adding support for sump

[rBlair]

so I bought a second hand 180 with stand. The problem is I didn't inspect the stand close enough and when I put my 40 breeder sump in the stand, I noticed the floor has bowed down from previous weight (and moisture?)

so the question is should I just place a new piece of 1/2 or 3/4 plywood over that where my sump will go or do i need to move the tank and reinforce the floor of the stand? The stand is 72 long x 24 wide and this sunken area is right in the middle.

thanks

 

[thegrun]

I would reinforce the stand or you will eventually have the same problem even with an overlay.

 

[kmbyrnes]

^^ This. Better safe than sorry.

 

[toothybugs]

Third.

 

[rBlair]

thanks, after I thought more about it I figured it should be reinforced. Using a small drill bit, I drilled a hole and it is only 1/4 ply, no wonder its bowed. I'll be moving the tank off the stand so I can do it right.

 

[toothybugs]

I replaced the floor in my stand lately as part of the Great Rebuild of 2016 - if you aren't protecting against moisture and humidity somehow you may want to consider sealing it with something so it resists warping a little more, despite the floor support. I have an acrylic pesudo-sump around my sump and a polyethylene liner to limit the humidity that the stand gets. Maybe something to think about.

 

[thegrun]

I replaced the floor in my stand lately as part of the Great Rebuild of 2016 - if you aren't protecting against moisture and humidity somehow you may want to consider sealing it with something so it resists warping a little more, despite the floor support. I have an acrylic pesudo-sump around my sump and a polyethylene liner to limit the humidity that the stand gets. Maybe something to think about.

That's a very good idea. At a minimum I would give it a coat of polyurethane.

 

[rBlair]

good point, since I'm working in it I might as well seal it too. I was thinking of maybe modifying the end, adding bracing so that I can slide the sump in the end.

toothybugs - where did you get the acrylic sump/pan or did you make it