Metal Stand - Rust? Safe?

[lawndoctor]

My LFS warned me that the AGA black metal stands rust and become hideous as well as potential safety risks. Has anyone used these metal stands for a reef tank?

 

[drwwalker]

I had one custom build and it rusts with water proof paint now I use salt elimanator to stop the rust dont get a metal stand

 

[JohnD]

I had a metal stand under my 55 gallon tank years ago. Having all of the "stuff" viewable under the tank looked disorganized. It started to grate on me, so after about 6 months I changed my stand to a particle board one.

In only 6 months, I had no real problem with rust. Any longer and I am sure rust would be an issue.

HTH

[ August 02, 2001: Message edited by: JohnD ]

 

[bgdiving]

Partical board is more likely to be a problem than the rust. My 170 has been on a black metal stand for 12 years and I am concerned about one of the legs at the base and at the lower weld and will probably need to do something about it with in the next 5 to 7 years. But the veneared particle board cabinet at 90 degree angle to the tank that housed my sump for a while when I used a sump, is totally destroyed along its base from moisture and salt.

 

[oyster]

how about a stainless steel stand?

 

[lawndoctor]

Stainless steel, or even aluminum, would be much better. Are they available?

 

[JMKirk]

I had a black metal stand on my 55 reef from 1992 - 2001. I got rid of it when I moved and bot a new 75 rr tank / oak stand (55 was too narrow).

I live in NYC and broke down the tank 4 times. It had rust spots / stains all over it, not a problem. I considered scraping and repainting it but never got around to it.
If it is a bargain, you could put an extra coat of marine grade paint on it before you installed it.

 

[RUaBatfish2]

There is an industry standard when it comes to steel stands for marine usage. The metal frames are powder coated which is like baking a finish that even saltwater can't penetrate. The company that built my tank manufactures commercial tanks and stands for public aquariums and hotels, etc. They made my steel stand which went to the powder coat shop for a week that holds up my 300 gallon. It leaves a beautiful finish and you never have to paint it.

 

[Anonymous]

When I got my tank used the steel stand was pretty rusty. I sandblasted/wire brushed the rust off, then two coats of primer, to coats of Rustoleum.

Ask me in 5 years if it has rusted.

B

 

[lawndoctor]

RUaBatfish2: What company did that for you? Sounds great.