DIY Stands Template and Calculator

[slandis3]

ok here are the new supports
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p100/sarah25_04/4.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p100/sarah25_04/5.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p100/sarah25_04/6.jpg what do you guys think now? The ply wood on the top will have the center cut out I have the oak side skins cut they will be stainde this weekend

 

[Warboc]

Looking good slandis. I am also building a stand for a Marineland deep dimension 250. Here's a few pictures of my progress:

 

[astar250]

Im looking to build a stand for a 28g jbj nano. the foot print of the tank in 18x22 i want to the stand to be 37" tall. any have plans for this.

Thanks

 

[james3370]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14629848#post14629848 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by astar250
Im looking to build a stand for a 28g jbj nano. the foot print of the tank in 18x22 i want to the stand to be 37" tall. any have plans for this.

Thanks

something that size, i think it would be easier to just build out of 3/4" plywood w/out the 2x4 frame that this thread shows.

it'd be easier, cheaper, lighter & just as strong...if not stronger

 

[astar250]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14630321#post14630321 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by james3370
something that size, i think it would be easier to just build out of 3/4" plywood w/out the 2x4 frame that this thread shows.

it'd be easier, cheaper, lighter & just as strong...if not stronger

I have a lot of 1x4 and 2x4 at my office and i dont have any 3/4 plywood here so i was thinking of of the 1x4 to build the stand. I dont have to pay for the 1x4 and 2x4.

 

[james3370]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14630591#post14630591 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by astar250
I have a lot of 1x4 and 2x4 at my office and i dont have any 3/4 plywood here so i was thinking of of the 1x4 to build the stand. I dont have to pay for the 1x4 and 2x4.

well then, yeah 1x4 should be plenty strong. then all you need is some 1/4" plywood to skin it

 

[Necsones]

Planing on making my stand for a 180 gallon. 72" x 24" x 24" tank. And wondering if i should use 2x6 or 2x8 for the upper rails. I want to build this stand with no center brace in front.

 

[spsfreak]

2X8s minimum if no center brace.

 

[Rick55555]

Question for the DIY experts:

I'm interested in having a stand made for a 60x24x24 glass tank. I don't want a fancy stand. In fact, I don't even want it to be "finished". All I want is a bare bones stand, without doors, that will safely support the tank. Hopefully the stand will have some sort of sealent to prevent the wood from being affected by the saltwater. Ideally I would want the stand to look something like the one posted above by Warboc.

Who could I rely on to build the stand correctly? Would a local builder or carpenter be able to assemble a stand given that it's for aquarium use? I'm wondering whether I'll need to instruct them on anything beyond my aesthetic preferences. Any thoughts on what I should expect to pay?

Any advise would be appreciated. I'm located in San Diego, CA.

Rick

 

[MVlk]

The build instructions on this thread describe how to do exactly what you are looking for. Furthermore, the design is intend to be built by mere mortals such as us. I would suggest building it yourself from these plans. I recently finished mine and it is very simple. Can easily be done over a weekend.

 

[monty]

does anybody see any issues with using 4x4's for the upper box braces for a 48"x24" 120g in wall with doubled up 2x4s as the vertical supports?

 

[Necsones]

so i think im going this route... 2x4 for the bottom, 2x6 for the legs and 2x8 for the top. and not puting up a center brace. That would work right? and not to overkill... for 180

 

[MVlk]

I believe the legs really do not need to be 2x6. the 2x4 per plan is plenty. I remember seeing that you technically do not even need the 2nd set of legs in each corner... so 2x4 as per plan will be fine. 2x8 is definitely the way to go for the top rails.

 

[Reefer2727]

Im looking to 'skin' my frame for my 75 gallon stand. I am thinking of using boards instead of plywood. Pine seems to be the most economical route. The is a major price difference between select grade pine and knotty pine. There are some good pieces of knotty pine with virtually no knots. Does anyone have any experience with this stuff?

I know sanding can also be a nightmare but I figure I will just take my time.

Is it worth paying almost double for select pine over 'knotty pine'?

Thanks

 

[jasoncw]

That is your preference. What looks better to you? My Dad LOVES the look of knotty pine, but I don't really (my old house had the whole upstairs done it in when I purchased the house).

 

[DragonFish]

For the lazy, I made it into a actual calculator in excel and uploaded it here;

DIY Stand Calculator

I myself am among those lazy

 

[sandiegan]

I was wondering if anyone would be able to help me get the right finish for my stand. I was hoping to get something like this for my stand. Planning to skin with plywood, but haven't bought it yet and I'm not sure if I should go with birch or oak or what and what finishes I would have to use. Thanks.

 

[MVlk]

Paint Done! I am glad I decided to go in wall. I do not want to think what it would have taken to do more/finish painting. Should have it moved into the wall tomorrow and then the build can really get going.

Not an exciting picture, but with how much it took to get to this, a momentous one for me! The plywood top to the base is off to the side. I left it off for now as this will be in wall and wanted easy access if shimming is needed.

 

[dogfrog]

Nice DIY Stand Calculator DragonFish

 

[daveml]

Great thread - some great stands out there...

Is the glue an absolute necessity or can i just use the screws? Any input?