DIY Stands Template and Calculator

[TheFishMan65]

Not sure the question, but legs only need to be 2x4s.

 

[Prozium]

update:

what do you guys think, and whats that about foam...what type of foam??

 

[TheFishMan65]

Ths should wrok fine. Sorry Ia m not sure of the requirements for foam. I think the rule is if the tank has a frame no foam. No fram then you need foam. I don't what kind you use - sorry.

 

[Prozium]

thanks, I'll look around about the foam.

 

[plakat]

I'm the kind of person that have never done any wood work before in my life. after much trouble with the calculation I went down to my local wood mill and order all the sizes, now the trouble is I really do not know the sequence of assembly. can any kind soul share some pointers, really don't wanna screw up my first stand!

from what I understand, it is top frame first followed by bottom frame,I'm quite clueless after that. not quite sure which comes first, the purps or greens. The tools I have is only an electric drill, planning on getting some clamps.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[reefjunkie42]

well you want to make each box 1st. the start attaching the screw strips and legs. flip it over and attach it to the other box them you have your frame built. then you just have to find out what to skin it with.

 

[tmerf11]

Wondering if I could get some comments on my plan... It's a little different due to my house and where the tanks going. The left and right sides of the tank will actually be on the foundation of the house. The gap is around 40 inches or so, so I was planning on using either 2x4's or 4x4's to cross the span with 3 posts in the back and probably 2 in the front so I have room to get at the sump, and then a plywood top. Am I missing something or does this seem adequate for a 120 (48x24x24). And would you guys go with 2x4's or 4x4's as the 'joists' crossing the open space? Made a crappy pic in paint to represent it...

 

[TheFishMan65]

You don't need any vertical support. Just build a 2x4 square with maybe a cross brace or two. And make foundation is smooth. If rought the weight of the water may make one side/corner sink more. Glass (no ply wood) or acrylic (need ply wood)?

 

[tmerf11]

You don't need any vertical support. Just build a 2x4 square with maybe a cross brace or two. And make foundation is smooth. If rought the weight of the water may make one side/corner sink more. Glass (no ply wood) or acrylic (need ply wood)?

Thanks a bunch. Tank is Glass... Would the plywood do any harm with the glass, or is it just that I don't need it?

 

[TheFishMan65]

Is the tank framed. Wouldn't hurt that I can think of.

Not framed may actually need plywood and foam.

 

[tmerf11]

It is framed... It's the black aqueon. Like this pic, only mine has 2 overflows on the back.

 

[TheFishMan65]

Don't need th plywood, but it won't hurt.

 

[tmerf11]

Thanks... Appreciate the input. I'll be erring on the side of too much support, so I should be good.

 

[popper231]

my stand from back to front is not level. i shim the top piece of the stand, but there's a gap in the middle. is this acceptable? it is a 96x24 stand.

thanks.

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[TheFishMan65]

Not in my opinion. The plywood will just bend around the shim. Shim the bottom at the floor and try and distribute the weight. What is it off by 1/4 inch? If you don't shim do you still have the bow?

 

[popper231]

I was aiming to distribute the weight on the top piece of the stand so that all the legs hold the same weight. it's for a 300 gallon glass braceless tank, so would foam help? it's about 1/5" gap on top and 1/4 - 1/3 on bottom of top piece.

 

[TheFishMan65]

I think foam is required for braceless tanks. I think I would get the foam and fill it with fresh water and see how level it is. Have a pump and hose handy in case you need to drain it fast

 

[yoccm]

I need some help

I am putting a 300 DD in wall tank together and had the framing crew that was finishing the basement build my stand according to the design on this thread

The problem is there is a pretty significant gap along 2/3 of the length of the back of the tank between the frame and the stand. It is at least 1/16 and as much as 1/8"+ in some places.

I think what happened is that the carpenter put the horizontal 2x8 crown down so it creates the gap.

My question is ... can i shim between the stand and the frame? Do you think that will give enough support to distribute the weight across the length enough to eliminate the stress enough to prevent failure?

I am freaking out right now!!!! Really worried this is just too big of a gap!!

Please help!!!!

 

[TheFishMan65]

How are the other sides? Do I see shim in the corner? That is why I worry about the other sides.

Can you get them to come back and do it right?

I would be more inclined to shim a piece of plywood then just the tank. I will also point out that the original spec was less than 1/8 in of flex. So maybe 1/8 won't matter.

Someone will chime in with more experience than me, but I bet RC will get you straightened out.

 

[yoccm]

How are the other sides? Do I see shim in the corner? That is why I worry about the other sides.

Can you get them to come back and do it right?

I would be more inclined to shim a piece of plywood then just the tank. I will also point out that the original spec was less than 1/8 in of flex. So maybe 1/8 won't matter.

Someone will chime in with more experience than me, but I bet RC will get you straightened out.

Yes - the far corner has a very slight gap - the shims you see there are barely under the edge of the tank. The rest of the stand makes good connection with the tank - here and there a VERY small gap ... like thickness of a sheet of paper. Of course they nailed the thing together :mad2: so would have to rip the whole thing out and start over. Seems my only option is shimming between stand and tank but not sure that will work.

Thanks for the thoughts and please ... anyone else who has some thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!