Seeking comments on my 93g cube stand

[mikellini]

Please have a look and comment; this is my first real structural DIY, so I want to be sure it'll hold the weight. Built out of 2x6 on the top, butt-jointed 2x4 to 2x6 on the legs, 2x4 on the bottom (same design as the top), and skinned with 5/8" plywood. Used GRK screws for fastening, and I attached the legs with pocket screws... I think I overbuilt it but I want to be sure. Also, I've put holes where I think they'd be of most benefit, it's going into a corner and the rimless marineland 93g has a corner overflow. Any other suggestions?

Also, this is with two coats of appliance epoxy paint. I know it needs more, but how many do you think? For both waterproofing and aesthetics... Thanks!

 

[SuperDaveA]

Primary load path is going to be around the rim of the tank. Most tanks have a rim around the outside so you really don't get any transfer any where around the center stringers. Plywood will prevent racking of stand and proper load transfer through the legs. I'd say you built it like a tank and you're going to be good to go.

The only thing I would check is the flatness of the top and levelness of the whole stand when you set it up. You probably want flatness of 1/8" or less over the whole top (you can just measure at the points where the tank will hit. I've seen people put a thin layer of foam down on top of the top plywood to take up some of the flatness issue.

Levelness of the tank can be adjusted under the four corners with wood shims once in place.

 

[Pife]

It looks like a very sturdy stand.

 

[mikellini]

Primary load path is going to be around the rim of the tank. Most tanks have a rim around the outside so you really don't get any transfer any where around the center stringers. Plywood will prevent racking of stand and proper load transfer through the legs. I'd say you built it like a tank and you're going to be good to go.

The only thing I would check is the flatness of the top and levelness of the whole stand when you set it up. You probably want flatness of 1/8" or less over the whole top (you can just measure at the points where the tank will hit. I've seen people put a thin layer of foam down on top of the top plywood to take up some of the flatness issue.

Levelness of the tank can be adjusted under the four corners with wood shims once in place.

It's rimless, so the extra structure should help, and flatness is quite important. I haven't closely checked yet but I'm sure it's out a bit; I was planning on using a relatively thick yoga mat, or stack a few layers of that anti-slip shelf pad stuff. Was trying to source some "self-levelling" mat from innovative marine (the kind they use on the SR series) but haven't had much luck. I'm pretty sure it's not much different from a yoga mat though.

 

[Indymann99]

Uh yeah... that stand will hold my Honda Accord...

 

[mikellini]

OK, so the structure is good. What about the paint? Also, I was thinking about running all of the electrical on a panel that would hinge up into the front cavity created by the 2x6s at the top. Is this a bad idea (humidity) or would it work OK?

 

[Indymann99]

My APEX Energy Bar (controlled power strip) is located at the top of my stand and has been fine for several years (no sign of corrosion or probs with humidity).

 

[mikellini]

Still don't know if I want to go with the apex... Anyone hear if they'll be releasing a new model in the next year or two? Yours looks good tho...

Did the third coat of paint today, looks done to me. Tank comes next month, can't wait! Using Thorley's bonsai reef as inspiration