Tank Frame Plan

[ryan115]

This is what I am thinking for my 40br. I am going to build a 2x4 skeleton, to which I will attach removable side panels allowing full access underneath. There will be a sheet of plywood on the bottom for the sump to sit on. Does anyone see any problems with having it unbraced, except for at the corners? Should this be made out of pressure treated, or should I just use a sealer on all of the wood?

 

[mrferrit]

i think that looks pretty good and nice drawing but i would ask robthorn or pmike for any building questions but i think id do pressure treated just in case

also if ya need help im just around the corner from ya so let me know

 

[ryan115]

Thanks, sketchup is so much fun!

 

[ryan115]

bump...I know there are some more DIY'ers in the area

 

[wsurf4me]

Ryan, I would put another 2 x 4 perpendicular to each existing verticle corner 2 x 4. It would help with the lateral support, with removable side panels theres nothing keeping the verticle supports from racking front to back. Just my 2 cents.

 

[ryan115]

Im thinking about putting L-brackets at all of the corners... Do you think this would be enough to alleviate this problem. The only reason I hesitate to pu more 2x4s in, is that i am trying to keep the underside as open as possible to allow complete access

 

[alizarin]

I have a 40 breeder and my stand had to be as small as possible to fit next to my couch, hold my skimmer, and still be at eye level. The way my stand was different from yours was that I took out the front 2x4, the middle 2x4 and instead of plywood on top I used 1x5 boards - I figured if it could hold people on a floor it could hold my tank. My tank has been running for over a year no troubles. Also, the horizontal 2x4s are turned the other way to allow more access from the front and the bottom shelf is 2.5 inches off the ground so water doesn't collect on my wood floor and I can mop/sweep.

Now, I'm in the process of making a shelf over the top with painted metal fence posts that I'm hanging my lights from. Looks good so far.

I get pressure treated wood when I can but I've never noticed a difference - if water isn't sitting on the wood in puddles it isn't going to matter and even if it was it would take alot of contact time to get through the paint.

 

[wsurf4me]

Not really sure about the L-brackets, some type of bracing in the corners certainly couldn't hurt. I struggled with the same thing, trying to keep the access as open as possible. In the end I added additional bracing after the initial build, just didn't feel solid enough to me. I can now say it was worth it, rock solid with a wavebox swishing away, and plenty of room to get in and out. Check out all the DIY builds, shoot pmike or some of the other good builders a pm.

 

[Sailor_jon]

I would find a secure way to attach those corner posts to the top frame. Just resting the top 2x4s on the posts isn't sufficient. You might consider alum plates fasted to the top brace and posts.

PT is required unless you plan to leake a lot of water. Even then, its salt water, not fresh...so you will be fine. I've seen plans using a shower pan liner, or heavy guage visqueene, fastend 3-4" above the bottom all the way around, seems like a good idea.

 

[alizarin]

I just noticed the top wasnt' attached to the posts. Here's a really bad picture of mine:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/87941dirty_sump_and_stand.jpg

The vertical pieces are bolted to the horizontal pieces. (Thick screws actually - the kind with a hex top you screw in with a socket wrench)

 

[ryan115]

The top will be attached to the posts. The reason it is on top is for 1: to give more room underneath & 2: to have all of the weight resting on the wood itself rather than the weight on the screws (where it would have been if the posts came all the way to the top and the top boards ran between them.

 

[Sailor_jon]

Correction - I meant to say PT - ISN"T required. IMO

 

[ryan115]

I am planning on screwing together all of the joints and probably using L-brackets as well. I found some at home depot near the lumber section that are used for home construction (similar to hurricane brackets). But I was also planning on putting it all together with liquid nails for extra support. I dont know if that would all be enough. But I might build the stand and test its strength and go from there. Any suggestions?

 

[ryan115]

Ok so here is the updated frame plans. There will also be plywood attached to each side (and possibly the front, not sure yet). I am going to be screwing together all joint, as well as a good possibility of liquid nails making an appearance. Any comments or suggestion?