Stand Failing

[zerokilo]

Hey Everyone,

The stand for my 100G is quite old. Over the years the center support beam in front has started to delaminate at the edges (center of the beam is OK). Pictures are attached. I was wondering if anyone thinks this is critical enough for me to start going about reinforcing it.

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Thanks!

-Chris

 

[realfish]

Hard to tell from the pick. If its just some deterioration on the edges, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[grouper therapy]

What is the material?

 

[johniii]

If it is mdf and has gotten wet or even damp I would look into total replacement. Jmo

 

[grouper therapy]

JohnIII;770133 wrote: If it is mdf and has gotten wet or even damp I would look into total replacement. Jmo

I agree shouldn't be too hard

 

[zerokilo]

I believe its some variety of plywood. It seems to be delaminating at the edges in layers.

If I was to replace it, are we talking the whole stand or just that beam?

-Chris

 

[frantz]

do you have enough room to build a sub-frame out of 2x4s? Idk if its proper, but its sorta my plan with a used stand i recently got. New is expensive, and lumber is cheap and generally stronger than factory stands anyhow.

 

[zerokilo]

My original plan was to screw a new 2x4 of the same length into the failing beam, but I'm not sure if that will do more harm than good.

 

[eagle9252]

<p style="text-align:left"><p style="text-align:left"><span style="font-family: Calibri"><span style="font-size: 13px"> </span></span>
<p style="text-align:left"><span style="font-family: Calibri"><span style="font-size: 13px"> </span></span>
<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana">It could be the cheap hardboard. A lot of stands are made out of this stuff. It&#8217;s harder than cardboard but lighter and cheaper than plywood. If it LQQKs like it has a lot of tiny paper layers it's hardboard. You can scab real wood on the back side to reinforce it but if it were me i would plan to replace it. </span></span>
<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana"> </span></span>
<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana">you could have the new stand built and ready to go and drain swap and fill back up in a matter of a couple of hours or go ahead a do an upgrade at the same time and increase the tank size with the new stand. Just a thought. </span></span>

 

[grouper therapy]

Is this "beam" horizontal or vertical? Can you snap a photo with a larger view?

 

[zerokilo]

The beam is vertical, in the front center of the stand. It does appear to be made from that hardboard stuff. If its possible for me to avoid having to replace the stand I'd rather go that route. That said when I have company they sleep right in-front of the tank, so I have nightmares about it collapsing. Here is a better pic.

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Thanks for all the advice!

-Chris

 

[eagle9252]

<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana">You can scab onto it but it would not be the correct thing to do. As when the other gets weaker it will allow the weight to transfer to an area that is not designed to hold the weight correctly. We are not talking about holding up a house but it&#8217;s just not right. </span></span>
<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana"> </span></span>
<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana">You can take 2 boards one on each side just a tiny bit longer and wedge it to support while you replace it. Then you will need to seal around the bottom so spilt water does not go under the board and into the old holes which will weaken the overall bottom piece. </span></span>
<p style="text-align:left"><p style="text-align:left"><span style="font-family: Calibri"><span style="font-size: 13px"> </span></span>

 

[zerokilo]

So if I replace that piece is plywood recommended? I think a 2x4 would be too thick, the doors wouldn't be flush when closed. Would I just secure it to the bottom of the stand with wood-glue? Also, should secure the temporary support beams?

Thanks,

-Chris