Modifying Tank Stand

[cookie_db]

I have just bought a fluval duo deep tank L120cm H45cm D40cm. The stand that has come with it is about 20cms shorter than the tank so I have 10cms over hanging on each side. The tank is second hand but never used and I think the guy must have bought the stand for the model down which is 100cm long. I was wondering if it was possible to just get a strong peice of wood the correct size and just glue and nail it on top.
Cheers
Dani

 

[i_ganjaman]

I just read somewhere about this problem,advice that was given was'are the top and bottom of the stand mixed up'.....the bottom piece is normally smaller on the hagen stuff...

 

[cookie_db]

This is not the case with mine. My top is is bigger than my bottom but not by much. As i said I think the gut I bought it from bought the wrong stand for it but I didn't realise till after I had got it home.
Dani

 

[Wonderboy]

It sounds safe as long as you put on some 2 x 4s along the length of it (i think).

 

[i_ganjaman]

i cant see any problems other than using nails,hagen stands are basically chipboard(sort a thing)if it was me i would try and get some marine ply 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch and stick it on top of the wood with gripfill or the liquid nail stuff and use a spirit level to get it nice and level.but i'm sure someone will have better advice....hope it goes well for you.

 

[cookie_db]

I need as much help as I can get with this. Where would I get marine ply from?

 

[i_ganjaman]

thinking about it you would probably have to buy a sheet and its expensive stuff, but you can always ask, or get normal plywood and treat it with marine varnish (this stuff is expensive too) try phoning a joinery to see if you can beg some off cuts off them. failing that you will have to find a builders yard.

 

[cookie_db]

Expensive isn't what I need. I'm on a budget so I need a cheapish soultion to this problem. Any cheaper ideas?
Dani

 

[i_ganjaman]

Expensive isn't what I need. I'm on a budget so I need a cheapish soultion to this problem. Any cheaper ideas?
Dani

like i said beg from your local joinery if your in the uk look em up on this www.yell.co.uk

 

[cookie_db]

Any other suggestions? Is there any other kind of wood I could use?
Dani

 

[i_ganjaman]

have you got any old tables or furniture you can hack up,since the overlap is not much i suppose anything will do(as lone as its about 1/2 inch thick.why not give a big shout to friends and family someone must have something hanging about.I would even look in skips if you see any about.
Its a shame you live so far from me...i have loads of off-cuts that would do the job.

 

[cookie_db]

Would a peice of chipboard be suitable or would that warp too easily if it came in contact with water? I'm not a DIY person as a rule and niether is my partner so I need really noobie help with this. You have been really great and all your help is aprriciated.
Dani

 

[i_ganjaman]

chipboard would do but you would have to seal it any water gets onto it, it will start breaking up.but i would not use it if waters got to it.

 

[cookie_db]

What would i seal it with? I have a possibility of getting a piece of chipboard cut to size for free. Just out of curiosity which part of wales are you from? I'm half welsh
Dani

 

[i_ganjaman]

Hi Dani,
I live in south wales in a town called hell....I mean Maesteg nr Bridgend.
Dani dont forget to seal the wood with a few coats of varnish or a better choice would be a few coats of paint so you could match the colour with your aquarium(its just to stop the water from bloating the chipboard) if water does get on it from the tank.If you dont it will just get soggy and fall apart.hope this helps Dani....