I'm about to purchase a used 125G stand. I have seen pictures of it with a tank full of water so I'm assuming that it is still sturdy (I will also make that assessment when I see it first hand). The only problem with it as far as I can see is it was used for a salt water tank and there are bad salt stains on one side, that unfortunately would be showing where I plan to set it up.

My question is besides sanding and re-staining is there something else I could use?

I have heard somewhere that cleaning with witch hazel alcohol followed by rubbing with mineral oil may do it but I'm not sure.
I'm planning to apply polyurethane to it anyway but if I could avoid the whole sanding and staining process I will.

Has anyone done this and is there an easier way?

Thanks.

I myself have absolutely no idea. if you haven't already, check this website out, it might help

ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?ID=1018

Thanks for the effort OFL. Nothing in there really.
I think I'll ask at my LFS. They're a majority reef place and maybe they'll have an answer.
If not, maybe I'll try the witch hazel and mineral oil, maybe some pledge first with allot of elbow grease.

What's the worse that can happen ... I have to sand and stain, something I didn't want to do but because I'm paying $75 (US) for it, I guess I can't complain if I need to go the extra mile.

I'll keep this post posted on my progress.

Well went there got it and got it home.
The stain wasn't as bad as the picture suggested.

But even before that I did contact my LFS and asked what could be done ... They said that if the salt did infact seep into the wood fibers that the only thing that could be done is a complete sanding and stain.

As I said the spot wasn't too bad, and not nearly bad enough to sand the whole thing, and I was able to brush off the effected part with a scotch-brite scrubbie. Went over the entire stand with a vinegar and water solution. After it dried I did go over the whole stand with Mineral Oil. This stand almost looks new.

Sorry that I couldn't contribute to some secret solution to this.