Building a stand - material?

[Quatro]

Hey,

I've been working on making a new stand and want to know what material to use for the shelves.  Its 2 levels so the moisture will be fairly high between shelves.  I picked up a sheet of MDF, it works and looks good (painted) but may not be the best once the water is added.  What material (wood or other) would you use and where to get it?  Thanks

[pcarriere]

What not just use a nice piece of hardwood like maple? it can then be stained and look pretty nice... You can get this at Rona or Home depot

[Quatro]

Since this is for the shelf part that is covered by the tank I don't want to spend extra for something I won't see.   

[pcarriere]

Since this is for the shelf part that is covered by the tank I don't want to spend extra for something I won't see.   

Then just go with a 3/4 or 5/8 plywood. it can handle some spills. Pick up at same spot

[Quatro]

Thanks.  I was thinking plywood.  Searching online I find "moisture resistant" plywood and wasn't sure if that would be necessary.  Thinking about it this afternoon I realized that the store bought stands and canopies are made of melamine covered particle board so I'm probably concerned for no reason.  Should I get the plywood or would the painted MDF be fine?

[Consigliere]

MDF swell could be a problem if there are direct water spills on it or consistent condensation.  If this is the case plywood would be better if you will only be painting it.  I would recommend using a marine epoxy to seal the MDF or plywood rather than just paint though.  This will ensure water proof wood and you will never had to worry about any swell and structural damage.

[pcarriere]

Thanks.  I was thinking plywood.  Searching online I find "moisture resistant" plywood and wasn't sure if that would be necessary.  Thinking about it this afternoon I realized that the store bought stands and canopies are made of melamine covered particle board so I'm probably concerned for no reason.  Should I get the plywood or would the painted MDF be fine?

I ould go plywood... better than MDF for that...

[Vincenzo.]

mdf will bubble with paint.  the water resistant ply is expensive. you will be fine even with 1/2'' ply. give it a rough sanding with a 80grit (so paint will soak in nicely), then you can paint, stain, do w/e. and if you think the finish is not smooth enough, rub a emery cloth on it.

what will be on these shelves would determine how i would build them.

[Iceman]

GOS plywood would be my choice.

[Quatro]

GOS plywood would be my choice.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.  I will pickup some plywood tonight and look at marine paint

Iceman, what does GOS stand for?

[Iceman]

GOS=good one side. Saves you time should you decide to finish it. 

[Vincenzo.]

o snap, what size are you shelves?
I have 10 shelves measuring...12'' X 24 1/4''

[Quatro]

Sorry, already purchased some plywood.  The shelves are 44"x19",44"x25",56"x19",56"x25" anyways so your pieces wouldn't have worked.  The final stand will hold 2x75gal and 7x20gal.  

[Dave and Diane]

If you find marine paint to be a tad expensive,go with kitchen and bathroom paint, resist mold and less water stains.

as for plywood for shelving 1/2 ply is find as long as a cross bracing is used, or a frame of 2 x 4 SPF #2 or better then skinned in ply and painted as mentioned.

Cheers