How thick for the top layer to be on a DIY stand?

[RedfishReefer]

I am making a DIY stand and am wondering how thick I need the plywood on the top to be. Will 1/2 inch work if its supported on all four sides and is for a 10g tank? I also have a MDF board that I would use if you think it will wont break, its a half inch thick.

 

[Vested]

For only 10 gallons you can basically use anything you want, just make sure its generally stable.

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

Half inch would be fine for that size.

 

[AlexG]

1/2" plywood will work. I would not recommend using MDF because it cannot take any water exposure.

 

[minorhero]

If this is a rimmed aquarium then you do not need a top, the bottom piece of glass is floating anyway (it doesn't touch anything, only the black rim touches the stand). If this is a rimless tank then you need more then a 1/2" plywood if there are no middle braces. The glass bottom needs to be supported all the around and there should be a pad or Styrofoam a well.

 

[workhz]

Only benefit on a rimmed aquarium would be to make sure the perimeter is in contact, and definitely not mdf. When I did my stand for my 90, I didn't use a top but went around and sanded the corners to make sure there were no high spots. Having a piece of plywood also make it easier to level and shim before putting the tank on.

On a 10g, none of it matters.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

For that small of an Aquarium, I wouldn't put a top on it, just another place to trap moisture. Also it nice to be able to inspect your gravel from underneath. Just do a perimeter. Possibly a Band Board, and Cable it to the wall, if you have small children.