DIY Stand Questions (first time)

[shawnriv]

Hello Everyone,

I am going to make my first attempt at building a stand for my new 48 x 24 x 13 inch tank. I have done some research and really like the look of the DIY ADA stand made on this forum: http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...lding-ada.html

Will using only plywood be able to hold my size tank? I would like the tank to be as light as possible but at the same time be able to hold something that's probably around 600 pounds filled with water. And of course not having to shell out a lot of money in the meantime.

I am going to run to Home Depot today and pick up supplies.

Thank you!

[Windy2]

Plywood is stronger than std. lumber. Floor joists are now made with 3/4" ply and older solid joist were a minimum of 1 1/2" thick. Your plywood stand will be fine.

[shawnriv]

Originally Posted by Windy2

Plywood is stronger than std. lumber. Floor joists are now made with 3/4" ply and older solid joist were a minimum of 1 1/2" thick. Your plywood stand will be fine.

Great! Thanks for the input. How tall do you think I should make the stand? The tank came with a 40.5 inch stand and it looks very big since the tank is shallow.

Thanks.

[otter]

I've done this a time or two myself. You can have fun doing it and make your doors and shelves, etc exactly how you want.

This may go without saying but just in case -
Yes plywood is actually quite strong and will provide integrity to your stand, or anything for that matter, but you will need a frame (box) for the main support and for the plywood to attach.
For a tank of that size you should be able to use standard 2x4 (could use pressure treated but I'd probably use standard) for the entire frame. You might want to look into 2x2 if weight is a real concern but 2x4 are cheap, easy to work with and shouldn't make it too heavy. I'd think about using a pocket hole jig to get clean and sturdy screw connections but you could also just angle them.
My text art is not the best but looking down it should look something like this (if this posts correctly):

x----x----x
| | |
x----x----x

I think I may have done two center supports (front to back on the top) on my last one actually. I did not place a solid piece of ply across the top though. less weight and no need since you don't see it. It would look more like this:

x----x----x
| | | |
x----x----x

[otter]

Sorry - my attempt at ascii art didnt work out...

[South City]

The thread I linked below is pretty much the bible when it comes to building an aquarium stand. You can't go wrong if you follow it. It would be a bit cheaper than the other design as well.

You also have the benefit of knowing that any stand built using that design will hold the weight. Hundreds, if not thousands of stands have been built using it as a guide. I can't say for certain if your plywood design would hold the weight or not.(it probably would)

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1169964

[billdogg]

Plywood alone is more than enough to support your tank as long as the cuts are square and the joinery done properly. You can join it using pocket holes joinery or biscuits. Use a good wood glue (titebond III is my go-to) and no inside frame is needed at all.

Although mine is cherry, the idea is the same


you can see some of the many the pocket holes here


and the finished product here


If you have the tools and the skills to use them, there is no need whatsoever to waste all the space inside the stand on 2x's.

HTH!

[Windy2]

Originally Posted by otter

I've done this a time or two myself. You can have fun doing it and make your doors and shelves, etc exactly how you want.

This may go without saying but just in case -
Yes plywood is actually quite strong and will provide integrity to your stand, or anything for that matter, but you will need a frame (box) for the main support and for the plywood to attach.
For a tank of that size you should be able to use standard 2x4 (could use pressure treated but I'd probably use standard) for the entire frame. You might want to look into 2x2 if weight is a real concern but 2x4 are cheap, easy to work with and shouldn't make it too heavy. I'd think about using a pocket hole jig to get clean and sturdy screw connections but you could also just angle them.
My text art is not the best but looking down it should look something like this (if this posts correctly):

x----x----x
| | |
x----x----x

I think I may have done two center supports (front to back on the top) on my last one actually. I did not place a solid piece of ply across the top though. less weight and no need since you don't see it. It would look more like this:

x----x----x
| | | |
x----x----x

Only follow these suggestions if you need a place to park your Truck. Your plan is fine without a frame.