Sumps, wood stands and condensation?

[dreamcatcherr9]

So I never ran a tank with a sump.

Water evaporates (obviously). So in a open top layout, from the display tank, it would just evaporate into the air.

If the display tank had glass tops, water would condensates on glass.

So what about a sump? In a closed wood stand? Wouldn’t the evaporated water condinsate inside the stand cabinet? And if made of wood, wouldn't it cause series damage / issues??

Thoughts please!

 

[homer1475]

Your absolutely right!

I combated this in my stand by painting the stand with epoxy paint, and installed 2 PC fans that blow hot condensation laden air out of the stand.

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

I planned on lining the inside of the tank with a vinyl. To help keep condensation off the wood. Besides holes / cut outs in stand for plumbing and electrical, I debated on additional openings just for ventilation and circulation.

Thank you. Glad I wasn’t out in left field.

 

[Mike N]

Your absolutely right!

I combated this in my stand by painting the stand with epoxy paint, and installed 2 PC fans that blow hot condensation laden air out of the stand.

PC fans are a great idea... how do you power them?

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

PC fans are a great idea... how do you power them?

AXIAL 1225, 120V AC Muffin Low Speed Cooling Fan, 120mm x 120mm x 25mm

This long-lasting low speed cooling fan can be mounted in any direction and has dual ball bearings rated to 67,000 hours.

www.acinfinity.com

 

[homer1475]

12V power supply brick bought off ebay or amazon(forget now). I also have a second temp probe on my apex. So the fans turn on or off depending on stand temp.

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

12V power supply brick bought off ebay or amazon(forget now). I also have a second temp probe on my apex. So the fans turn on or off depending on stand temp.

Oh . That’s smart. dang Apex.

 

[Mike N]

AXIAL 1225, 120V AC Muffin Low Speed Cooling Fan, 120mm x 120mm x 25mm

This long-lasting low speed cooling fan can be mounted in any direction and has dual ball bearings rated to 67,000 hours.

www.acinfinity.com

Yeah, these ones with standard plugs are pretty convenient.

 

[lpsouth1978]

I don't have any issues with condensation in the stand. I have no fans in it, just painted the stand with white paint and coated with several coats of polyurethane. Of course, I also live in AZ and it is very dry and AC runs almost 365 days a year.

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

You

I don't have any issues with condensation in the stand. I have no fans in it, just painted the stand with white paint and coated with several coats of polyurethane. Of course, I also live in AZ and it is very dry and AC runs almost 365 days a year.

You painted inside of stand too? I considered that. But thought a sheet / layer of vinyl would be more effective (?).

 

[homer1475]

Painting is far more water proof then anything you'll stick on.

Painting seals the wood, where sticking vinyl on wood, the condensate would seep in past the sticky back.

 

[GaryE]

I'm working on a cover for my sump. Just a sheet of acrylic. That should cut down quite a bit on the evaporation. I also plan on installing a fan in my sump area just to keep the air from getting stale as I have the back closed in to keep the light leakage from my refugium light to a minimum.

 

[lpsouth1978]

You

You painted inside of stand too? I considered that. But thought a sheet / layer of vinyl would be more effective (?).

Yup, got an electric sprayer and spent 2 days spraying it inside and out.

20200201_161248 by Lyle Southard, on Flickr

20200202_201149 by Lyle Southard, on Flickr

20200202_200957 by Lyle Southard, on Flickr

 

[K7BMG]

All of my tank stuff is DIY.
Everything that is wood gets two coats of water sealer, Olympic, Thompsons, or other.
Used indoors that stuff will last forever, and all my wood surfaces will never rott or mold.

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

All of my tank stuff is DIY.
Everything that is wood gets two coats of water sealer, Olympic, Thompsons, or other.
Used indoors that stuff will last forever, and all my wood surfaces will never rott or mold.

So if I had a unfinished oak stand. I was planning to stain and use a polyurethane for a top coat.

Could I add a water sealer after?

 

[slojim]

I painted the whole inside, but I painted the bottom up to the door opening with flexseal, after caulking the seams. So now the bottom is capable of holding water for a while - I've probably got 15 gallons or so worth of emergency overflow protection. Really stinks while it is curing - best if you can do it outside. I used the liquid, not the spray, and have a nice thick coating.

 

[AbjectMaelstroM]

Sealed the inside of my DIY stand with 2 coats of appliance (epoxy) paint.

 

[K7BMG]

All of my tank stuff is DIY.
Everything that is wood gets two coats of water sealer, Olympic, Thompsons, or other.
Used indoors that stuff will last forever, and all my wood surfaces will never rott or mold.

 

[K7BMG]

How did that happen? Double post.
Somethin stupid on my part LoL.

 

[K7BMG]

So if I had a unfinished oak stand. I was planning to stain and use a polyurethane for a top coat.

Could I add a water sealer after?

No need for a sealer if your doing a polyurethane finish.

Well that is if your using it on all surfaces inside and out.