Fish tank stand questions

[aquarius]

I want to buy a 3ft x 18' 2 tier stand but want to get one which doesn't rust so easily cos as you all know once you setup the tank, its going to be there permanently. If it rust 2 or 3 yrs later, it's going to be a BIG problem having to clear the tanks and get a new stand. Also if the rust gets to your beautiful tiles at the base of the leg, THAT'S IT cos the stain is going to be there PERMANENTLY! I heard from a friend that wrought iron has 3 types : 1. non galvanise 2. galvanise (only the exterior) 3. galvanise (interior and exterior - hot dip)

For 1. usually below $100 - will start to rust after 2 yrs or so

2. above $100 - won't rust so easily / takes a much longer time to rust.
Even if the outside looks ok, there is a high chance that it'll rust from
the inside.

3. cost near the $200 or maybe more mark depending on the thickness of
the stand. Will last very much longer cos the inside and outside of the
stand is galvanised

I'll be using it for fresh water setup. Hope you guys can share your experiences and views on the wrought iron stand you own cos you can't really trust what some of these LFS pple tell you.

[tawauboy]

true wrought iron don't rust. those 'wrought iron' stands that you see nowadays are most likely steel that is given the wrought iron look.

galvanisation gives the steel a thin layer of tin to prevent rusting. whether the steel still rust or not depends on the quality of the galvanisation process and the thickness of the plating.

hot dipped stands do offer the best protection against rust but you have to maintain it as well. minimise the possibility of wetting the stand, keep it dry and clean/touch up any areas that starts to rust. these precautions will help in keeping the stand rust-free.

using rubber foots can help to prevent rust marks.

[hann]

I paid $55 for an iron wrought stand and used it for 3years and it did not rust. Think is not a matter of price, but the quality.

[aquarius]

Wah i'm surprised your stand did not rust after 3 yrs! Considering the price you paid, i must say it's really worth it. I presume you take very good care of your stand by drying those parts of the stand which touch water during your regular water changes. Frankly for that price there's no way your stand is galvanised. I ever thought of getting a cheap stand and coating it with anti-rust but decided against it due to the hassle. By the way where did you buy the stand from cos it's very cheap?

[hann]

I bought it at TPY69. That time LH craze when u can see everyday got people buying tanks and stands. Bought it when my mom strike lottery.