Staining stand and system start

[Diesel_woody]

New to this, bought a small 30g tank today in a custom stand with a 35g (I think) sump below it. I would like to stain the stand before starting the journey of getting the ecosystem setup. Is there a recommendation on how long I should wait between staining and starting? Am I going to have issues with the fumes from the wood working it's way into the water and affecting the ecosystem?

 

[HankstankXXL750 Verified Sponsor]

New to this, bought a small 30g tank today in a custom stand with a 35g (I think) sump below it. I would like to stain the stand before starting the journey of getting the ecosystem setup. Is there a recommendation on how long I should wait between staining and starting? Am I going to have issues with the fumes from the wood working it's way into the water and affecting the ecosystem?

I would stain and the apply polyurethane two coats at least to seal it from water damage. 24 hours after you polyurethane it should be good.

 

[dennis romano]

Whenever you stain, you must discard the staining rags properly. When finished, put them in a metal can or in a bucket of water outside away from the house. On the stain can, there is a single line that states that the rags may self ignite. I know of two houses in my area that burnt to the ground because the rags were left in the house. One house belonged to a fire captain.

 

[Diesel_woody]

I would stain and the apply polyurethane two coats at least to seal it from water damage. 24 hours after you polyurethane it should be good.

What would be recommended on the inside of the stand to keep that from getting water damaged since the tank and sump have open tops?

 

[HankstankXXL750 Verified Sponsor]

What would be recommended on the inside of the stand to keep that from getting water damaged since the tank and sump have open tops?

You can certainly use polyurethane on the inside as well. I did a cutting board style countertop on a stand that I have 3 tanks on. Saltwater drips on it when I do water changes and feed etc. and have had no problems with it. Not sure what I used, but I got it from Home Depot or Lowe’s and read to determine which was most water proof.