proof that design ( not 2x4's) are key to stand integrity.

[Drae]

these are capable of holding 2000 lbs. That's actual test numbers. My point is that redundancy ( especially in reefing) is fine and dandy but sometimes people go WAYYYY overboard in their stands. My new stand for a hundred gallo will not have a single 2 x 4 on it and it will last a hundred years easily. 3/4" ply. miter correctly, gorilla glued and shot together with 6" rips in the corners for (redundancy lol) and trim to my liking and boom! A well built, lightweight, durable stand that will never bow or give because my DESIGN and CRAFTSMANSHIP will take the place of extra lumber.

 

[Drae]

water weighs 8.8 lbs a gallon not 80.8 lbs a gallon. I could build 2 stands with some of the lumber used on these things.

 

[Allmost]

well that's good.

so are you going to be making us stands ?

lol

most of us who make our own stands [ Im talking about myself] have no confidence in my own CRAFTSMANSHIP ... . or better yet, have no craftsmanship to begin with lol I design circuits lol so working with wood, I have to be redundant and overdo it to be able to sleep at night .... OR pay someone like you who knows what he is doing to make it for me ... lol

 

[EnderG60]

true but most people are too dumb to understand how to construct a plywood stand that is capable of holding hundreds of pounds.

2x4's are simple, cheap and forgiving.

 

[iced98lx]

true but most people are too dumb to understand how to construct a plywood stand that is capable of holding hundreds of pounds.

2x4's are simple, cheap and forgiving.

"If you hit it with a small stick and are very good, it will die. If you choose to hit it with a much bigger stick than is needed, you can be proportionally bad at swinging and still kill it."

:wildone:

 

[jagow4]

i am interested to know who elected DRAE as the official that is in charge of monitoring the amount of wood and type of woodthat other aquarists use in constructing their stands. last i checked those that are building their own stands are not asking DRAE to buy the wood for them or to even help move the heavy 2X4 constructed stand into their home. so DRAE why is this even a issue with you i am sure you can find other things to complain about so why dont you get off your perfectly constructed soap box we dont want to hear it

 

[Allmost]

i am interested to know who elected DRAE as the official that is in charge of monitoring the amount of wood and type of woodthat other aquarists use in constructing their stands. last i checked those that are building their own stands are not asking DRAE to buy the wood for them or to even help move the heavy 2X4 constructed stand into their home. so DRAE why is this even a issue with you i am sure you can find other things to complain about so why dont you get off your perfectly constructed soap box we dont want to hear it

this is just rude and un-called for.

he knows more than me and you about wood, and is making a thread, helping those who want help.

IF you do not want his help or opinion, then you need to just ignore this and move on if you do not find it interesting no need to be rude to one another, specially for sharing info with the rest of the community, this is why most of us are here for.

 

[username in use]

i am interested to know who elected DRAE as the official that is in charge of monitoring the amount of wood and type of woodthat other aquarists use in constructing their stands. last i checked those that are building their own stands are not asking DRAE to buy the wood for them or to even help move the heavy 2X4 constructed stand into their home. so DRAE why is this even a issue with you i am sure you can find other things to complain about so why dont you get off your perfectly constructed soap box we dont want to hear it

Wow dude that's a snarky response. I believe that the OP's tongue was planted firmly in cheek with his post. It is true that most stands are overbuilt for what they are. That's not bad, that's not good, it just is.

 

[sfsuphysics]

this is just rude and un-called for.

Well to be honest the original post almost smacked of rudeness if you're one of said people who has recently built one of said 2x4 stands. You can't fault someone for being a bit defensive if they also read the original post the wrong way.

Me I know plywood works, but this kind of revelation that was posted isn't exactly a new way of thinking. I did learn one thing from the post however... apparently the OP has such good design and craftsmanship that they needed to stand out with capital letters just so everyone knows

 

[woodnaquanut]

Drae,

I agree with you. Many stands built here are WAY overkill. Most are capable of holding a tank (M1 Abrams) that is carrying a tank (aquarium).

BUT...

