DIY Stands Template and Calculator
- Thread starter JohnL
- Start date
CoRPS
Big Time Reefer
Hi guys, just a quick question for you wood workers.
I'm upgrading to a 90g from my 55g and I'm planning on starting my stand build within the next couple days. I'm going to be using my 55g as a fuge so I need to make sure there is enough room on both sides of the tank. Preferably something like 4" on each side. So, an additional length of 8" on the tank.
If I use (I don't know the word but if I were to guess I'd call them cross braces) cross braces like pictured below, can I get away with the extra 8" and having the 90g tank not exactly sitting on all 4 corners?
Image from josh_tn
I'm upgrading to a 90g from my 55g and I'm planning on starting my stand build within the next couple days. I'm going to be using my 55g as a fuge so I need to make sure there is enough room on both sides of the tank. Preferably something like 4" on each side. So, an additional length of 8" on the tank.
If I use (I don't know the word but if I were to guess I'd call them cross braces) cross braces like pictured below, can I get away with the extra 8" and having the 90g tank not exactly sitting on all 4 corners?
Image from josh_tn
MVlk
New member
I'd recommend building as plan, but put 4 extra legs under each cross brace where the actual tank will sit. The outside corners will then in effect not carry the load and you do not have to worry about transferring the load across to them.
I am sure a picture would better show this, but I am not very good at doing this... I am sure some one can assist if needed.
I am sure a picture would better show this, but I am not very good at doing this... I am sure some one can assist if needed.
RocketEngineer
Space is big.
loveless,
To keep the deflection less then 1/8th of an inch, you would need to go all the way up to a 2X12 for that long an unsupported span. However, if you placed a leg in the center of the 90" span, you could get away with only a 2X6 for a top frame. Depending on the sump you intend to use, it is possible to put supports on either side of a center sump but the spacing between the legs will determine the size of the lumber for the top frame. A few more details will help better define what you will need.
RocketEngineer
To keep the deflection less then 1/8th of an inch, you would need to go all the way up to a 2X12 for that long an unsupported span. However, if you placed a leg in the center of the 90" span, you could get away with only a 2X6 for a top frame. Depending on the sump you intend to use, it is possible to put supports on either side of a center sump but the spacing between the legs will determine the size of the lumber for the top frame. A few more details will help better define what you will need.
RocketEngineer
Perfect, thanks for the reply. I think that im not going to have a sump under the tank just all the plumbing for my closed loop.
One other question regarding the stand. Does the middle of the tank need to be supported at all? I noticed a center brace on the tops does this come into play for supporting the center of the tank?
Loveless
One other question regarding the stand. Does the middle of the tank need to be supported at all? I noticed a center brace on the tops does this come into play for supporting the center of the tank?
Loveless
CoRPS
Big Time Reefer
How long does it take you guys to build up the frame?
I'm thinking about framing the stand and just making it pretty as I get more money/time. I don't mind it being ugly for a couple of weeks but I do mind a 90g tank sitting in my kitchen on the floor! (no garage
)
Also one quick question. I want to build this stand about 4' tall. Do I need to build anymore reinforcements for such a tall stand?
Sorry, I lied. One more question again-- Are there any canopy templates?
I'm thinking about framing the stand and just making it pretty as I get more money/time. I don't mind it being ugly for a couple of weeks but I do mind a 90g tank sitting in my kitchen on the floor! (no garage
)Also one quick question. I want to build this stand about 4' tall. Do I need to build anymore reinforcements for such a tall stand?
Sorry, I lied. One more question again-- Are there any canopy templates?
MVlk
New member
This is an easy weekend project... probably doable even in one day. Depends of course on tools and skill level. ( ... and how many trips to the hardware store to pickup items you forgot to buy 
) Picking out good wood itself took me a couple of hours.
I did mine over the course of a few days working 1-2 as that was what my schedule permitted. If you are not going to skin it at this point and make it look fancy, the most time consuming task will be painting the base frame.
