hobcas Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 Hi All, I was just wondering if anybody uses pallet racking without the MDF board, by that I mean sit the tanks on the beam with just 20mm of dense foam or similar? If so, or if not, could you please elaborate as to why or why not. Much appreciated. Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genetik_defekt Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 i would not go without board underneath the tank. You got a high chance of "bust through" due to having no support the entir length of tank. although it will probably hold its own weight well, having a rock fall or having weight concentrated at any time could cause disaster. even small tank stands have cross beams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazza Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 All my tanks are on 1 inch beams with foam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parkesg Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 Hi, I use 18mm MDF with all the racking, if it gets wet it does expand a bit, so if you can afford I think marine ply would be better, but I think it is 3x the price. Or you can silicon over the edges of the MDF.. cheers Grant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genetik_defekt Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 i used mdf under my big tank, i just sealed it with a varnish style sealant. It was $19 for about a litre from bunnings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazza Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 If you use timber, give it 2 coats of ester-pol as varnish tends to stay tacky. So if you move your tank later you can still use the foam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hobcas Posted May 31, 2009 Author Share Posted May 31, 2009 Thanks guys for the reply, I was really hopping there would be an overwhelming response saying I don't need to use the MDF just foam, it's not really a big issue it was just that I was hoping to claim back the 32 mm for extra clearance under each shelf. I wouldn't think that the pallet racking would bust out as it is rated at something like 4 tonne a shelf, but to err on the side of caution I suppose. Cheers Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ant265 Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Thanks guys for the reply, I was really hopping there would be an overwhelming response saying I don't need to use the MDF just foam, it's not really a big issue it was just that I was hoping to claim back the 32 mm for extra clearance under each shelf. I wouldn't think that the pallet racking would bust out as it is rated at something like 4 tonne a shelf, but to err on the side of caution I suppose. Cheers Ross Its not the racking to worry about its the tanks base you want even support under it, the more weight distribution the better Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akroyd Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Definitely no need for any support. The bases of my un-supported tanks are 1000 x 840mm. I think MDF board is worse than nothing. It'll fall apart when wet, contains toxic chemicals, will grow bacteria and fungus, and will give you a false sense of security. It's useful to see fry through the tank bottoms, too. http://www.wilsonglass.com/Strength.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m0oks Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 Anyone else using mdf boards? Ive got pallet rackings already but still no sure on what to place on the rackings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debgrafish Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 My husband is a cabinet maker/shopfitter, we have used HMR Melamine for the racks in our fish room and edged the sides of the boards with 2mm edge strip. This is the same material used in most kitchens and bathrooms. The HMR stands for High Moisture Resistant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noddy65 Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 I use MDF...moslty because its pretty cheap...its not too bad expansion wise as long as you dont throw water all around the fish room...Ive been using the 25 mm (I think its 25 mm) but moslty because it was cheaper than the 19 mm at Bunnings (weird huh?) I know Grant has been using it for years on his tanks Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CThompson Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 Provided the tank is supported with the pallet racking, MDF should not be needed. I think it is false economy to use a material that is not water-proof around fish tanks anyway (no matter how careful one is). Though not mentioned, the reason I think most people will put some sort of board underneath is because the tanks width does NOT match the width between the pallet racking beams. That is, no board means there is nothing to support the tank. I don't know if cross pieces of pallet racking can be purchased/installed, but if so, provided the tank's front and back are on the pallet racking, with a few cross beams then polystyrene is all that is needed, which is the answer to your question. This will hinge on whether or not cross pieces can be used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parkesg Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 cross beams can be purchased, about $7 each second hand. They are about 2 inches wide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aquaholic Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 mdf is fine if you seal it properly. I use plywood on mine (sealed) and I also have cross braces Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m0oks Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 My racks are 18 inches wide so is it necessary if i get supposrt bracing? Ply wood would be a better choice. How do you seal it? Cheers, jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michiel Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 I have been using the yellow flooring board. Is a bit dearer but does not expand when wet. Michiel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m0oks Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Isn't melamine just like chip board? Well i went to bunnings this arvo and found a plywood called foreply. Its water resistance similar to Marine but cheaper. 1200mm by 1800mm by 17mm for $70. I might just used this instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debgrafish Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Isn't melamine just like chip board? Well i went to bunnings this arvo and found a plywood called foreply. Its water resistance similar to Marine but cheaper. 1200mm by 1800mm by 17mm for $70. I might just used this instead. There are varying grades of melamine, thats why I stated HMR, some are particle board based and some are craftwood based, probable cheaper to go to a cabinet maker and see if you can buy some offcuts. People used to occasionly come into our factory and ask for offcuts and we would sell them cheap, so maybe some one in your area will aswell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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