It does little harm. I've seen lots of stands that look very nice. If it gives the owners confidence, peace of mind and joy to go a little 'over the top', I say 'go for it'!

Not everyone has the skills or tools to build with just ply. I'm much more concerned with those that build but do not understand compression vs. tension. It's possible to use lots of wood and still make a weak stand.

 

[Allmost]

Well to be honest the original post almost smacked of rudeness if you're one of said people who has recently built one of said 2x4 stands. You can't fault someone for being a bit defensive if they also read the original post the wrong way.

Me I know plywood works, but this kind of revelation that was posted isn't exactly a new way of thinking. I did learn one thing from the post however... apparently the OP has such good design and craftsmanship that they needed to stand out with capital letters just so everyone knows

I personally enjoy it when I learn something new.

the OP most likely works with wood for living. so he knows about wood and wooden structures more than me. so I took it as him telling me my stand is over built which is a lesson for me.

honestly, if you get mad when someone corrects you or teaches you something new, then how would we move forward and get better ? you know what I mean ? if we dissed the first person who made a skimmer, we would not be here growing SPS in captivity

everyone has a career [well not everyone ] and successfull ppl are good at their work, so I see nothing wrong with sharing those info.

 

[woodnaquanut]

Allmost,
If only the OP had actually shown how to build a strong stand out of ply, I'd agree with you. I read his post as mostly, 'I can, why can't you'.

My stand is all ply, but I am now thinking the 2x4 has great merit also. If I did 2x4 I could gain access from the sides by removing ply skin. Of course I'd really like to do a steel stand but I have NO metalworking skills and am way to cheap to hire someone!

 

[reeferman1128]

Would you say this frame is strong enough for a 180?

 

[Allmost]

Allmost,
If only the OP had actually shown how to build a strong stand out of ply, I'd agree with you. I read his post as mostly, 'I can, why can't you'.

My stand is all ply, but I am now thinking the 2x4 has great merit also. If I did 2x4 I could gain access from the sides by removing ply skin. Of course I'd really like to do a steel stand but I have NO metalworking skills and am way to cheap to hire someone!

there is a thread here, showing how to do it.

with access on all 4 sides.

Ill see if I can find it .... FOUND IT : http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1213499

with all this said .... I do not build stands for myself, lol I pay ppl to make it for me lol Im that bad haha [or think I am that bad ]

 

[username in use]

Would you say this frame is strong enough for a 180?

It will hold the weight, but 4x4's are notorious for twisting as they age. That could be a bad thing as your top edge is all 4x4's.

 

[Jodah]

Seeing as I'll be using 1/4" birch ply for my sides and front panel, 3/4" birch ply for my top, I doubt I'll remove any 2x4's from my design. Besides, for an extra couple screws and couple 2x4's, why not have the extra insurance? My stand will be able to hold the 40B that's going on it, and any other 4ft tank that i may decide to upgrade to later on.

Would still appreciate the link to that thread that Allmost mentioned. Would probably do well for smaller scale stands.

 

[ssick92]

Personally, I agree with both sides here... Most stands are overbuilt, which is what the OP was saying. However, he really provided zero help to new people trying to build stands; all he did was state that most have too much wood, which isn't much help at all to anyone...

 

[woodnaquanut]

Would you say this frame is strong enough for a 180?

Since you ask...

What are your plans for shear forces? Will there be ply sides/back? A tank is not going to crush those 4x4 posts but as it stands (little pun, :dance, there is nothing resisting sideways forces. Out here in quake country that's always a consideration.

 

[reeferman1128]

I live in IL so the threat of quakes is "unlikely". here it is with 3/4 inch board on the fron the 1/2 ply on the sides. added a center brace as well.

 

[woodnaquanut]

I live in IL so the threat of quakes is "unlikely". here it is with 3/4 inch board on the fron the 1/2 ply on the sides. added a center brace as well.

Looks good!

That ply improves the front to back shear strength a lot. If you added two ply pieces on the back corners, tying together the top, bottom and respective side, you'd add to the shear strength for side to side forces.