180 Aquarium Stand Build

[Caribbean_Shark]

Hey guys, looking for some input. I had some major issues with a stand builder, long story. A buddy helped redo the frame. Looking for feed back. Not sure if the 2x4 supports in each corner being flat against the width of the stand instead of the length is an issue..

 

[mcgyvr]

Its more than strong enough...you can park a tank on it..
Stop worrying.

 

[Caribbean_Shark]

Thanks again for your input mcgyvr

 

[bill120reef]

personally I would run a 2x4 behind the middle 4 vertical 2x4 supports in order to do so you would have t relocate the 2 lower stringers. those pocket screws will not stop a lot of front to back motion on their own

 

[tufkab]

personally I would run a 2x4 behind the middle 4 vertical 2x4 supports in order to do so you would have t relocate the 2 lower stringers. those pocket screws will not stop a lot of front to back motion on their own

The sides of the stand are skinned with plywood. Those pocket screws are taking zero front to back racking load. That stand is beyond solid.

View attachment 398476

Hey guys, looking for some input. I had some major issues with a stand builder, long story. A buddy helped redo the frame. Looking for feed back. Not sure if the 2x4 supports in each corner being flat against the width of the stand instead of the length is an issue..

Even if the full load is only being carried by the four front and four rear vertical 2x4s, quick napkin math tells me that you could load 25,000 lbs on that thing; minimum.

If you're worried about the strength of your stand, go to your LFS and look at the stands that Marineland sells for their tanks - keeping in mind that the tank warranty is void if you DON'T put it on one of their stands. If Marineland can guarantee you that their stand can hold up a 180 gallon tank, I can guarantee you that yours can hold one up.

 

[bill120reef]

The sides of the stand are skinned with plywood.


Your right, I missed the plywood when I looked at it.

 

[Caribbean_Shark]

Thanks guys for the input. Sounds like I'm good to go to put in a piece of plywood for the bottom inside and water proof it.

 

[Caribbean_Shark]

Hey guys currently I only have screws going into the top plywood into the frame. Should I put some on the sides as well?

 

[Meg rebreather]

why not no harm done.

 

[Turtlesteve]

Just opinion:

- Overkill for vertical load (as long as the top is suitably flat)
- Looks good for front to back shear/racking due to thick plywood on ends
- End to end shear is not a normal loading condition, but if present it would rely on the pocket screws. If it were mine I'd put tie plates on the inside top corners as a backup, to better connect the horizontal spans to the vertical posts.

Steve

 

[Caribbean_Shark]

Thanks Steve. So are suggestion all the way from the top of the horizontal 2x6 have a tie plate long enough to connect to the 2.4 vertical supports?

 

[Turtlesteve]

Yep, but it doesn't need to go to the top of the 2x6 - just 2-3" over the joint on both sides with some horizontal screws into the 2x6 and 2x4's. Just a suggestion.
Steve

 

[Caribbean_Shark]

Cool, thanks