DIY Stands Template and Calculator
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wardworld
Gonna Need A Bigger Tank
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13191174#post13191174 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by miwoodar
The bottom frame was built out of 2x4's laid flat again using pocket screws and glue. The vertical members were assembled with direct screws and glue. The sump is going to go in before the front-to-back top rails (six in all) and plywood cap are installed. This thing is clearly more solid than any stand I've ever built out of wood.
miwoodar, you don't happen to have any photos of how you assembled the bottom do you?
I'm curious as to how you created the bottom section from 2x4s
In order to make more access room under the tank, I was thinking about using 2X4's as the upper rails for a 180 gallon tank, and supporting it with additional 2X4's along the length of the tank. So, instead of just having the 2by's at the corners, I'd add 2 or 3 more along the width of the tank with extra screw strips.
I've seen some others use 2X4's on bigger tanks, but the stands are also enclosed with plywood. I don't know if the plywood supports the weight in their design. Here's the one I saw earlier in this post: http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/163725IMG_8216.jpg
I've seen some others use 2X4's on bigger tanks, but the stands are also enclosed with plywood. I don't know if the plywood supports the weight in their design. Here's the one I saw earlier in this post: http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/163725IMG_8216.jpg
2thdeekay
New member
Akronviper, I like what you've done. Looks just great! I'd like to see how your canopy opens.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13202440#post13202440 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Akronviper
Here my stand for my new AGA 75 gal using Rockets design
Used Oak 3/4 ply and solid oak trim for the skin. Just some finishing touches and some water and its ready.
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mikeandjenn99
New member
^^
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1269026&perpage=25&pagenumber=4
Here's a link to my build using this design. 90G RR with no center brace front or back. Large doors for easy access to equipment..
Here's a link to my build using this design. 90G RR with no center brace front or back. Large doors for easy access to equipment..
Great pictures everyone. How much are you spending on materials? I plan on building a stand for my 55G. I'm sure it's cheaper than buying new, plus it's much more fun. But, you know how there are hidden costs that you don't think about in preplanning. I'm just looking for a ball park number so I can plan ahead.
Great work everyone!!!
Great work everyone!!!
speedo2wet
Sharks!!!!
i'll tell you I think I spend a total so far of $40 on my stand. I do have a question though. Once finished I placed the tank on the stand and noticed that it can rock a little with force. I'd say the gap would be one-eigth to one-quarter of an inch. can I just shimmy it up? Any effect on the tank? I just don't want andy stress on the tank... suggestions
speedo2wet
Sharks!!!!
Stevedola, The floor is not a problem but has to be shimmed cause the floor is not flat but I was concerened with the tank meeting the stand. Thants where the 1/4 inch is off.
Chihuahua6
Premium Member
How does this stand work for an inwall application? The tank measures 75x30x29h and will rest on the wall which is 6" thick (made from 2x6s 16" on center apart.)
I was thinking I would just make the stand as shown in the diagram. This would make the stand 75x24" plus the front of the tank will overhang the stand and have the 6" wall to rest on.
Would this work?
I was thinking I would just make the stand as shown in the diagram. This would make the stand 75x24" plus the front of the tank will overhang the stand and have the 6" wall to rest on.
Would this work?
RocketEngineer
Space is big.
Chihuahua6,
Depending on how much of an in-wall you want, this stand can be incorporated directly into the wall studs or placed behind it. Just use the studs to support one side and attach the top and bottom frames to the wall with the other side supported by legs.
Alfalfameister,
It depends on the tank itself. If the tank has a plastic rim all the way around it, the plastic frame takes the entire weight of the tank by design. You actually risk damaging the tank if you try to support the glass inside of the plastic frame. If the tank does not have a plastic frame, the you need to support the entire bottom of the tank. This can be accomplished using several of the stiffener ribs and a plywood top. These will help transfer the load into the top frame and from there into the legs.
Depending on how much of an in-wall you want, this stand can be incorporated directly into the wall studs or placed behind it. Just use the studs to support one side and attach the top and bottom frames to the wall with the other side supported by legs.
Alfalfameister,
It depends on the tank itself. If the tank has a plastic rim all the way around it, the plastic frame takes the entire weight of the tank by design. You actually risk damaging the tank if you try to support the glass inside of the plastic frame. If the tank does not have a plastic frame, the you need to support the entire bottom of the tank. This can be accomplished using several of the stiffener ribs and a plywood top. These will help transfer the load into the top frame and from there into the legs.
I just recently built a stand for a 60*36*22 tank. I used 2x6 for the upper frame and 2x4 for everything else. The tank will be an inwall with both 60" sides being displayed. drywall will take place of plywood on one side and the other side will have cabinets. I placed 3 center cross peices and a extra leg in the middle. Does anyone see a problem with this design?
Also The top of my 2x4 legs weren't exactly the same height and I had to use wide wood shims to get them to contact the upper frame, will this be an issue?
RE, thanks so much for helping all of us out
Also The top of my 2x4 legs weren't exactly the same height and I had to use wide wood shims to get them to contact the upper frame, will this be an issue?
RE, thanks so much for helping all of us out
speedo2wet
Sharks!!!!
Hey i'm in the same boat 2004jetta and I was wondering if I were to use styrofoam under the tank if the weight once the water, sand and rock were inside, the tank would have all compress points on the frame.
Akronviper
New member
Once I put the canopy back on I can get a better pic if you like.
It has a piano hinge on top and I'm looking to put on some locking hinges on the inside to keep the hood in place during maintance
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quick question and sorry if its an easy answer, i'm not a carpenter, but as long as i have instruction i'm fairly okay.
My question is what would be the best was to secure the purple legs. I know going from the bottom straight through the orange 2x4 would weaken the board if i had to take in account of the screw head and have to drill a hole to accomidate that, but is that the proper way to connect the purple legs?
Also going down on the lower half of the legs i could go at an angle but i would have to counter sink the hole for the head, just want to make sure this is what i'm suppose to do.
Other than that its a pretty easy design, wish i had the skills to finish it off like some people are posting their pics, they look mighty pretty.
My question is what would be the best was to secure the purple legs. I know going from the bottom straight through the orange 2x4 would weaken the board if i had to take in account of the screw head and have to drill a hole to accomidate that, but is that the proper way to connect the purple legs?
Also going down on the lower half of the legs i could go at an angle but i would have to counter sink the hole for the head, just want to make sure this is what i'm suppose to do.
Other than that its a pretty easy design, wish i had the skills to finish it off like some people are posting their pics, they look mighty pretty.
randomworker
New member
You can just screw everything in from the outside...
Not sure how best to explain the connections, but I think a list might do...
Purple upright screws into purple upright
Purple upright screws into green screw strip
Green screw strip screws into red upper piece
Green screw strip screws into yellow end piece
Green screw strip screws into orange upper piece
Green screw strip screws into blue end piece
speedo2wet
Sharks!!!!
well I had my first experience with stand building. Thought everything was good but once filled the tank up with water, it apparently was not sittingon the stand correctly and tore one of the silicone seals. Yeah it began to leak. So off to do two new projects.
1.Throwing the stand out and rebuilding it, more thought on the stand than before.
2.Tank has to be resealed on the bottom and the the frame has to be resealed.
I messed up big but guess it's all part of the learning curve and It's a Hobbbie (or just my luck) Better to have it happen now than later.
1.Throwing the stand out and rebuilding it, more thought on the stand than before.
2.Tank has to be resealed on the bottom and the the frame has to be resealed.
I messed up big but guess it's all part of the learning curve and It's a Hobbbie (or just my luck) Better to have it happen now than later.
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