Stand building question

[TankArchitect]

Hi,

I am considering building a new stand for my 75 g FOWLR to provide a better layout and more room for a bigger sump and refugium underneath. I also want to make the stand big enough to accommodate a standard AGA 120 gallon as a future upgrade.

The actual dimensions of a 120 are 24-1/2" deep by 48-1/2" wide. I would like to economically use plywood for the base and possibly the top. Knowing the dimensions of plywood to typically be 24" or 48" wide, does anyone see a problem with making a 2x4 frame that is exactly 24" deep by 48" long and providing the additional 1/2" in depth and length by putting 1/4" plywood on the sides and either 1/2" plywood or solid oak trim on the front flush with the top of the framing (or top of the plywood if used at the top) to make up the extra 1/2" needed? Has anyone done this? My intent would be to use trim over this plywood or oak to cover the tank trim.

Hope this question makes sense.

Thanks for any responses.

 

[EricBrian]

Check out this guy's efforts:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=7693491#post7693491

 

[GROSSR]

What are the dimension of the 75 as compared to the future 120?

If they are just a bit off you are ok.

rich

 

[MrZ]

I'm not sure I completely understand what you are asking - but remember that glass aquariums put all of their weight on the edges. If you are planning on using plywood for the top of the stand then you would want it to come all the way out to the edges. Plywood comes in sheets 48x96 so doing a 24.5x48.5 piece is no problems. If you were considering buying a half sheet just so you could get it into your vehicle - home depot will make a few rough cuts for you for free.

 

[TankArchitect]

Mr Z,

Thanks, just trying to use the plywood sheet economically. If I could use a 24x48 top and bottom, I could get it out of one sheet of 48x96 rather than have to use 2 sheets if I cut it to the extra 1/2" in each direction. My intent would still be to provide a flush top all the way to the outside dimensions of the tank, but just using the 1/4" plywood on both sides and a 1/2 ply or solid wood on the front to bring the top surface dimensions to 24.5 x 48.5.

 

[bassnman11]

You can enlarge the plywood by edge banding it with solid wood of the same thickness. Attach a piece to each end and the front with glue and small nails. I would cut the plywood down a little so the solid pieces are at least 3/4 wide to bring it out to the desired size. Make the 2x4 frame full size to support the plywood.

 

[TankArchitect]

bassnman11,

thanks, never thought of adding edge banding to the plywood, that's a great idea.

 

[rihanssu]

john, take a tape measure to the hardware store with you, generaly play wood isn't an exact 8x4 sheet its usually 1/2'' or bigger on all sides.

 

[TankArchitect]

rihanssu,

even better than the edge banding/ I'll check the actual sheet dimensions. Hope you're right. Thanks.