DIY Stands Template and Calculator

[JCareyETexas]

hello everybody.... i posted this question in another thread but will post here as well in case somebody sees it here and not there, etc...
I built my stand and all looks well. I decided to screw a 3/4" plywood deck to the top and bottom box frames and everything looked good..... until this morning. When I went out to check on it my top deck (which is screwed to the top frame) has a small warp in it. If I lay my level across the front to back side there is about a 3/32" sag in the center. Is this worth fretting over?

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

What kind of tank is it for? If it's for a tank with a bottom trim, then no. If it's acrylic or a no-trim glass tank, then yes.

 

[JCareyETexas]

What kind of tank is it for? If it's for a tank with a bottom trim, then no. If it's acrylic or a no-trim glass tank, then yes.

Its an Ocean View/Deep Sea 60x18

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

What I meant is what type of construction - acrylic or glass, trim bottom of no-trim bottom...

 

[JCareyETexas]

What I meant is what type of construction - acrylic or glass, trim bottom of no-trim bottom...

Sorry..... :rollface: Glass with frame

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

Just so I understand, you have a spot along the side edge where the trim frame of the tank makes contact with the stand? Have you set the tank on the stand yet to see how the rest of it looks?

 

[jdpiii3]

Here is the stand I built for my 400 gallon in wall. Every joint is glued and screwed.

<a href="http://s905.photobucket.com/albums/ac256/jdpiii3/400%20Gallon%20Tank%20Build/?action=view&current=DSCN2074.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac256/jdpiii3/400%20Gallon%20Tank%20Build/DSCN2074.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s905.photobucket.com/albums/ac256/jdpiii3/400%20Gallon%20Tank%20Build/?action=view&current=DSCN2071.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac256/jdpiii3/400%20Gallon%20Tank%20Build/DSCN2071.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[JCareyETexas]

Just so I understand, you have a spot along the side edge where the trim frame of the tank makes contact with the stand? Have you set the tank on the stand yet to see how the rest of it looks?

Sorry for the delayed response. Upon further "experimentation" when I add weight to the top via test dumbbells everything actually flattens out. I don't think I will have anything to worry about.

 

[raistlarn]

Hi I recently built a stand with a friend, for a framed 30g glass tank, using the plans that RocketEngineer posted, but I had a brain fart when I was making it. My stand which is supposed to be 12 1/2" wide is 12" wide. What I want to know is if I should put a sheet of plywood on top or just leave the tank hanging 1/4" off the front and back of the stand.

 

[Forfend]

No, add a 2x3 box all the way around.

 

[raistlarn]

No, add a 2x3 box all the way around.

?
Do you mean by add more framing to the whole top part of the project. or are you saying add the boards so that the 3" side is facing up instead of the side.

 

[Prozium]

Hi I recently built a stand with a friend, for a framed 30g glass tank, using the plans that RocketEngineer posted, but I had a brain fart when I was making it. My stand which is supposed to be 12 1/2" wide is 12" wide. What I want to know is if I should put a sheet of plywood on top or just leave the tank hanging 1/4" off the front and back of the stand.

plywood top would work just fine and/or you could add a 1x2 or 2x4 strip to the back, just make sure its level.

 

[nctinter]

Ok guys I am gonna build my stand this weekend. I have the wood, a square, a speed square, a couple levels, a clamp, drill, drill bits(not doing any pocket holes as of right now). What kind of glue should I use and how long deck screws? Anything else I'm missing?

 

[TheFishMan65]

I used wood glue and 2 1/2 inch deck screws the first time (second time pocket screws).

 

[nctinter]

Thanks fishman. I think I have a box of 2 1/2 deck screws already at home. Any glue in particular?

 

[TheFishMan65]

I think it was elmer wood glue, but I think any should work

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

I used Gorilla Glue, but I think any wood glue is fine.

 

[JohnnyAirtime]

.... What kind of glue should I use............Anything else I'm missing?

I used what was recommended by the best of woodworkers; Titebond
http://www.titebond.com/download/pdf/ww/GlueGuideTB.pdf
(I chose Titebond II, only because it was on the HomeD shelf. III is better)

... read the Q&A, and you'll realize how waterproof they are!! :bigeyes:

Don't forget;
Cordless drill batteries (charged and ready!)
I like square drive screws... as they aren't so prone to stripping (unless you buy Stainless - argh!)
You didn't mention saw. But a new blade, in a compound miter sure helps those square cuts!
... if any other saw, make sure the blade is new so it doesn't drift on ya.

 

[nctinter]

Thanks Johnny, I forgot to put that I had the wood already cut and trued from a wood worker. Can't wait to get this thing going. Thanks for everyone on this thread, without it I would not be attempting this

 

[nctinter]

Ok. So it seems hard to get this thing squared. I know it can't be perfect. Im building the bottom frame. I am squaring up the outer edges while the 2 x 4 s are flat on a level surface. I square it up and glue.clamp.screw. is this good enough?