Fiberboard stand question

[Stackbundles]

I bought a used fiberboard stand last year for my 75 gallon tank. It was in mint condition. Being a newbie, I had 2 mini water floods in the past year. I noticed at the rear of the stand where the corners meet, the edges are expanding. It's leaving a hair opening at the edges. I'm concerned if it expands more my stand may collapse. It's still very sturdy and the tank is leveled. Should I glue the edges? Should I tank tape the edges? Wish I knew about fiberboard stands last year! Please advise.

Stack

 

[KathyC]

Gluing won't help (or hold) if it is coming apart.

Any chance of a pic?

 

[Stackbundles]

yes I noticed that regular glue won't help. I tried that two weeks ago and did nothing. I was just wondering if there was some "special" glue to use. The fiberboard glue is still intack. I will post a pic tonight after work.

 

[KathyC]

There might be some bracing you can put on there, but it depends on the condition of the fiberboard.
Pics inside & out would be most helpful

 

[Awibrandy]

Stackbundles, I've had 2 fiberboard stands in the past. My advice to you is to start planning for a replacement stand..... I replaced both of the ones I had. Sooner or later that stand will fall apart.
Depending on how severe the expansion is will tell you how much time you have to replace it. I don't believe it is an emergency where you have to replace it today, but eventually you will have to replace it.

Best wishes to you!!

 

[Stackbundles]

Thanks. I already started thinking about a new stand. My problem is moving the tank and keeping all my livestock alive. I will post pics tonight of my situation.

Stack

 

[Awibrandy]

Stack, I am in that very position again.lol Thinking about it is more daunting then it actually is. The biggest issue is the darn sand beds.
This is what I have done, and will once again be doing soon possibly this week.

Having a few extra smaller tanks, and or heavy duty plastic bins for the inhabitants & live rock.
As well as a few power heads, heaters.
Extra surge protectors in case there aren't enough outlets, which there won't be.
PLan on saving as much of the existing tank water.
Will also be picking up more Brute Food Grade cans, making about 120 gallons of ro/di water just incase there is a need for it.
Move all the animals starting with the corals into individual tanks/bins with water from the main tank.
Remove the sand bed last. I will be tossing the sand bed, so I have to go through it carefully to find all my crabs.

Remove, and replace stand with the new one. Make sure it is level!!!!

Replace the tank, replace the sand bed with new sand.
Begin returning rocks & water from bins & tanks. Following with returning corals, inverts, fish & more water. Then top off with new pre-made, pre-salted water which should also be a correct parameters.
Not as hard as you think.;-)

BTW, have lots of towels on hand, also plan for a whole day of work!! Would be nice if you can get some help to.

 

[Stackbundles]

Awi, Thanks for the steps. One day I will need to follow it. Since you been in the same situation as me with the fiberboard, let me know what you think when you see my pics. Thanks

Stack

 

[Reef Reaper]

Water got into the stand. May be reinforce the stand with 2x4 until you have a new stand.

 

[duke62]

yeas you can reinforce it on the inside with 2x4s and i use deck screws when i build a stand.sho me a pic of the stand i can give ya some help

 

[Awibrandy]

Awi, Thanks for the steps. One day I will need to follow it. Since you been in the same situation as me with the fiberboard, let me know what you think when you see my pics. Thanks

Stack

Will do! You're welcome. We are all here to help one another.

 

[Stackbundles]

The outside seams are below. The inside seams are fine. My tank is leveled and the corner are hard as a rock. Has anyone ever used Liquid Nails on fiberboard? Do you think it will work on this?

Stack

 

[Awibrandy]

You can always try the liquid nails with clamps. See how that works. I wouldn't take the clamps off any sooner then what the manufacturer of liquid nails states the appropriate curing time, and then some.

That is exactly what happened to mine on both occasions. BTW, the last one was the exact one as your's, except that mine was a 6', and the center braces started bowing as well. So I went out, and purchased the iron stand with the intent of building a skirt for it.

I will never purchase another MDF stand ever again. Matter of fact you wouldn't be able to give me one.LOL

Best wishes, but seriously consider purchasing another stand..

 

[Stackbundles]

I will never purchase a MDF stand again. I'm going to see how the liquid nails work and take it from there. Personally when I used it in my house for sheetrock work, it did wonders. I am going to have nightmares thinking about breaking down the tank and starting over. I was just getting my feet wet.

Stack

 

[Stackbundles]

BTW Awi, nice dogs. I have two yorkies. :dog2:

 

[KathyC]

I'm not a big fan of just gluing in a case like this. IMO I would add one or two 4" L brackets to each of the corners of the stand so they can't separate any further. Pre-drill the holes for the screws.
Was the water damage only to the exterior of the stand? If not, why is there no damage on the inside?

 

[Stackbundles]

I was thinking the same with the L brackets. I'm not the best handyman around so drilling may not be my first option. Most of the water damage was when I cleaned my overflow and didn't prime it. When I turned on the return pump, I didn't realize the overflow was not prmined, so the water overflowed on the back on the tank. I would think the inside seams would expand too but it didn't.

 

[Awibrandy]

Thank you Stack! My dogs are pits! The big guy in the pic unfortunately passed away last Christmas.;(
Pre drilling is no big deal. Just make sure to use a smaller drill bit then the screw you will be using.
Breaking down the tank is an un pleasurable job, but not the worse. I prefer to break down the tank, then to have to pick up the pieces after a stand collapse! Honestly I just can't bring myself to trust these MDF stands.
When you do decide to get a better stand, and you need help I will be there to help if you'd like.


BTW, spills & fish tanks go hand in hand at least in my world.LOL

 

[Stackbundles]

Sorry to hear about your loss Awi. I was thinking this morning that Kathy's idea is the safest way to go. If that doesnt work, then time to start over with a new stand.

Stack

 

[Awibrandy]

Gluing & placing brackets are the quickest & easiest way to go not necessarily the "safest". Don't forget to put some silicone in, and over the screw holes & screws. Drilling into the mdf will leave another port of entry for moisture.