MDF

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
MDF is dense. Not strong. they are two VERY different worlds and the first time you put a load on it youll figure it out. Your tank isn't going to fail because you didnt seal it properly. I see it failing first because the water pressure in the tank is going to rip the screws out of the mdf. Build a small shelf with mdf and the same shelf with ply wood. throw some cinder blocks on it and see which one falls apart first. Like DB said, mdf is used because its cheap and dense. Not because its strong.
 
Just take a sheet and lay it across 2 sawhorses. Warps like crazy with NO weight on it.

The screws tearing out is why I quit using it. Boxes literally fell apart. MDF= Lots of flex. Baltic Birch= NO flex.
 
DB junkie;3074678; said:
Just take a sheet and lay it across 2 sawhorses. Warps like crazy with NO weight on it.

The screws tearing out is why I quit using it. Boxes literally fell apart. MDF= Lots of flex. Baltic Birch= NO flex.
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Is this something I can find at a local lumber shop or major chain or do you order it?
 
IF I'm not mistaken you can get it at Menards now.....

NOT cheap though.....

Next to Baltic Birch there was a few guys I know that liked some stuff I think was called Luan?

Just go to Menard's/Lowes/Home depot and look for the rediculously priced plywood. Chances are you'll find it.

Don't know if it's necassary to go with this fancy of wood for a DIY tank, although it couldn't hurt, but if you wanna talk strength it's the cat's meow.....

Another thing to look at is thickness..... IF you can order it thicker then 3/4 you may have significantly more strength without spending significantly more money.... I was always told a single layer of 1in mdf was stronger than double layered 3/4.
 
2x4s are cheap. just add more support, use 3/4 ply, and you'll be good. You don't always have to screw the plywood together, you can frame it out too.
 
rallysman;3075161; said:
2x4s are cheap. just add more support, use 3/4 ply, and you'll be good. You don't always have to screw the plywood together, you can frame it out too.
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Thats a good idea

Is there any thread or site maybe that can show me an in depth way to build it? Like step by step? I have a good idea of what to do theres just some shaded areas.
 
PredatorTank215;3075221; said:
Thats a good idea

Is there any thread or site maybe that can show me an in depth way to build it? Like step by step? I have a good idea of what to do theres just some shaded areas.
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http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196015 Here's the pond I'm planning on making. It would be the same concept only modifying the front frame for a window.
 
I built a stand out of MDF in 2001, it has been moved a dozen times and now my friend has it. Still going strong holding the same 55g. I painted it with spray paint but that's it. The top was double layered of 1/2" or 3/4" so at least 1" thick. I think it was 3/4" though. Single layer sides and bottom. It has 3 small supports in the center area as well. The front is skinned with some very thin plywood type stuff. I had myself and 3 other people jump on it, didn't budge so I called it good. I am sure it's had water on it but if you wipe it up quick any damage is negligable.

Also I have a sheet of 3/4" MDF sitting on a night stand under a 29g, used to support a 50g hex as well. It's had water spilled ALL over it. I wipe it up sometimes. Most of the time I just let the little sheet of carpet I have sitting on top of it soak it up...

The wood hasn't desinigrated or degraded to a point where it's unusable or anything even remotely close. It has a few bubble type spots where you can tell some water was absorbed but it's just a slight rasied area. Nothing more.

No hear say, no I read it on the net, no oh I think this would happen...

Just real world experience. MDF is not *that* bad. Some of you act like it's paper mache.
 
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