Wood or steel stands

[sugartooth]

I would like to hear about your stands.

I understand there are multiple factors that may come into play with wood stands. The type of wood, treated, painted, placement, etc.

I would just like to get a feeling of what the majority of experiences are for larger setups.....

I would like to hear any stories and advice.

What would you do differently? What did you like?

 

[bdif]

where's wood stand not warped >5yrs?

 

[sugartooth]

bdif, yes! You are right. I thought I had that as an option.....I guess I didn't put it up correctly.


My main concern is that no matter what.....eventually wood is going to warp and swell to the point it will stress your tank.

 

[yaktop]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11747789#post11747789 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sugartooth
bdif, yes! You are right. I thought I had that as an option.....I guess I didn't put it up correctly.


My main concern is that no matter what.....eventually wood is going to warp and swell to the point it will stress your tank.

disagree. one seven years no warp. matter of how you build it and the material you use.

 

[sugartooth]

yaktop: wow, very impressive. What material did you use and how did you strengthen it?

 

[Elliott]

I have seen many more wood stands over the years than metal, in fact metal is relatively new compared to wood stands. I have never seen a well made wood stand fail in the 40 years I've had tanks

 

[ReefKeepersCorner]

Agreed. If it is built right, wood is very reliable. I used to be a fabricator and have seen various types of steel rust and/or corrode. I've also seen how corrosive saltwater can be. Putting the two together would make me nervous. I know there are many steel stands out there, but wood stands have proven to be reliable long before I even got into this hobby.

If you BUILD it, it will hold.

 

[sugartooth]

:lol:


Mr. Reefkeeper, I love that about you!

I'm all freaked out because I noticed that my 170 has swelled over time.

So, wood versus steel....I started to think not about corrosion....but I was thinking more along the lines of steel staying "straight" over time vs. wood.

I'm thinking no matter what you do to wood, it's still porous and will take in a certain amount of moisture and will swell and torque your tank.

Kind of like my wood floors. They have buckled a little as well since I got them.....just really freaks me out!

 

[rfields]

It really depends on how you finish the wood and the upkeep of the finish.

 

[sugartooth]

Anybody out there with an older wood stand that is in great shape?

What is your routine for upkeep and care?

 

[ReefKeepersCorner]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11756118#post11756118 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sugartooth
:lol:


Mr. Reefkeeper, I love that about you!

I'm all freaked out because I noticed that my 170 has swelled over time.

So, wood versus steel....I started to think not about corrosion....but I was thinking more along the lines of steel staying "straight" over time vs. wood.

I'm thinking no matter what you do to wood, it's still porous and will take in a certain amount of moisture and will swell and torque your tank.

Kind of like my wood floors. They have buckled a little as well since I got them.....just really freaks me out!

That stand is built a lot tougher than your 170 doors... :lmao:

I guess I would rather deal with the possibility of a board slightly warping over the years instead of a steel support completely giving out.

Bend>Break.

 

[FuzzyZipperbaum]

I have a wood stand that is 12 years old holding a 400 FO tank. It was primed and coated with two coats of an oil based paint. it has NEVER been a problem...ever.

I am designing a 550 g and the the stand will be wood with marine grade paint.

 

[sugartooth]

:lol:
Mr. 444, yes....yes I guess it is, isn't it?

I guess I'm just tripping and I need to slow my roll.


Thank you Fuzzy for your info about the paint....that's what I wanted to know!

 

[jthao]

I had a steel stand. very nice painted with base coat clear coat. just beautiful, until it was hit with saltwater. steel + saltwater = hecka rust everywhere. I hated that, I was scared of my cuts touching the rust for rust poisoning or something. ughhhh!!!!!!!!1

 

[Konadog]

Steel stand for my 225:

Just after welding and primer

Forget about corrosion and paint chipping, linex truck bed liner!

 

[ReefKeepersCorner]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11801256#post11801256 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sugartooth
:lol:
Mr. 444, yes....yes I guess it is, isn't it?

I guess I'm just tripping and I need to slow my roll.

:lmao:

Oh yeah!

No need to be trippin on nothin... Especially when you got the hook-up. :smokin: Holla! :lol:

When are you gettin your phatty tank?

 

[JE]

i have a 10 year old wood stand. finished twice and no warping. i have made a few steel stands.....if you finish it right it will not rust. line-x or powder coating will protect it. i tested the length of time regulat paint and powder coating on a small sump light rack. with water splashing on it. the painted one started to rust in weeks of course. but the powder coated one didnt rust at all for about a year.

IMO, wood and steel stands can last if you do it right.