Granite not an acceptable material for an aquarium stand top!

[peekay]

I'm currently undergoing a 100g tank build and was looking for a good solid top to put the tank on. I went to my granite guy to look at some remnants for the build and he informed me that granite was way too porous for a salt water tank and that the granite top would be destroyed in no time.

Bummer in the summer.

He suggested an acrylic top. For those of you who have made their own stands, what substrate have you used for the top? Any other suggestions besides acrylic?

Happy reefing!

PK

 

[lpsouth1978]

Granite is definitely porous, but when sealed properly there should be no problem. If in doubt you could use a polyurethane resin on top of the granite. Alternatively, you could look at marble or a synthetic top, like silestone.

 

[hkgar]

Look into Quartz.

 

[peekay]

I talked to my guy about quartz, and he says it's a lot less porous than granite, but probably not the best idea for salt water. I'm looking into corian, as that's basically acrylic. Scouring Craigslist and FB Marketplace for remnant slabs that I can cut.

Thanks!

 

[davocean]

I would think quartz would be fine, and sure corian if you can find it.

Many of us just do a nice ply, stained and clear coated.

All the stands I build get a polyeurethane clear, I think some are going 15 years or better and still doing just fine.

 

[peekay]

I would think quartz would be fine, and sure corian if you can find it.

Many of us just do a nice ply, stained and clear coated.

All the stands I build get a polyeurethane clear, I think some are going 15 years or better and still doing just fine.

Now, I'm guessing the countertop guys just don't want to do such a small job. I literally need just a 51 x 24 slab with a 6 x 12 notch cut out for the plumbing. Hopefully a couple of these Corian leads pan out. Thanks for the help guys!

PK

 

[davocean]

It's not a lot of money vs liability if they break it doing that notch.
Corian of course is super forgiving in that area.

I once took a class from Corian, way back in the 80's!
Amazing stuff but expensive at the time, then lost popularity among other choices like quartz, but someone told me recently they are still around.

 

[mcgyvr]

If you want granite..get granite...if the top is getting enough water to cause damage you have other problems..
It will get far less water exposure than any kitchen countertop

But yes there are also many synthetic surfaces that are totally fine too..

 

[davocean]

Granite can water stain fairly easy, they require a sealer that needs to be reapplied as sealer wears.
It's one of the reasons so many are shying away from granite for kitchen counters.

 

[peekay]

If you want granite..get granite...if the top is getting enough water to cause damage you have other problems..
It will get far less water exposure than any kitchen countertop

But yes there are also many synthetic surfaces that are totally fine too..

Mcgyvr - love the "being blunt.." in your sig...LOL

Yeah, I found a guy up by me that has a ton of Corian remnants that I'll be able to choose from. Hopefully, I can pick something out this weekend. I'll keep everyone posted.

PK

 

[Sk8r]

Unless display OF the stand top is the aim, even regular countertop in laminate works well: when we re-did the kitchen, I saved the countertops and used them down in the basement sump area. Several years on, that old countertop is still easy to clean, resists salt, and has no problems despite a lot of salt creep, chemicals and other things that go on with sumps.

 

[lowtek]

Self leveling epoxy is the route I took on my DIY stand.

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[Apercula]

I talked to my guy about quartz, and he says it's a lot less porous than granite, but probably not the best idea for salt water. I'm looking into corian, as that's basically acrylic. Scouring Craigslist and FB Marketplace for remnant slabs that I can cut.

Thanks!

Look for a Habitat Restore near you. Habitat for Humanity sells building supplies that have been donated, but that they aren't using themselves.

 

[peekay]

Got a nice piece of Corian cut to size.

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[Sk8r]

THat's going to do fine.

 

[hkgar]

Looks good.

 

[clevername]

If you want granite..get granite...if the top is getting enough water to cause damage you have other problems..
It will get far less water exposure than any kitchen countertop

But yes there are also many synthetic surfaces that are totally fine too..

+1

This much thought into a countertop, id hate to see the "what lights should i buy" thread. :celeb2:

 

[shred5]

I like that...

 

[peekay]

+1

This much thought into a countertop, id hate to see the "what lights should i buy" thread. :celeb2:

LOLOL! Surprisingly, I've already decided on lights. Reefbreeders V2+ just need to see if the 32" version will provide enough PAR for my 48" tank

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[clevername]

LOLOL! Surprisingly, I've already decided on lights. Reefbreeders V2+ just need to see if the 32" version will provide enough PAR for my 48" tank

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not to side track the thread, but what made you choose those. I haven't heard anything amazing nor bad; just curious.