27 replies to this topic

[Spin]

What is the best material to use to make tank stands from for a fish shed that has a humid atmosphere. I am not running a reverse cycle aircond so humidity does build up.
I am thinking treat pine and painted? I have used metal tube welded and painted but they have now all rusted over the years and need to be replaced.
What are others using? The stands dont have to be fancy they are in the fish shed not the lounge room.

[Neakit]

either way you will have issues the best ways would be to use 316 stainless steel or steel stands that are galve dipped.

[Bowdy]

Hey neakit I know getting them galv dipped would be best but does spray galv do a good enough job or is it a waste of money.
Cheers.

[Neakit]

well when i have used it its been when the steel is still hot from welding. the biggest issue with welding galvanized steel is you need to clean the galv off before you weld or the weld you do has inclusions and looks really bad. If you could heat the whole stand up to about 60 - 70 degrees c you would remove any moisture in the stand and the galv spray would be effective, but realistically thats nearly impossible.

[nvrenuf]

is the shed a Brick shed ? maybe build brick supports if its only single level tanks ?

[Spin]

No not bricks, metal/and fibreglass and multi level tanks. I am thinking treated pine. Anyone else using this in a humid environment? Spin

[nvrenuf]

I have treated pine bare in my garage that i have made work benchs out of, no problems so far 2 years on, gets damn hot in there, probably not as humid though

[STEVEGREEN]

i can help with rust proofing the steel or sealing the timber

www.lanotec.com.au

cheers
Steve Green

[werdna]

I use hot dipped stands.
Cold galv spray works, but you have to clean out all the slag if you arc weld and clean off all the welds with a wire brush.
When you paint it, dont worry about drips and spray heaps in there.

How old are the stands.
They should still last 10 years without hot dipping your welds.

[Spin]

The stands are between 10-12 years I guess, all new when I made them but in the humid environment they were bound to rust. Timber is appealing as it is much easier to build from,- drill and bolts and your done.

[Spin]

i can help with rust proofing the steel or sealing the timber

www.lanotec.com.au

cheers
Steve Green

OK that lanolin product sounds interesting. Do you have a price list somewhere you can PM me? I might be able to use untreated structural pine and use a lanolin product to seal it. What about mold? does it inhibit mold growth on timber once treated?

[STEVEGREEN]

270 distributors around WA

i'll give you the first litre for free then i can get a distributor in your area to look after you

20m2 per litre coverage

cheers
Steve Green

[Spin]

270 distributors around WA

i'll give you the first litre for free then i can get a distributor in your area to look after you

20m2 per litre coverage

cheers
Steve Green

OK thanks Steve I would definitely like to try the product. I will call you tomorrow to discuss pickup. Thanks Spin

[Kieran]

What about Dexion pallet racking?

[STEVEGREEN]

regardless of material in a humid environ it will rust ( steel or galv ) , timber will split crack or twist unless protected

cheers
Steve Green

[Neakit]

i beg to differ, stainless steel will not rust if its only fresh water.

[STEVEGREEN]

LOL

get in the real world mate

are your stands made of stainless ?

cheers
Steve Green

[scottyhooton]

i beg to differ, stainless steel will not rust if its only fresh water.

''fresh water''....... with plenty of lake salts , hav'nt you got sediment build up any where in you fish room?
any fish keeper worth his salt uses salt , even in soft water, no matter the dilution .... salt is salt and over time the effect will be the same

Edited by scottyhooton, 27 January 2011 - 10:59 PM.

[Kieran]

Plus lower grade stainlesses will rust more easily. A high grade stainless steel stand would probably cost more than the shed.

[Neakit]

Cost was never said to be an issue, there fore stainless is an option. scottyhoon have you every worked with stainless?