) Picking out good wood itself took me a couple of hours.I did mine over the course of a few days working 1-2 as that was what my schedule permitted. If you are not going to skin it at this point and make it look fancy, the most time consuming task will be painting the base frame.
james3370
Premium Member
i think the middle supports are more like the center supports on a tank....to keep the front & rear from bowing out
i used finishing nails to attach my skin to the frame & in a few pieces in the canopy where it was imposible to hold something in w/out a screw visable on the outside
CoRPS
Big Time Reefer
I'm nervous about making my frame 100% level. Every time I've ever built something (granted they were never to hold weight) they've never been completely level.
Any tips/tricks for me when it comes to leveling something correctly? Is it all just really making sure your cuts are all squared?
Edit: Me and my brother always used wood dust and wood glue to make wood filler. However we've never made anything and finished the wood, it's always been bare. Using the wood dust and glue as filler, will it sand down and create a good surface to stain? or will it look weird?
Any tips/tricks for me when it comes to leveling something correctly? Is it all just really making sure your cuts are all squared?
Edit: Me and my brother always used wood dust and wood glue to make wood filler. However we've never made anything and finished the wood, it's always been bare. Using the wood dust and glue as filler, will it sand down and create a good surface to stain? or will it look weird?
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Making sure each piece is cut exactly to spec, as well as using a framing square for your 90's. Clamps will also help to hold in place while screwing and until the glue dries.
For the holes, I would use stainable wood filler if you plan on staining.
Another important factor is straight lumber.
For the holes, I would use stainable wood filler if you plan on staining.
Another important factor is straight lumber.
CoRPS
Big Time Reefer
I've got clamps (only two though). I don't have a square or a level. I was looking online at lowes, can I get by with the cheap squares and levels? I don't see much of a difference besides the cost!
When you say straight lumber, is it something that even a noob woodworker will notice visually? You're making me nervous! I was so confident until about 5 minutes ago!
This stand will be for a 90g and just for piece of mind, 2x4 will do it no problem right? I was thinking about using 4x4 for the screw strips.
What should I expect to pay for the lumber just for the frame? I'm thinking < $50
Edit: Also looking online, I'm noticing a bunch of different kinds of wood to use. Is there anything in particular I should aim for? For the frame I guess it doesn't really matter what it looks like, I just want to be sure it's decently priced and strong. However, for the plywood I want it to be really smooth and I want it to look great stained. Maybe someone can show me some different examples so I know what to look forward to?
Edit2: I really like the look of bamboo.
When you say straight lumber, is it something that even a noob woodworker will notice visually? You're making me nervous! I was so confident until about 5 minutes ago!
This stand will be for a 90g and just for piece of mind, 2x4 will do it no problem right? I was thinking about using 4x4 for the screw strips.
What should I expect to pay for the lumber just for the frame? I'm thinking < $50
Edit: Also looking online, I'm noticing a bunch of different kinds of wood to use. Is there anything in particular I should aim for? For the frame I guess it doesn't really matter what it looks like, I just want to be sure it's decently priced and strong. However, for the plywood I want it to be really smooth and I want it to look great stained. Maybe someone can show me some different examples so I know what to look forward to?
Edit2: I really like the look of bamboo.
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CoRPS
Big Time Reefer
Actually guys, I need some help.
I'm planning on using my 55g as the fuge, but with standard measurements the stand will not fit under the tank because of the tanks width. However, if I make the stand a couple inches wider the display will not be sitting ontop of the upper rails the way it should and instead would be putting it's weight on the center brace.
If I use a plywood top will it distribute the weight the way it should or will I have problems? Should I ditch the idea of a 55g fuge and just use like a 29G?
I'm planning on using my 55g as the fuge, but with standard measurements the stand will not fit under the tank because of the tanks width. However, if I make the stand a couple inches wider the display will not be sitting ontop of the upper rails the way it should and instead would be putting it's weight on the center brace.
If I use a plywood top will it distribute the weight the way it should or will I have problems? Should I ditch the idea of a 55g fuge and just use like a 29G?
