I'm thinking about using these for floor support

[stupidfishguy]

My setup for a 200 gallon. It’s a bit over kill but I know it will never fail.

 

[Dom]

UPDATE:

If anyone is interested, the floor support project is a success! Thank you for all the helpful input.

 

[Dom]

@Dburr1014
@vetteguy53081
@redfishbluefish
@Dbichler
@exnisstech
@phillyb614
@BeanAnimal



So everything has worked out well with the floor support project. But now, another question...

Initially, this room was carpeted. And during my early years of reef keeping, there were many mistakes leading to the carpet getting wet many times. So I cut away the carpet where the tanks new position would be. The wood looked fine.

Then I continued to remove the carpet in 12x4 sections and discovered the wood had mold further down the room. The water made a real mess of the wood, but nothing that can't be corrected with a good sanding and finish.

Obviously, the tank will not be moved and the floor people said they can work around the tank, but it will leave an unfinished patch the size of the tank's footprint.

So I'm seeking input on preparing this tank for the floor refinish.

I plan on wrapping the lower half of the tank with 3/4 ply. I will turn off the protein skimmer to avoid getting fumes in the water. Additionally, I will drop a large drop cloth over the top to keep dust out and protect the tank.

Any other suggestions?

Dom

 

[Dburr1014]

@Dburr1014
@vetteguy53081
@redfishbluefish
@Dbichler
@exnisstech
@phillyb614
@BeanAnimal



So everything has worked out well with the floor support project. But now, another question...

Initially, this room was carpeted. And during my early years of reef keeping, there were many mistakes leading to the carpet getting wet many times. So I cut away the carpet where the tanks new position would be. The wood looked fine.

Then I continued to remove the carpet in 12x4 sections and discovered the wood had mold further down the room. The water made a real mess of the wood, but nothing that can't be corrected with a good sanding and finish.

Obviously, the tank will not be moved and the floor people said they can work around the tank, but it will leave an unfinished patch the size of the tank's footprint.

So I'm seeking input on preparing this tank for the floor refinish.

I plan on wrapping the lower half of the tank with 3/4 ply. I will turn off the protein skimmer to avoid getting fumes in the water. Additionally, I will drop a large drop cloth over the top to keep dust out and protect the tank.

Any other suggestions?

Dom

You can pull air from outside the home of you have the capability.

Will this be one day or multiple?

I would assume multiple, I think a drop cloth or plastic sheet should do it. If plastic, I would look hard at getting a line outside to that skimmer.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I'm not sure I'd use an oil based varnish/polyurethane to finish the floor.....unless you can supply a positive air flow on a sealed up tank with outside air. Otherwise, your best bet is a water based varnish (polyurethane)....and I'm just assuming it's getting finished with a polyurethane. With a water based polyurethane I wouldn't be overly concerned about doing anything to prep the tank....maybe have a window or two open.

 

[Dburr1014]

Yes, water based is the way to go. It ends up with a harder floor also.

 

[exnisstech]

I'm no help. I'm paranoid about air born contaminants. I'm probably over doing it but I tell my Gal if I can smell it it's in the air so no aerosol sprays, air fresheners etc are allowed.

 

[Dom]

You can pull air from outside the home of you have the capability.

Will this be one day or multiple?

I would assume multiple, I think a drop cloth or plastic sheet should do it. If plastic, I would look hard at getting a line outside to that skimmer.

An outside air line may be a good idea. I'll try. Better to turn it off if I can't get an outside line.

 

[Dom]

I'm not sure I'd use an oil based varnish/polyurethane to finish the floor.....unless you can supply a positive air flow on a sealed up tank with outside air. Otherwise, your best bet is a water based varnish (polyurethane)....and I'm just assuming it's getting finished with a polyurethane. With a water based polyurethane I wouldn't be overly concerned about doing anything to prep the tank....maybe have a window or two open.

Okay... so I will ask that they use a water based finish.

Positive pressure air flow is a good idea too. I don't know how I would begin to create a sealed structure around the tank to do that.

 

[Dburr1014]

Okay... so I will ask that they use a water based finish.

Positive pressure air flow is a good idea too. I don't know how I would begin to create a sealed structure around the tank to do that.

A side note, water base cures faster, less fumes, harder, easier to work with and cleanup. All upsides.

 

[Dom]

A side note, water base cures faster, less fumes, harder, easier to work with and cleanup. All upsides.

I'm hiring someone, so no work involved.

I did try doing it myself with a belt sander loaded with 36 grit. Brilliant

 

[vetteguy53081]

You can pull air from outside the home of you have the capability.

Will this be one day or multiple?

I would assume multiple, I think a drop cloth or plastic sheet should do it. If plastic, I would look hard at getting a line outside to that skimmer.

I'm hiring someone, so no work involved.

I did try doing it myself with a belt sander loaded with 36 grit. Brilliant

Looks sturdy. Use lacquer in lieu of oil base and should look nice also