new stand coming together- question for you

[deansreef]

the tank is a 240 gallon cube 3/4" aacrylic 48x48x24".. question- should I add more cross supports for the top 2x4 beams going across to support the bottom of the tank... and what thickness plywood for the top.. I have a 1/2" piece on there now. what should I skin the stand with 5/8" ply or less? thanks Dean

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[fishgate]

I don't think those cross-braces offer much, if any real support for the tank. I would have used deck hangers to attach to the top frame. So if you are going to add more in the same manor, I don't think you gain anything.

 

[biecacka]

You need the cross braces for an acrylic tank. I also used 1/2 inch on my top then I put foam down on top of that. Skin it in probably 3/4, I suggest that size because typical it is flatter and will lay more flush. Unless you can find some great 1/2 inch pieces. That is fine dean, I did however end up adding some small perpendicular ones on my stand but it was not needed.

Corey

 

[rwb500]

it looks like there are some gaps between the plywood and the braces underneath. are there any? i would have used 3/4" high-grade plywood. maybe even 2 layers if i had to buy the full sheet anyway. definitely not 1/2".

 

[tidus10]

it looks like there are some gaps between the plywood and the braces underneath. are there any? i would have used 3/4" high-grade plywood. maybe even 2 layers if i had to buy the full sheet anyway. definitely not 1/2".

+1 it does look like there are gaps but that may be shadows too..

Luckily with the foam it should make up for any gaps you have..

 

[sleepydoc]

Foam will not compensate for gaps.

 

[rwb500]

Luckily with the foam it should make up for any gaps you have..

umm what. no.

Foam will not compensate for gaps.

yes.

 

[Willistein]

I think the key here is how flat is the top surface? If it's all nice and flat, and the supports underneath are tight up against the plywood top, your construction looks completely fine.

just my $.02, of course.

 

[deansreef]

it looks like there are some gaps between the plywood and the braces underneath. are there any? i would have used 3/4" high-grade plywood. maybe even 2 layers if i had to buy the full sheet anyway. definitely not 1/2".

there are gaps because the plywood is just laying there- I have not screwed it down yet.

 

[wilsonreefs]

I would probably glue and screw it together. Probably use regular carpenters glue.

 

[biecacka]

I used wood glue and deck screws to attach mine. Worked like a charm.

Corey

 

[deansreef]

do you think the stand is ready for the 240g cube- or does it need cross bracing under the top boards- I bought 3/4 ply for the top piece?

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[deansreef]

Bump

 

[biecacka]

Dean, I think that thing looks great! In reality we tend to WAY OVERBUIKD our stands. Have you ever bought a stand from spent store? They are less durable than ours by far. It looks great!! Make sure you put some foam down before you place the tank on it.

Corey

 

[Willistein]

Looks great to me!

 

[deansreef]

Dean, I think that thing looks great! In reality we tend to WAY OVERBUIKD our stands. Have you ever bought a stand from spent store? They are less durable than ours by far. It looks great!! Make sure you put some foam down before you place the tank on it.

Corey

thanks Corey~!!! Wont the foam cause the tank to be uneven ? what I mean is what if I have a heavy rock wall on one side and nothing on the opposite end- wont the foam compress more on one side than the other?

 

[biecacka]

No. Foam is a MUST have with acrylic. You only need about 1/4-1/2 inch worth. See the foam will mold to the bottom of the tank and make sure it sits even with no pressure points anywhere. I just used the foam they put up under siding.

Corey

 

[deansreef]

hmmm,. lots of threads that say NO foam and lots that says its ok.

 

[Willistein]

If you're plywood is nice and flat and sanded smooth, then I don't really see a need for the foam.

 

[shocker444]

I don't see any disadvantage to using foam i think some people don't like it because of the added half inch i put it under my 720 just because when you pay big money for a system like yours there is no reason not to whether you need it or not i would just use it but its really up to you people will go back and forth on here for days