Stain/Polyurethane Fumes Harmful?

So we just moved to a new apartment, and are transferring our 37g reef, which is still in old apartment, to a 90g. The issue is that the stand that we are building for the 90g isn't ready. The stand is built, for the most part, and is currently able to support the tank. We just have to add the doors, some decorative molding, etc. (all of these things can be added later).

The problem is that we still have to stain the wood and add a few coats of polyurethane. The tank must be up and running by tomorrow because I have to be totally out of my old apartment by noon on Sunday, meaning the tank must be up and running by the end of the day on Saturday. If I were to stain and seal the stand while the tank is up and running, would the fumes be harmful to the tank?

 

Absolutely!! I would try to use a water based product instead. While these may not be as durable it will be much better for the tank. Either way I would be sure to have fresh carbon on the tank. Open doors and windows to allow fumes to escape and the addition of a poly filter would also be a good idea.

Aquarium Water Quality: Poly Filters Filter Media

 

The only solution would be to make the tanks lid airtight but that would in itself be harmful. Is there a way you can transfer everything to buckets and move the 37gal reef tank to re setup for the time being until the 90 is complete?

 

Come on. Just tell me what I want to hear!

We have an SPS dominant tank. The corals have grown to be worth a lot of money... If it were your tank, would you do it this way? Or would you find an alternative?

I suppose I could find something else to rest the 90g on. Then when the stand is ready, I would remove most of the water and transfer the 90g to its new stand (this should take around 5 minutes if well planned).

Alternatively, I could find a smaller tank (i.e. the new sump, the old 37g, etc.) and use that for a few days (without sand or anything). The advantage there is that it would be lighter, so I could rest it on a table or counter (items that I already have). What would you do (don't hesitate to include details!! ;D)?

 

Buckets may be difficult because they would each require a heater, powerhead, etc. Maybe I could get a big tub, trashcan, etc.

 

i meant buckets to transfer everythign in and leave in while u transfer and set up the old 37gallon but a t rashcan would work!

 

LOL Since I have been a painter for 27 years I would say find an alternative to staining and sealing with the tank in the room. I personally would rather use a Polyurethane as opposed to a water based alternative. It will look better, last longer, and give you alot of protection for the stand. Since your existing tank is not very large I would set it up in the new place as far away from the new tank area as possible to protect it from fumes.(if you have someplace else were you can stain/seal the tank that is even better) Using a rubbermaid container is also a viable option as these come in a variety of shapes and sizes and you can always use it as a WC container in the future. I would set it up in another room and seal that room off with Painters plastic or even just some towels under the door. Be sure if you have central A.C. to turn it off as this will spread fumes.(you may want to stain this closer to the evening when it is not as hot outside).Different products have different cure times and be aware curing time is longer then drying time. Until the stain/sealer is cured it will still give off fumes.Check the label for the product you are using as for drying and curing times. It will still be a good idea to run carbon and or a Polyfilter while staining/sealing the stand. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

My poor tanks have been exposed to everything this weekend. We had a sink glazed (oh wow, that was a STRONG smell) and we just finished staining all the doors to the stand..... In the presence of 10 tanks.

 

Airborne contaminants are the most overlooked and underestimated toxin source for an aquarium. They include a wide range of sources from common household cleaners, to remodeling activities, to invasive pest control.

If these products are used in close proximity to the aquarium, they enter the water and quickly turn into ammonia. This will cause a drop in the water's pH as well as stress on the aquarium's inhabitants. Even in small amounts, this ammonia over time can lead to problems. Remodeling activities including painting, staining, the production of airborne dust, and any chemical that causes a strong odor, will have the same results as the cleaners and aerosols mentioned above.
While staining your tank may or may not cause an issue I have always found it best to use caution around my animals. While we sometimes have no choice if you do I would choose caution.

 

I wasn't refuting your info, as I come from the days of taping tanks for regular paint, turning tanks off and running pumps outside. But for the last week+, we've been staining every day. Just saying my tanks handled it without a hitch. The doors are laid against a couple of tanks, so I don't think I can get much closer than that. None of the tanks will be set up permanently.