plastic stool to stand on

[karimwassef]

I'm looking for a structure that I can stand on that can go in a reef tank permanently.

I'm thinking a 3/4" acrylic plate on top of a 1/2" acrylic plate supported by 9 x 2" PVC pipe (with holes drilled out to get the air bubbles out).

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/Designs/0_zpsuvnnlmfq.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/Designs/0_zpsuvnnlmfq.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 0_zpsuvnnlmfq.jpg"/></a>

I would use a router or a circular saw to create a groove in the 1/2" plate and then use a strong adhesive silicone (like GOOP) to hold it in place.

-and/or-

I could put endcaps on the PVC and then drill and use zip ties or plastic dowels/screws?

or I could use 90, Ts and CROSSs to make a regular shape that stands up on its own and then attach that to the plates...

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/Designs/1_zpso1ycw3j7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/Designs/1_zpso1ycw3j7.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1_zpso1ycw3j7.jpg"/></a>

and then use zip ties (lots of them) and plastic screws and GOOP.

oh - I weight 220lbs

I think 9 x 2" PVC tubes in compression is actually overkill, but it's a starting point.

How would you do it?

 

[karimwassef]

and in case you're curious why...

My new tank design has some accessibility issues... so, I'm using a multi-jointed model to see what can be done

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/Designs/2_zpsnlz7avuf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/Designs/2_zpsnlz7avuf.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 2_zpsnlz7avuf.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/Designs/3_zpsnekzbjpr.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/Designs/3_zpsnekzbjpr.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 3_zpsnekzbjpr.jpg"/></a>

unfortunately, there will be times when I will need to "step in"

 

[Sacohen]

They make 1/2" PVC panel (like plywood) or 3/4" boards for house trim
I know Home Depot carries it.
You can glue it with regular PVC cement and it melts the PVC and fuses it together like pipe.
I'm using it for custom sized water storage unit.

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[Sacohen]

I can't find the link right now.

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[bhbell]

It's called Azek and is located in the lumber section with other trim boards. Comes in 1x8, 1x6, 1x4,3,2 sizes.

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[karimwassef]

It's more expensive than PVC pipe, right?

 

[karimwassef]

They make 1/2" PVC panel (like plywood) or 3/4" boards for house trim
I know Home Depot carries it.
You can glue it with regular PVC cement and it melts the PVC and fuses it together like pipe.
I'm using it for custom sized water storage unit.

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Wait... are you actually holding water in it?

 

[Sacohen]

A 4' x 8' sheet is $72, if I remember.
Yes I am holding water in it.

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[karimwassef]

A 4' x 8' sheet is $72, if I remember.
Yes I am holding water in it.

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Can you share your plans, images? How much weight can it hold?

 

[Sacohen]

Not really.
It's all in my mind.
Basically it's a 48" L x 18" W x 21" H tank divided into two sections (RODI & Salt)
Each section holds about 35 gallons of water.

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[Sacohen]

I'm moving and it is packed up and on its way to Orlando right now.

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[bhbell]

And needs adequate support. It would be of benefit to you as a top surface on the PVC frame step stool frame.

 

[karimwassef]

so what's the best structure to solve this problem?

 

[karimwassef]

Is this it?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/AZEK-Traditional-PVC-Board-Actual-0-75-in-x-7-25-in-x-12-ft/50414706

so is the idea to cut this to shape and glue the pieces to make a seat with butt-joints glued by PVC

or is it to combine this with PVC pipe? use the sheets for the seat and the PVC pipe for the legs?

 

[Sacohen]

Yes that is it.
This is it too.
You can do either.
Make a cube from it or glue PVC pipe to it for the legs.

1/2 in. x 48 in. x 8 ft. White PVC Trim

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Veranda-HP-1-2-in-x-48-in-x-8-ft-White-PVC-Trim-H120AWS6/205309788

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[karimwassef]

Not available within 100miles of TX ...

 

[karimwassef]

Can anyone else find it? Might have to drive a ways to get it... or ship it to me

 

[Sacohen]

That sucks.
You can probably purchase it from HD and have it delivered to your local store (for free) and then pick it up at the store.

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[Sacohen]

Also the board that you found at Lowes would work.

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[karimwassef]

Nope. not even available to purchase.

So what's the smallest PVC pipe structure that would hold up my weight safely?