I finished my stand and set up my new tank about two months ago. It's
an Oceanic 58RR with a 20 long as a sump and the stand is framed with
2x4's and skinned with 3/4" birch plywood. I didn't have the foresight
to paint the interior of the stand with epoxy paint. What I've noticed
in the past few weeks is that it's VERY humid inside the stand. My
sump is uncovered (I'm sure that's why). Should I cover it? Also, and
worse, the doors have already started to swell and warp. If that's
already happening, will the moisture affect the structural stability
of the stand over time? Any mildew issues?

I hate to install an exhaust fan, because there's already significant
evaporation and I don't want more. Anyone have any thoughts on ways to
correct this without breaking the tank and sump down to paint the
inside of the stand and/or long term concerns if I leave it the way it
is?

Thanks,

Grant

therock

Is there a way to vent it ?
Drill some holes ?
Polycarbonate shields on the inside ?

Sure sealing the wood helps but I don't think it's desirable to have
water building up in the stand. I would guess that
it would eventually rot the wood.

Can you provide any pictures of your setup ?

Can you use a canister filter ? (not the best option but something to
consider)

koy

UOU can install a fan, that circulate air from inside rthe stand and
pushes it outside. It should not have any real effect on evaporation
of sump water.

I have to think unless the doors etc are sealed mildew is gonna be a
minor item compared to glue bond joints starting to loosen up on the
birch plywood, unless yu used exterior or marine grade, which is
highly unlikely. Is the back of your cabinet open or is t all fully
enclosed. Most stands are open a lot on the back and this provides
good ventilation.

Don;'t fool yourself, no paint is impermeable, and over time it will
allow water to absorb through it. So don't kick yourslef for not
painting the interior of the stand.

cindy

Take the back of the stand off or drill some big holes?

george patterson

Almost certainly. You don't say what type of birch plywood you used. If it's the
standard U.S. product sold in 4'x8' sheets at Home Depot, Lowes, etc., the glues
are interior glues. It will not be long before this stuff starts to delaminate.
Mildew will also be a problem. If you used an import, such as baltic birch, you
probably won't have a problem with the glues.

A coat or two of any reactive finish (oil-based enamel, oil-based varnish, epoxy
paint, etc.) will seal the wood and prevent the glue from deteriorating. Make
sure you seal the cut edges of the plywood completely. There are anti-mildew
agents that can be added to paints.

George Patterson
Coffee is only a way of stealing time that should by rights belong to
your slightly older self.

sandbag

Homedepot sells Desiccant packs. this stuff will pull moisture out of
the air and into a drip container. The pain is making sure it has balls
all the time and the cost to keep refilling over time, like 4$ for a
bag. If you cover your sump more than likely you will raise the temp of
your tank. I say take the tank out and use boat varnish on the
interior. 12$ at Homedepot.

wayne sallee

You should have built the stand without a back.

Wayne Sallee
Wayne's Pets
Wayne@WaynesPets.com

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I guess I'll break down the sump,
varnish the inside, and cut out a lot of the back. Sounds like a
weekend shot to hell. Thanks again.

Grant

cindy

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I guess I'll break down the sump,
varnish the inside, and cut out a lot of the back. Sounds like a
weekend shot to hell. Thanks again.

Grant
________________________
Don't you hate it when that happens?? You think you have it knocked,
overlook something and it gets all screwed up. My sympathy!

Cindy

Yeah, I did so much research before I started this project, I didn't
think I could possibly miss anything. Oh well, thanks for the
sympathy.....

Grant