Wooden stand vs metal.

I am looking at purchasing a new tank (either 1.2 or 1.5m), probably from Hillcrest Pets. They have a lovely 1.2m tank with built-in filter compartments at the back. My only concern is that it is on a wooden stand. I just can't get my mind around this as I am only used to steel stands. Wood and water just don't go! They say they have been making them like this for 8 months, but my concern is a little further down the road - like 15 years or so. I was wondering if anyone had experience with wooden/melamine stands to put my mind at rest (or not!).

 

Personally - I would not chance it - just not worth the heartache if that wood gets wet at some stage and starts swelling

 

I guess it wood depend (pun intended :tongue on how the wood has been treated and if sealed properly. Some of the other members have mentioned stuff like marine wood which is properly soaked in water resistant varnish or chemicals. If is just normal wood then one would either not go for that option or ensure it has multiple layers of some sort that repels and protects against water.

My grandfather built two rain water collection stands, way back before I was even born, and for some reason the wood one withstood the outdoor extreme better than the metal one he had built back then. Not sure what type of wood or metals or even paints he used, but it can be done with wood...

 

my stands are completely made out of supa wood and i have no problems, as long as its treated with proper paint it's fine, i have been using them for years no problems at all.

 

Thanks for the comments. I will sleep on it!

 

Hi There, I bought a Sun Sun unit...Tank and stand (280 Liter). My stand is made of wood and I think that Sun Sun would not risk their reputation and put their company on the line if their stands would Not hold up. Wood can take a lot before giving in. Take a look in the mining industry they use wood in extreme conditions to even hold up mountains of rock above peoples heads, so I think wood is good. One still has to take care of things and not abuse your stand and setups, when you mess water then clean it up immediately and not leave it. Our equipment costs lots of money so we should take care of it.

 

Juwel aquariums also come with stands made from wood. If some one is making this then, insure that the stand has enough supports. May be post a picture of the stand before you buy it and we could take a look? Can you ask them what kind of wood are they using?

 

Hi Dash. I posted a pic with the initial thread. I will pop into the shop tomorrow to get more detail.

 

Sorry stupid me did not see that. Would be nice to see that picture with the doors open.

 

Dash, there are no doors - just 4 shelves.

 

I'm currently building a steel stand with a hardwood cabinet surrounding it, but totally separate on a 1,32m tank. That way I have the strength of the steel but the beauty of wood. IF the woodwork is done well, it can last many years for sure without any issues. This means decent joinery as well as the proper sealant of the wood. PM me if you want pics. At R10 900 per cubic metre of say, blackwood for example, the price is wood is horrendous is heading the hardwood route for all the strength.

 

Nothing wrong with some good wood