600 Gallon Upgrade Build

[dca22anderson]

I put two layers of 3/4" CDX plywood and a layer of 3/4" foam board insulation on top of my steel stand for the 750. I would sleep well at night by installing one layer of 3/4" plywood and 3/4" foam if I was building your sweet display...

 

[danfeig]

I agree with DCA! Plywood & foam!

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

I put two layers of 3/4" CDX plywood and a layer of 3/4" foam board insulation on top of my steel stand for the 750. I would sleep well at night by installing one layer of 3/4" plywood and 3/4" foam if I was building your sweet display...

Thank you for taking the time out and getting that pic of your tank for me. One question, with the plywood should I screw it on top of the tank before placing the Styrofoam?

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

I agree with DCA! Plywood & foam!

Thanks. Both of your acknowledgements had made my decision confirmed.

 

[dave.m]

+1 on adding a sheet of plywood to the top. I don't know that you need that thick a sheet of foam but I don't know that it would hurt, either. I would also add a sheet of plywood to the bottom of the stand so that you can caulk and seal it to contain any future spills or leaks from any equipment in the bottom cabinet.

Dave.M

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

I have the screws placed above the tank for the lighting system. They are around 5" long and screwed in the center of the joists.

I have to move this

before I can move forward.


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[dave.m]

I thought that was going to be your cooling system. :smokin:

Dave.M

 

[dca22anderson]

I would screw it to the top of the stand to provide some shear strength. With my stand being steel I opted not to screw it in to avoid possible rust spots.

 

[nightOwl]

What do you mean by capping? You mean for the top or bottom? My tanks is acrylic so I was just going to use styrofoam to place between the stand and tank.

I'm open for better suggestions.



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Wayne,
I mean on top so there is a level/solid surface to put the styrofoam on then your tank. Just another level of stability to the frame.

Henry

 

[muttley000]

Wayne,
I have been way from RC for a while, and not able to find threads when I was here:headwally: I must say you are making great progress. Stand looks plenty strong, I would however use the on top plywood also. Keep up the good work.

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

I thought that was going to be your cooling system. :smokin:

Dave.M

I didn't think I would need it with LEDs. I can find a fan that is closer to the ceiling. I was thinking about installing one of those fans that they use in bathrooms. Good or bad call?

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

I would screw it to the top of the stand to provide some shear strength. With my stand being steel I opted not to screw it in to avoid possible rust spots.

Thats the plan. Dave.m also made a good point to place one on the bottom of the stand and caulk it.

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Wayne,
I have been way from RC for a while, and not able to find threads when I was here:headwally: I must say you are making great progress. Stand looks plenty strong, I would however use the on top plywood also. Keep up the good work.

Thanks. Glad you made it back. I use to keep up with your thread. I cant remember if I made any comments but would like to know how your tank is doing.

 

[dave.m]

I was thinking about installing one of those fans that they use in bathrooms. Good or bad call?

Wayne, drawing excess moisture out of your cabinet, both upper and lower, is always a good idea, but it has to vented outdoors to be effective.

Dave.M

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Wayne, drawing excess moisture out of your cabinet, both upper and lower, is always a good idea, but it has to vented outdoors to be effective.

Dave.M

It will. I have a solar fan on the roof right about over where the tank will be. There is an additional fan on the roof also.

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

I reinforced the top of the stand some more. i just wanted that safety before I added the plywood.

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Painted the stand today and after 3 coats here's the outcome.

Yea I know what you're thinkin already.


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[Adamc1303]

Hey it looks like I may be too late on this since I see the CDX plywood. If you want to go the extra mile and spring for another sheet I would go with 3/4 oak plywood not CDX. Although CDX is better with water the oak is allot flatter and straighter which is why the plywood and foam is used. Unfortunately I know this because of a cracked tank! The oak is also allot harder so if something is even off by 1/32 or 1/16 the oak will remain flat and not flex at all and let the foam adjust so there is no stress on the tank.

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Hey it looks like I may be too late on this since I see the CDX plywood. If you want to go the extra mile and spring for another sheet I would go with 3/4 oak plywood not CDX. Although CDX is better with water the oak is allot flatter and straighter which is why the plywood and foam is used. Unfortunately I know this because of a cracked tank! The oak is also allot harder so if something is even off by 1/32 or 1/16 the oak will remain flat and not flex at all and let the foam adjust so there is no stress on the tank.

HD sold me this plywood. I didn't know it was CDX. What is CDX? Well the underside is also already painted and I just need to have it screwed down. I think it should be ok. I will place screws in the middle also.

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Idea for Tank Surround

Idea for Tank Surround

I went to a foam design place to talk about doing a design for my build. I will be going with something like this but more modern and sleek.