Mdf

[insane]

jbird69, PM'd ya.

Back on to the thread topic.

The stand I am planning will be 36"x36"x36" to hold the 1,200lbs + or - I plan on sitting on it. Constructed entirely of a double layer of 3/4" MDF. I will be gluing and screwing the two layers together to increase the strength. That is pretty much how they make things nowdays in manufactured lumber, beams, etc. Everything is glued together for strength.

The outsides and top of the stand will be laminated with black formica. I am also considering laminating the bottom as well because that will be the area most likely to get wet. Insides all to be sealed heavily with paint and all interior corners to be siliconed for added protection from water.

Another option for the bottom is to sit it on exterior grade treated plywood that is cut slightly smaller than the base of the stand to recess it slightly so it won't be seen.

 

[JTL]

Insane,
Some questions for you. Are you purchasing the plumbing locally at the big box stores or online? Are you going to use the threaded bulkheads or the slip variety?
John

 

[insane]

Local plumbing for quick changes in plans or easy returns. Not that I ever take any hardware or plumbing back ever! I love hardware stores! Bulkheads online. Threaded bulkheads always and forever. You can unscrew a threaded joint with teflon tape on it but you can't unglue a slip joint when you want to change things.
Frank

 

[JTL]

Can you give me a good source for bulkheads? I am thinking of doing 1" with 1.5" piping. Have you found that Lowes or HD has all of the 1.5" stuff? IIRC "Bean" used slip bulkheads in his DIY, but maybe that was because he already had them. When are you going to put the tank together? I just posted a long series of questions regarding my sump. I want to get that going asap. Oh, another question on the overflow. What distance from the top of the tank are you placing the holes.
John

 

[BeanAnimal]

aquaticecosystems.com

I use SLIP bulkheads most of the time. Threaded bulkheads can be a PITA.

 

[wooden_reefer]

I would use OSB (cheap) before I use MDF.

Use exterior grade plywood instead.

MDF is not found under most kitchen countertops. The stuff is chip board.

MDF is used in less expensive furniture like cabinet doors, painted ones.

 

[JTL]

I am going with plywood.

 

[EnderG60]

OMG DONT DO IT!!!

I made my canopy from MDF and put 3 layers of latex sealer on it, and its swelling and falling apart.

Not worth it, just dont.