500 gallon

[fishmaster11]

Hi MFK,

So I need some help. I recently got a 500 gallon tank. I placed a 3/4 inch sanded pine plywood and 1 inch foam on top. But some people are telling me I need to either paint the plywood or seal it? Do you guys think that is necessary? I'm just trying to avoid it because it would be double the work. Tank is already set on the plywood

 

[BIG-G]

I assume the reasoning is the plywood getting wet and maybe rotting.
I would say if you understand that In the beginning and are careful it wouldn’t be 100% necessary.
It will eventually get wet, but I would think that unless it stayed wet continuously it would dry out without rotting.
I the same thing underneath my 220 for the past 10 years and I haven’t had a problem.

 

[fishmaster11]

I assume the reasoning is the plywood getting wet and maybe rotting.
I would say if you understand that In the beginning and are careful it wouldn’t be 100% necessary.
It will eventually get wet, but I would think that unless it stayed wet continuously it would dry out without rotting.
I the same thing underneath my 220 for the past 10 years and I haven’t had a problem.

You didn't paint or seal it huh?

 

[BIG-G]

You didn't paint or seal it huh?

No I didn’t. So far so good. I set it up in 2009

 

[DN328]

This is a toss up. Some folks do it and some don't bother. Depending on your set-up, the plywood edge may get a little wet now and then, but it could just dry off with no issues I would think. What kind of stand do you have? For me, I ended painting since I would see it from underneath the stand and wanted it to look cleaner/nicer - but that's just me.

I used MDO, so it had a nice smooth surface to paint so didn't mind. I think you would be fine to leave as is if you didn't want to paint. Just good to decide now assuming it wasn't filled with water and stock, yet?

 

[fishmaster11]

This is a toss up. Some folks do it and some don't bother. Depending on your set-up, the plywood edge may get a little wet now and then, but it could just dry off with no issues I would think. What kind of stand do you have? For me, I ended painting since I would see it from underneath the stand and wanted it to look cleaner/nicer - but that's just me.

I used MDO, so it had a nice smooth surface to paint so didn't mind. I think you would be fine to leave as is if you didn't want to paint. Just good to decide now assuming it wasn't filled with water and stock, yet?

It's a metal stand with wood wrap. No fish or water yet

 

[fishmaster11]

Tank is already set on the plywood. That sucker isn't going anywhere

 

[Yoimbrian]

The bigger question isn't the tank, its the sump. If you have a sump under the stand, and its sealed in, such that the bottom is exposed to 100% humidity air at all times and even some fine mists, it could rot over time for sure.

If there isn't a sump under it and you are more worried about splashes from cleaning or what not I'd say its not a big deal at all.

 

[Oughtsix]

I always seal all parts of my stands. To me it is just good insurance. I am sure your stand will hold up just fine without being sealed... until it doesn't.