New and need advice..

[jennsimm]

I have been reading this board for a few weeks now. I am ready to start my tank in the next week or so. My question is this...I already have an 80 gal. aquarium with stand and hood. It has never been used. I bought it 7 yrs ago, and it is just sitting in the garage. Would the sitting for so long be bad for the tank? Also, the base and hood are oak. Not to offend, but I hate oak! Everything in my house is black and white and stainless steel. So..do I try to paint the stand black?? What would that look like?? Do I try to find a black base and hood to fit the tank? do I just start all over and go with all new? This will be a piece of furniture in my house so I want it to look nice. Any and all advice would be appreciated!!
Thanks...
Jenn:notsure:

 

[sammiefish]

Well, you could sand it all lightly and paint or black laquer it... but that seems like a lot of work, and depending on the quality...? (remember, you cant polish a terd)...
It might be better to sell your stand... (post it here in the classified section) and buy a nicely built furniture quality stand and hood. There are sources out there... or you could look local for a furniture builder and have one custom made...
Of course this all depends on the quality you want vs. what you have and your budget...
good luck and keep us posted.

 

[alohami]

Totally understand what you are saying, while I like the looks of black it would look totally out of place in my house. Just as much as the oak would look out of place in yours. I agree, it definately does have to look nice, so like Sammie said you just need to figure out which way you want to go.
I wouldn't think that it just sitting around would hurt it, but the only thing that concerns me is the cold Michigan winters. I don't know if the cold could weaken the glass? Maybe someone else can answer that?
I am casually looking for a larger tank, so if you decide to sell and start over, I may be interested. Where in Michigan are you Jenn?

 

[jennsimm]

Thanks for the answers so far. I am still wondering what to do!! I may just paint it to see what it looks like to save some money. Then, it it doesnt look like what I want, I could just sell the whole thing or the tank. I live just east of Lansing on 96, but travel to Saginaw 3 Fridays a month to drop my 3 daughters off for visitation. Would you possibly be interested in the tank or all of it? It is going to be warmer today, so I think I am going to fill the tank and make sure there are no leaks. I guess thats where I should start first, hugh??!!:thinking: I have been looking on the internet, and there are some nice places to just get stands and hoods. Also, my LFS said if I get everything from him, he will give me a good deal. Not sure about that..have found really good prices online.
Jenn

 

[sammiefish]

If you are thinking you want to sell I highly recommend NOT painting it first... you will lower its value considerably...
as far as the online prices for cabinets etc... make sure you include shipping costs in your considerations... those shipping costs may make a custom built one much more attractive than you think...
another thought is that after you find something.. give your LFS a chance to give you a price on the same thing... the LFS can often provide a better price because they deal with warehouses therefore the shipping costs can be considerably lower.. of course you dont "see" the shipping costs but all you really care about is the cost to get it in your house...

 

[alohami]

Jenn,
I would be more interested in the whole package, depending on what you want for it. I've found it to be a challenge to find a good deal on the tank and a stand to fit separately. Seems to be easier just to find a whole setup. I could be interested in just the stand/hood also depending on the dimensions. I would have to see if I could find a good price on a tank to fit. Is the stand real oak? I would not be interested in it if you end up painting it.
Location is good. I have a friend in Lansing and I work 20 minutes from Saginaw, so if you decide to go that route it may work for us.
I don't really NEED a tank, so don't feel bad if you decide to keep it. Just let me know.

 

[jdragunas]

I don't think the cold winters will do anything to the glass, but you have to remember one thing... DO NOT USE ANY KIND OF CLEANERS ON THE INSIDE OF THE TANK. Not even hand soap. Saltwater animals are EXTREMELY sensitive to this kind of stuff, so if you decide to keep the tank, just wipe it down with water before you fill it (to remove dust, dirt, and grime).
As for painting it, I strongly suggest that you don't. You said the furniture in your house is stainless steel. Even if you paint the unit black, it will still have that oak/wood texture. Is that something you would want? You're going to be looking at this tank every day. You definately don't want something that's cheap looking, or something you don't want.
You should sell the stand & canopy, and maybe find a new stand that would match the furniture in your house. Good luck in finding something you would like!