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

[jlanger]

To the OP -- I really don't see what all the fuss is about. Why do you care what other people use to build their stands, or how they build them? Not everyone is a master carpenter with ultimate structural knowledge like yourself.

Also, you're preaching like this idea of building an aquarium stand out of plywood is some kind of new idea. It's not. Of course it can be done -- how many 2x4 stands do you see in aquarium stores?

As for DIY'ers, those of us who know how to properly join plywood, and are comfortable in doing so, have been building all-plywood stands for years & years. I certainly have been, but I don't degrade those people who can't/don't.

And to avoid running my mouth without backing anything up, like some people have done in this thread, below are just a few that I have built over the years:

Nice Work!
Sometimes building the stands is just as fun as watching the reef.

I definitely agree with you about why it is such a debate over the correct way to build a stand.
Not everyone has the same woodworking abilities just as not everyone has the same aquascaping abilities.
And in the end, if you do it to your your own satisfaction, who can tell you differently.

-JASON

 

[drummereef]

FWIW, I overbuilt my stand because I like building stuff. Plain and simple. Building things is fun and overbuilding is... funner sometimes.

 

[dixiedog]

HD store policy is a tolerance of +/- 3/8, might want to think twice about getting your ply cut there. But, a hardwood store would be able to do exact cuts.

Not if you watch the SOB measure it . Its a panel saw, so the only place for a problem is the employee. Throw him a couple bucks or at the least explain the importance and they'll be ok with it.

Wrong. The trouble isn't measurements, IT IS the saw they use. I just got back from Home Depot an hour ago, having learned that sad lesson. Their saw just doesn't cut a straight line. I could have laid the plywood out on my yard and done better with a circular saw.

 

[sleepydoc]

Cutting a long, straight line is not as easy as one might think. Even if you have a table saw, a 4x8 sheet of plywood is rather unwieldy. As mentioned above, the panel saws at Home centers are not necessarily accurate, either. If you do it often, a track saw or a long clamp like this is helpful. Otherwise, I have a piece of 3/8" MDF that I clamp in place and use as a straight edge guide for my circular saw.

 

[Kawi9_cf]

Wrong. The trouble isn't measurements, IT IS the saw they use. I just got back from Home Depot an hour ago, having learned that sad lesson. Their saw just doesn't cut a straight line. I could have laid the plywood out on my yard and done better with a circular saw.

Maybe I am just lucky with my hardware stores but there is a Lowes and Home Depot next door to each other that is only 5 minutes from my house. Both stores have made accurate straight cuts for me on many occasions for many different projects. I have a good table saw but why fool with trying to cut a huge piece of plywood myself when they will do it for free. :rollface:

 

[James77]

Wrong. The trouble isn't measurements, IT IS the saw they use. I just got back from Home Depot an hour ago, having learned that sad lesson. Their saw just doesn't cut a straight line. I could have laid the plywood out on my yard and done better with a circular saw.

I am not wrong. A vertical panel saw is specifically designed to make very accurate cuts on panels and plywood. I used one in making cuts in hundreds of sheets of 3/4" plywood, never were my cuts off.

Either their saw was broken, or the operator had no idea how to set it up correctly. It does take more than quickly slapping a tape measure on it....that is why I said to watch them and even instruct them.

 

[Twin Reefs]

I've posted this photo before showing my static test of the screwed and glued, all plywood (except 3/4" oak face frame) stand I built for my 215G. There is around 3,000# sitting on the stand. After I had placed about half of the patio block I realized that there was a dip in the concrete floor directly under the center of the stand so I added some shims just to be safe. After the stand was loaded I easily removed the shims as the stand had not deflected at all.

[/IMG]

That's impressive!!!

Both sides here make great arguments. I'm in the process of designing my stand for my 120 reef tank (48x24x24). After hearing both sides, I think I am still sticking with the 2x4 frame with the plywood skinning. I think I'd sleep better at night knowing my stand is over built.