DIY Stands Template and Calculator

[Kurt03]

It wouldn't be that easy to shim under the center leg. Would shim'ing the actual gap between the bottom of the tank work? I plan to put trim around the bottom of the tank that would hide the shim-job.
I hope this will work as it would be the easiest solution, please let me know if not.

 

[TheFishMan65]

That would be my second choice, but I have no knowledge of how well it works. Maybe someone more knowledgable will chime in.

 

[Fish Dad]

Just finishing my stand, great thread... Stand 100% square finding out floor is not. A little under a 1/4 drop in front.
Just wondering... when you folks are shimming how are you doing it.
My plan was to add one solid piece across the front as it level right to left.
Concern is how to shim sides as it will be impossible to fabricate a piece that true.


Picture of stand has one coat of poly and was in the process of light sanding looks a lot better now that it has a couple coats.

Will post again once I get it level and the tank is on.

 

[wiscousonian]

I too built a square stand to find out my floor is about 1/2" off level from side to side. To shim, i actually used a few pieces of ply to level it out, then where the ply was too thick, i just used regular wood shims to get it all level and sturdy. I ended up using about 2.5 packs of shims, probably an overkill, but it's sure sturdy.

 

[Jfannin]

Here an updates of my 150 gallons stand with formica



<a href="http://s1127.photobucket.com/albums/l633/christwee24/?action=view&current=4e8bcfa2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l633/christwee24/4e8bcfa2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1127.photobucket.com/albums/l633/christwee24/?action=view&current=523cfac1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l633/christwee24/523cfac1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1127.photobucket.com/albums/l633/christwee24/?action=view&current=dd307c9c.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l633/christwee24/dd307c9c.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1127.photobucket.com/albums/l633/christwee24/?action=view&current=cdca2e2c.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l633/christwee24/cdca2e2c.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Any comments guy please feel free to advise as we want it best.


Will post DIY sump/refugium and piping when I done in another thread thanks

I was wondering how in the world did you get that kind of finish on your stand? My house is more on the contemporary clean line side of things and I would love to know how you did that. Thx.

Love the thread btw but crap took forever to read 85 pages.

 

[erayk1]

That finish almost looks like it would be a stick on vinyl or something along those lines.

 

[supacharged21]

I have skimmed over this thread trying to find the original post pictures, but cannot find them to go with the instructions. Can anybody tell me where they are?

 

[RocketEngineer]

I will repost the original image when I locate the original image on my desktop. It should be reposted tomorrow or Tuesday.

 

[supacharged21]

I will repost the original image when I locate the original image on my desktop. It should be reposted tomorrow or Tuesday.

Thanks so much. I am about to tackle this project, and you seemed to have helped many create great results.

 

[reefermad619]

I've got a Q for all those that have built their own stands from this plan. I too have built my own stand for a 80gal tank. Now Im starting my build for my 180gal 6'x2'x2'. Problem I have is that I can't seem to find any straight 2x8s. I thought I had some. Starting building the top frame and bam! Warped! So warped that after I tied one side together, I tried to tie the other side up and the first end kicked up 2". So I was unable to get them to line up and be planar. So I'm ****ED!!! But now I'm thinking to just use 2x4s and add a center leg. It seems to be easier to find straight 2x4s than it is to find straight 2x8s. I'm also thinking I might like the extra access height wise using the 2x4s. That might be worth the extra middle leg. Sump is a 60 gal, so access shouldn't be an issue. What would you guys do? 2x8s no center leg, or 2x4s with center leg? It's gonna be a pain in the A$$ to find straight 2x8s. But it migh be worth it in the long run.

 

[5pacey]

I will repost the original image when I locate the original image on my desktop. It should be reposted tomorrow or Tuesday.

Thank you sir, I've been looking for it for a while as well.

Spacey

 

[bishop40k]

Would 2x3's work for the vertical pieces (purples) for a 75 gallon stand? Would like enough room to slide a 55g into the bottom from the side, so need at least the 13" width.

Also rocket, I think this is your original:

found it at: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/equipment/73534-diy-90gal-stand.html

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

That's weird, it was on post 2 or 3 of this thread for ever...

 

[TheFishMan65]

No it was post one, but it appears to have disappeared.

I think this image got deleted:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/148629DIY_Stand_Template.jpg

 

[reefermad619]

I've got a Q for all those that have built their own stands from this plan. I too have built my own stand for a 80gal tank. Now Im starting my build for my 180gal 6'x2'x2'. Problem I have is that I can't seem to find any straight 2x8s. I thought I had some. Starting building the top frame and bam! Warped! So warped that after I tied one side together, I tried to tie the other side up and the first end kicked up 2". So I was unable to get them to line up and be planar. So I'm ****ED!!! But now I'm thinking to just use 2x4s and add a center leg. It seems to be easier to find straight 2x4s than it is to find straight 2x8s. I'm also thinking I might like the extra access height wise using the 2x4s. That might be worth the extra middle leg. Sump is a 60 gal, so access shouldn't be an issue. What would you guys do? 2x8s no center leg, or 2x4s with center leg? It's gonna be a pain in the A$$ to find straight 2x8s. But it migh be worth it in the long run.

Bumperuski

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

How about doing doubled-up 2x6s? If you have the equipment, you can also rip down the top or the board straight and then flip it and rip down the other side, you'll end up with less than 8" but it'll be straight.

 

[Donw]

Bumperuski

Your not going to find any construction lumber that is actually straight 2x4 or 2x8. If you can rip a sheet of plywood straight just glue up a couple rip cuts. It will be stronger than your 2x and actually be as straight as your cut.

Don

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

Don that's a great idea. I would use good quality plywood though, like the ACS grade 3/4" stuff, I used that on top of my stand(s). $35 a sheet so not 'cheap' (but is this where you want to skimp?) but you can get it cut at Lowe's or Home Depot to exactly what you need on a panel saw and it'll be perfect.

Any worries about it de-laminating if it gets wet though?

 

[Donw]

Don that's a great idea. I would use good quality plywood though, like the ACS grade 3/4" stuff, I used that on top of my stand(s). $35 a sheet so not 'cheap' (but is this where you want to skimp?) but you can get it cut at Lowe's or Home Depot to exactly what you need on a panel saw and it'll be perfect.

Any worries about it de-laminating if it gets wet though?

Plywood is not going to de-laminate unless you soak it for periods of time. I'd buy decent cabinet grade with as many plys as you can get. Personally I use apple ply for gluelams because it has hardwood plys but the cheaper stuff is fine also. Ive never seen cabinet grade or even close to it at HD or Lowes so dont know how to help there.

Don

 

[Amon Ra Reptile]

Ok so I've read most of this thread over the past couple days and I have a quick question. If I am building a stand for a 300g tank which is 96" long can I get away without a front center brace? I was thinking doubled 2x8s for the top ring but still didn't know if that would be enough to avoid excessive deflection.