Time for that next build...

[chrishayes]

Eric, your design looks like the diy from rocketengineer, am i right? If so, did you use the calculator for just like 2" extra on either side of the actual tank measurement? Then you have the front and back of the tank supported by the spanner rails taking the load to the ground but the sides are being taken by the screws and the small notch of your furred in side supports? Did this provide a stable stand to your opinion? obviously not as strong as having the load on all for sides taken directly by the legs but im guessin its likely just fine? Not to mention I will be using the same 2x4s as you but only half the water and a slightly shorter width so i dont see a problem at all. Im just trying to figure out how to change the calculator to make my cut list work. My father is a cabinet maker and Im a journeyman electrician that can build anything but framing is just not my thing...

 

[RokleM]

Correct. I've built a number of stands over the years based on that design, with a few changes. With a table saw, I rip the edges to get a perfect 90 degree fit. However, that does violate his "simple tools" method of stand building. It was MORE than stable. The "inside" beams were where the left/right part of the aquarium sat, screwed into the other sides and partially down via the notch that was in place. Furthermore, there was a piece of oak across that entire area, spreading the load further. So it wasn't 100% down on the exact corner, but close enough. I would absolutely use his method if you're doing your own. Many naysayers will say it's way overkill and technically plywood stands are better, but I'll stick with what I know works

 

[chrishayes]

yeah im with you, I like the solidity and simplistic nature of his design. I also have all the tools to build whatever kind of stand I want but im a tried and true guy with all things aquarium. So can you tell me what width oak you used for the the surround? Is it 6" ripped to 5" or did you use 4" and cover the corner with trim? I went to menards today to get the wood and took a look at their oak selection and I saw only 4 and 6" widths in their 1/2" thickness boards. With the way the stand legs are built with a 2x on its 3.5" width flanked by a 2x on its 1.5"depth 90 degrees to that it makes you need a 5" width on one face and a 5.5" on the opposite face to make the corner...what did you do? and did you buy the oak that is like single wrapped for like 40$ a 12' length? Just trying to be cost effective but still come out with as nice a stand as you made! Also what did you use for the doors? 1/4" ply? I dont see that being strong enough to hold its shape. Got a link on the magnets you used? do they pop out far enough to just grab the door and pull it off or did you have handles?Wish you had a bit more detailed pics as im wanting to flatter you by copying! lol

 

[icu2]

If you went to the Marion menard's they have "random oak" which are miscuts. It is right before the pine boards selection. They are much cheaper and will do nicely; they just take a little more time.

 

[RokleM]

Yes, I grabbed the oak from menard's too. I actually used 3/4 then planed it down becuase 3/4 was cheaper than 1/2" when I was there. I just picked the closest width/length economically and went from there. The magnets are normal door magnets from woodcraft. The "doors" are just 3/4" ply painted in a similar color, routed with a lip around the edge. so they slid into place.

 

[chrishayes]

Well I am well on my way now with the stand! I cant thank you enough rokle for giving me a template to work with. This is THE best framing job ive ever done! and Ive done a lot...everything is square, level, and flush to my utter surprise. I just took it slow and double and triple checked every corner before finish screwing with coated deck screws. Still have a little more poly to apply and skin the frame.

I stained the interior as well because I am thinking of leaving it open on all four sides instead of putting doors on it. DOnt know if thatll be the case or not though but I wanted to have it nice inside just incase...Im concerned of heat buildup due to this

A 250W hqi lumenmax2 pendant, and I refuse to run a chiller.

So i got work to do to fiinsh this thing up, hopefully it wont take too much longer...again thank you

 

[chrishayes]

Just for reference, this is what I am replacing.

It now looks like this!

Some of the coral are not looking good in their temporary home and everything but my pearlberry sps wise has browned out...plus a few lost sweeper tentacle battles. Lobos win when it goes up again calustrea!

 

[chrishayes]

This is where I am currently

 

[icu2]

Very nice

 

[Easily Distracted]

Nice work.

 

[chrishayes]

All done! The lights in the garage are obviously messin with the white balance on the camera cause its not golden oak like it looks...nor does it have all the varying shades of color. Its colonial maple which is a redish rust color. Its the same as all the cabinets and woodwork in the rest of the house. Hope it looks good with a black tank on it...

Couldnt be happier with how it turned out! Now its time to start emptying my wallet to get this thing setup. Thanks for the help and design ideas rokle and icu2, thanks for the compliment. Is there anyway you could post a picture of how the doors are attached via the magnets?

Should I start a build thread here in the cora section or the main forum? I dont wanna keep clutering erics thread even though its pretty much closed as far as the original intent...icu2 have you started a thread on the tank since you got it?

 

[RokleM]

You can do both honesty. I like posting in the local forum to get ideas from people I know and trust, but posting a build thread in the reef section will get you a wider range of opinions from others.