra 950 sdc, and it will be kept under the tank. My question is how can I protect the stand from possible future water leakage, ill send some pictures.

 

[JumboShrimp]

For the outside I used the stain that has the varnish already in it (i.e., an all-in-one product)-- but frankly it's hard to work with. I think it's better to stain first, then varnish separately. For the inside, I used two coats of Kiltz.

 

[dave72787]

For the outside I used the stain that has the varnish already in it (i.e., an all-in-one product)-- but frankly it's hard to work with. I think to stain first, then varnish separately is better. For the inside, I used two coats of Kiltz.

Can vinyl protect the bottom and allow me to tag up the sides with different cutouts lol?

 

[JumboShrimp]

I'm having a bit of trouble visualizing what you mean there.

 

[dave72787]

I'm having a bit of trouble visualizing what you mean there.

Like use vinyl adhesive to protect the bottom of the stand inside where its not finished since my canister is in there, I rather not have it like sitting inside a bucket or pail to catch any future water leaks. And then the sides of the tank I would put up vinyl cutouts like rock band logo etc . Im just worried about protecting the bottom where the wood might come into contact with water from time to time.

 

[skey44]

Like use vinyl adhesive to protect the bottom of the stand inside where its not finished since my canister is in there, I rather not have it like sitting inside a bucket or pail to catch any future water leaks. And then the sides of the tank I would put up vinyl cutouts like rock band logo etc . Im just worried about protecting the bottom where the wood might come into contact with water from time to time.

Nice tank and stand! If the inside of that stand is raw wood I’d definitely finish it purposefully. There are a lot of ways to get this done (what paint and varnish to use all in one product vs separate) but they’re all going to include painting the interior of the stand. Make it easy to wipe up spills, protect from contact with moisture.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Will it be a liquid vinyl of some sort, or a roll of vinyl (like a thick window tint)? Because if you only use a vinyl film, you could protect from moisture, but any larger actual 'spill' and the water would soak down into the cracks between bottom and sides, no?

 

[JumboShrimp]

This is how I finished my Glass Cages wood stand-- stain and varnish outside, Kiltz inside.

 

[plumbdogmillionaire]

I used spar varnish on the stand I made. Water rolls right off and I’m yet to see any staining

 

[dave72787]

Keep throwing out suggestions lol cause taking it outside to varnish it aint possible anymore lol

 

[JumboShrimp]

I stain/varnished mine indoors. Didn't smell great, but it didn't kill me. (Hopefully I can still father kids! )

 

[dave72787]

I stain/varnished mine indoors. Didn't smell great, but it didn't kill me. (Hopefully I can still father kids! )

I stain/varnished mine indoors. Didn't smell great, but it didn't kill me. (Hopefully I can still father kids! )

Well I had my kids already, so thats no concern lol. But still that would never fly. So please more suggestions lol.........

 

[JumboShrimp]

Your stand has a side door...? ... could you make a full acrylic sealed tray about 4-6" deep that would sit and 'line' the bottom, to at least keep spills from running down the insides of the stand? (Your sump would sit inside of that.)

 

[RobertK]

Looks like your Glasscages stand was painted by them, not finished by you?

I have a tank and stand on order from them now. @Joe Glass Cages told me in an email that on their finished stands the "interior is factory infused UV protected clear coat." Not sure how waterproof that is or if any further treatment is needed. Have you asked Joe?

 

[dave72787]

Looks like your Glasscages stand was painted by them, not finished by you?

I have a tank and stand on order from them now. @Joe Glass Cages told me in an email that on their finished stands the "interior is factory infused UV protected clear coat." Not sure how waterproof that is or if any further treatment is needed. Have you asked Joe?

I should probably ask Joe what he recommends i do, and yes the outside was finished by them and the inside atleast doesn't appear to be finished.

 

[RobertK]

I should probably ask Joe what he recommends i do, and yes the outside was finished by them and the inside atleast doesn't appear to be finished.

Let us know what he says!

 

[fish_collector]

5 coats of spar urethane, sealing all joints and holes, anything less and water will destroy it eventually. Just open a window and set up a fan the smell isn't that bad. You'll be glad you did it in 6 months.

 

[RobertK]

I should probably ask Joe what he recommends i do, and yes the outside was finished by them and the inside atleast doesn't appear to be finished.

Dave did Joe ever get back to you about how they finish the inside of the cabinet and if he recommends any other treatment?

 

[tritonpower]

I should probably ask Joe what he recommends i do, and yes the outside was finished by them and the inside atleast doesn't appear to be finished.

I have spilled saltwater all over my glasscages stand. Outside, inside. It wipes up easily. I never treated it. Seems fine to me.

 

[Freenow54]

Can vinyl protect the bottom and allow me to tag up the sides with different cutouts lol?

If you silicone an enclosure using that method if its same size as the tank I don't see why not . You still would have access to the sump for maintenance as well . I would not think the sump would blow out , but not sure however in the case of a slow leak you would have plenty of time to turn off the pump when your ready to swap a new one in . However I would wrap bracing around the entire thing top, middle and bottom for safety anyway . Just ratchet straps for easy removal. It would be ugly but who cares