Need Help- Stand questions and assistance

[krshlln300]

I am trying to build a stand for my JBJ rimless 30 gallon aquarium- I have 3/4" Cabinet grade solid Birch Plywood as the primary frame/skin- I need assistance with what to use and in building the inner framework- I was going to use 2x4's however the dimensional lumber I got from Home Depot seems to be very soft despite being sold as wall stud lumber.

Can anyone led a hand here or guide me in the right direction on how to reinforce this thing?

Also- this is to go in my living room- which is carpet- And suggestions on the best method to make this level on a carpeted floor?

 

[Bogue Chitto]

I have built a lot of them like a box with four sides with a hole cut out in the front for the sump etc. underneath. I use all 3/4 on the sides as well as ends and the 3/4 on the top. It will hold a lot of weight this way. I have never had one to fail. I have had 100 gal tanks and smaller on this type stand. Using the birch plywood will look good.

 

[krshlln300]

are you saying you did this using just 3/4 " around the sides? with no support on the interior other than the plywood?

I will have an open front so I will likely still use a set of 2x6's on the front top as a support/ trim.

 

[Bogue Chitto]

Yes, that's the way I did it, It is strong as an ox that way. You could use some 2x4's for extra support on front if you have a wide opening. All the weight is on the up and down side and end pieces and they won't bow. Just screw them together with some screws that are salt water safe.

 

[krshlln300]

The fortunate thing- is that I will not have a sump as the tank is a JBJ 30 rimless all in one- So no sump and no interior water- I will have a shelving unit next to the Stand and aquarium to house a 5 gallon refugium that will gravity feed to the main tank for pods etc. I will probably not really use the indie of te stand for anything other than housing some spare equipment or **MAYBE** an ATO resevoir that is closed and covered for moisture control.

 

[BeanAnimal]

are you saying you did this using just 3/4 " around the sides? with no support on the interior other than the plywood?

I will have an open front so I will likely still use a set of 2x6's on the front top as a support/ trim.

2x6 are not needed by any stretch of the imagination.

The 3/4 plywood will provide more than enough support for a 30 gallon tank, even with an open front.

Pay attention to good joinery on the sides. The top should be fixed in place, as should be the bottom shelf. Plywood can be used for a front top brace, maybe 2" high. You can double the thickness if you are concerned, but that is not likely needed either.

Use Titebond II or III glue.

If you are painting this, then you can use butt joints and fill the end grain with bondo. Stain? You are going to have to trim the outside or use lap or 45 joints. A thin glue strip (1/2 wedge) could be used to strengthen the joint if a 45 is used.

Take a look at some of the commercial stands for this size cube, they are garbage made of particle board and held together with staples and they are plenty strong.

You could also use 1x1 or 2x2 rail and stile construction, similar to a wooden desk. Solid back panel between the legs, with the same or open sides and front. You can get the s4s lumber at the big box stores or from a local lumber supply like Mars lumber, Allegheny millwork, brookside lumber, etc.

Lastly, be aware that if your cabinet grade plywood is from the big box store, it is NOT cabinet grade and will have a lot of voids in it. This can make for hard joinery.

 

[krshlln300]

Thanks bean! Yes the ply is 3/4 solid birch cabinet grade from Rockler. I am using pocket holes primarily doubled every 6". I am building a majority of the frame out of the ply and will brace the front. Being it is an all in one jbj i have no sump. The inside of the stand will just be for storage for now. My plan is to epoxy the inside and outside entirely with at least a 2 coat for water proofing. I will try attaching a pic of the frame for reference.

 

[krshlln300]

 

[krshlln300]

There would be a solid 3/4 top as well.

 

[BeanAnimal]

View attachment 335344

That will be plenty strong. You could get away with half the screws, and likely no glue.

A shelf hole jig on your list of stuff to get from rockier?

 

[krshlln300]

No going to keep it shelfless for now and store my buckets in there. I have a 60" utility rack from lowes next to where it is going that will hold the 5 gallon gravity fed refugium and the chemicals etc. i might run ato out of a container in the stand but still not sure. Just going to put a joist hanger set and 2x6 front brace and will be ready to go ... Based on my work schedule.... Should be ready in about March lol. Any suggestions on leveling if need be?

 

[krshlln300]

Finally assembled

Finally assembled

The stand is assembled and will now just need a few more coats of finish and a coat of poly.

 

[vlangel]

LOL, I was expecting your tank to be a little bigger! (JK, I am sure that tiny tank in the 2nd pic is not a permanent fixture, ha ha.).

 

[krshlln300]

haha yeah that 5 gallon is the refugium I am using to pre-cycle some items and get a few smaller corals going to help the main 30 gallon all in one (for this stand) to jump start a little bit.

Sat and stood on top of this thing with no flex or movement at all! so I think it is safe to say this stand is sturdy.