DIY Stand

[falesdk]

Ok so I just got the money together to build a tank stand .

Its for a 70 Gal (48x18) and I plan on making it about 30" tall (I know it seems a bit short but it puts it about eye level with my furniture).

I worked out the cost of the stand plans that garf.com has and its going to cost me about $45...which is really awesome...(before making it pretty of course)

But first, whats the benefit of using wood screws over nails? I don't know much about building things and if its not a big deal I already have the nails. (I'm going to have my father help me put it together so I don't mess it up so no worries about not knowing much about building things)

And the other thing is I know some people use cinder blocks and a couple of 2x4's for a cheap stand... I have never seen a picture of it soo how are those set up?

I ask about the second one because I've also been saving up for a new fish and if the cinder block deal is inexpensive enough I can afford my new fish..and I'd like to know how to set that up if it turns out that cinder blocks will be excessivly cheaper and easier.

 

[jcraft]

$45 bucks? Good Luck!

I just finished my stand for a 120 and, when all was said and done, it would have been cheaper to buy an Oceanic stand for $500!

I can see that cost going to the 2x4's and a couple other things you may need . . . then you have the skin (most use a hardwood plywood, others use solid hardwood which is $$$)
then comes the trim, stain, poly, sandpaper, clamps, etc.

dude, it took me 3 weeks and about 4 thousand trips to Lowe's to build my stand- ended up costing more than I ever thought it would, but I do have to take into account that I bought a new jigsaw and router . . .

but to answer your question: Wood screws have more "hold" than nails and they only cost a couple bucks . . . Nails could be used with terrific results, but most use screws . . .

here's some pics:

 

[serpentman]

I agree with jcraft. Although you can potentially save money, the saving aren't what they used to be. I just built a DIY stand and canopy for about $275 which is close to the cost of a AGA stand.

I would highly recommend screws for the structural portion of the stand.

BTW nice stand!

 

[mr pink floyd]

no no no no no

no screws to support weight

they have no shear strength, use nails at least, bolts will be better

think abotu it, the screw is very thin, its the twisted metal aroudn it, then a tiny piece of screw

 

[falesdk]

Thanks for the responses, that is a very nice stand! But I don't plan on making mine look that nice for a couple of years I think thats where a lot of my savings are coming from is the lack of nicities.

Well I guess I'll just use both screws and nails just in case

Does anyone have pictures of a cinder block stand??

 

[bad coffee]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7582281#post7582281 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mr pink floyd
no no no no no

no screws to support weight

Yes yes yes. use screws.

If you look at the frame for the tank above, NOWHERE on that stand is a screw 'taking weight'

If the stand it built correctly, the lumber takes the weight. The screws (and later the skin of the frame) prevent the wood from shifting.

If you use the correct guage of screws you won't have a problem.

And half the point of DIY is getting exactly what you want out of a stand. Have you seen a 36" tall stand for a 58? Me either. that's why I'm building it.

The other half is you get to use power tools (argh argh argh)

B

 

[falesdk]

lol thats a good way to look at it. It'll be fun to tell people "Yeah I totally built this myself" (I like to make myself sound like a valley girl once in a while, it scares people).

I think I'll put the frame together with screws, throw a couple of nails in there, get a couple of heavy people to stand on it and try to make it wobble. The perfect test! I should be able to match the weight of the tank between a couple of friends, and if the screws don't hold I'll just give in and go buy that ugly one from petco for $150.

 

[AnnArborBuck]

If you are really worried about certain joints you can use lag bolts. With a good design you shouldn't have any weight being carried by the fasteners.

 

[rsxs1212]

yeah make sure the top frame rests on the actual vertical posts. as the others have said the screws should NOT support the tank just keep everything in place...even if you were to use lag bolts you still want all the weight on the lumber

 

[mlukason]

Neither screws nor nails should support weight. Make sure that the weight is supported by vertical pieces. The screws and nails are to keep the lumber together only. You may consider using plywood...it is relatively inexpensive very strong and (in my opinion) is better looking than 2x4's. I have a few images posted in my gallery that my give you an idea with plywood.

Sorry, I haven't seen the cinder block design.

Good Luck!

 

[falesdk]

Wow, I'm surprised that such thin looking wood is strong enough to hold that much weight! I may have to look into that What did you make the frame out of? What dimension and type of wood I mean.

 

[scumonkey]

I've used cinder blocks to hold up a 55 gal.
I stacked up 4 blocks on either end- long side down- holes facing up.
two blocks on the ground- two more on top of them.
I used 2- 2 x 6's not 2 x 4's and just layed them flat across the blocks.
Put the tank on top- not pretty but works fine -my cost -a trip to the scrap pile! ;^)

 

[TheVillageIdiot]

use the screw 'n glue joints and you'll be fine w/ 2x4s

screws, in this case, do one thing: hold the wood together while the glue sets, once the glue is dry, you can pull the screws back out and it'll be just as strong (IF you glued it right).

 

[Guelphie]

Not really related to your questions, but please take extra care to make sure it's level...for you own sake.

A "friend of mine" built a stand and it wasn't quite level, and while sitting watching TV he heard a funny crack then the sound of rushing water. Before he had time to realize the tank had cracked from top to bottom water gushed all over the floor and ruined the carpet.

 

[TheVillageIdiot]

GP has a good point, but even if the stand isn't perfectly level when you build it (really helps if it is), make sure you level it at its final destination.

 

[falesdk]

Ooo that sucks for your friend! Yeah I have a level and I will make darn sure I use it...of course my floor is on a slight slant...but I'll make sure thats accounted for

 

[Saldarya]

I would agree with the other comments that you want to use a screw appropriate to the size of lumber you are using for the framing of the stand. Again as mentioned, make sure the weight of the tank is resting on the vertical pieces of wood, the strongest part of it in a stand design. You can of course use finish nails for the 'skin' or pretty stuff. Here are some pics of a stand I built recently, let me know if I can answer any questions.

Robert

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[Saldarya]

TO add to your comments about cost, I would again agree with teh other posters. The frame built out of 2x4' could be done for your $45 or less, as you begin the finish work however, it gets expensive. For example, the stand above, the finish is all solid hardwood (red oak) and cost more than a name brand stand at the LFS. But then again, I dont see them looking liek that at the LFS either. :0

Robert

 

[TheVillageIdiot]

don't buy your lumber at HD unless you have no confidence in getting your stock square.

buy your hardwoods at a lumber yard, it should be "finished" on three sides and a good table saw will get you plenty square. Plus, buying from the lumber yard will save you a lot of money over buying from HD or Lowes.

 

[greenstarman]

Why use solid hard wood, cut your costs and use laminate plywood. The outside is for looks and who will know the difference. Not only will it be cheaper, but yet lighter than straight up hardwood. Certain woods are denser than others, besides if the frame is built from 2/4's and screws were used shifting of the frame shouldn't even matter.