Novi January 14, 2010 January 14, 2010 Saturday morning I am heading over to Home Depot to get my supplies and build my stand. Anybody with experience want to lend a hand? H-E-double hockey sticks I wouldn't mind just having sombody to talk to while I build the darn thing... LOL I live in Warrenton, VA Seriously though if somebody does help me out I'll take you over to BRK that afternoon and buy them a coral for helping You can either post up or just shoot me a PM Thanks Chris
davelin315 January 14, 2010 January 14, 2010 Would help out but weekends are impossible for me with the kids (actually, come to think of it, pretty much every day is crazy). If you post up some plans, though, would give feedback!
Novi January 14, 2010 Author January 14, 2010 Here is some sketches I did.... The stand is gonna be longer than the tank just so I have space for tests, fragging, whatever..... The side will have a hidden panel for all my electronics/plugs/wires,etc....
DaveS January 14, 2010 January 14, 2010 I am by no means a stand building expert. My only suggestion would be about how you do the top part of the 4x4s. You have the top ends of the 4x4s going up to the top of the stand with the horizontal 2x4's meeting it. I would consider maybe having the horizontal 2x4s run the entire circumference of the top and have them resting on top of the 4x4s. As it is now, the ends of the horizontal 2x4s could be uneven where any of them meet the 4x4s, causing a gap. Again, I don't know a whole lot about this, I just watched and asked stupid questions when I had some more knowledgable friends come over to help me build mine.
John January 14, 2010 January 14, 2010 (edited) I would consider maybe having the horizontal 2x4s run the entire circumference of the top and have them resting on top of the 4x4s. As it is now, the ends of the horizontal 2x4s could be uneven where any of them meet the 4x4s, causing a gap. Agree, I would rotate your 2x4's so the crown in verticle (not horizontal like you have on the short sides) and double them up...I would make a frame similiar to the one I've attached...I would build the outer frame (red and blue 2x4's) to get your overall dimensions correct. Then I'd measure the inside dimensions to build the inner frame (yellow and green 2x4's). Notice the green 2x4's don't sit on top of the 4x4 posts, but of course you want to screw each board to its parallel neighbor and its perpendicular neighbor too. I would build two of these (top and bottom) and then use your 4x4's between them. Moreover, I would rotate your inner vertical 2x4 supports 90 degrees so that they would distribute the weight across both horizontal frame pieces and not just the outside board. I would also use the same number on each side; your illistration currently shows two on the front and only one on the back...be symmetrical, use wood screws (and liquid nails if desired), and keep the crown of the wood vertical. Lastly, I would notch out the corners of your sump plywood base to accomodate the posts before putting the top on. Picture is a birdeye's perspective, notice how the 2x4's sit on the 4x4 posts. Is this going on a cement floor? I'd imagine your looking at ~1500lbs [90G + sump (40G?)] Edited January 14, 2010 by John
Novi January 14, 2010 Author January 14, 2010 Yeah it will be going on a ground level floor so weight isn't an issue. I see what you guys are saying... sorta lol. Anyway I could get that in an isometric view?
kngfisher January 14, 2010 January 14, 2010 I dont think you need 4x4 or even 2x4 is you build it right. My current stand is 1" x 2" and 1" x 4" solid oak and put together sim to diagram on post #3. On top of the stand is another piece of 3/4" plywood. very sturdy. It holds my 90 acylic just fine. My new stand that chip and I have been working on is of the same basic design but used solid 1" x 2/4/6" maple with again, 3/4" ply sheet on top for my new 150H. Have seen store bought stands out of particle board and MDF and those hold if taken care of. Granted, maple is harder then pine but again, it all comes down to construction methods ( of pocket holes / Kreg Tools are a great way to construct a stand.)
extreme_tooth_decay January 14, 2010 January 14, 2010 I dont think you need 4x4 or even 2x4 is you build it right. That is absolutely correct. 2x4, properly built, is already giant overkill for that tank. I made my 125 out of 2x4 and that was giant overkill.
John January 14, 2010 January 14, 2010 That is absolutely correct. 2x4, properly built, is already giant overkill for that tank. I agree, I was just illistrating based off his original design...
davelin315 January 14, 2010 January 14, 2010 Might also want to add panels on the front or back on the outside, or at least some corners, to stabilize the entire thing.
lhcorals January 14, 2010 January 14, 2010 My 265 is 2x4 frame. It was done by a friend and put together very well.
lanman January 14, 2010 January 14, 2010 Each to his own... personally, I want to be prepared in case an elephant climbs up onto my tank for a drink. Instead of 4x4 verticals, use doubled 2x4's. Cut one of them 2x4's short, and place the 2x4's supporting the top on it. Ummm... what time Saturday? hahahahah Oh, darn... I can't do Saturday - have to go to Mr. Coral; I left my winter coat there last time. Kind of like this... but smaller perhaps... bob
Novi January 15, 2010 Author January 15, 2010 Each to his own... personally, I want to be prepared in case an elephant climbs up onto my tank for a drink. Instead of 4x4 verticals, use doubled 2x4's. Cut one of them 2x4's short, and place the 2x4's supporting the top on it. Ummm... what time Saturday? hahahahah Oh, darn... I can't do Saturday - have to go to Mr. Coral; I left my winter coat there last time. Kind of like this... but smaller perhaps... bob That is a great picture!! Help me out alot! Thanks Bob
CHUBAKAH January 15, 2010 January 15, 2010 Just a word of advice from an expert in the field. A 2x4 on end apprx 3 feet long will support about 1300LBS. You entire tank will weigh less than 1000 LBS. One could possibly put an entire garage on Bobs stand including that elephant. Standard framing 2' on center is way more than enough for any tank. No need to get all crazy with it.
lanman January 15, 2010 January 15, 2010 Just a word of advice from an expert in the field. A 2x4 on end apprx 3 feet long will support about 1300LBS. You entire tank will weigh less than 1000 LBS. One could possibly put an entire garage on Bobs stand including that elephant. Standard framing 2' on center is way more than enough for any tank. No need to get all crazy with it. My 600-pound tank, full of water, is 2400 pounds. Besides - it was easier to build that way, even if it took $50 more in wood. The stand for my 50-gallon stock tanks is built similarly - because it's easy. bob
lanman January 15, 2010 January 15, 2010 diagonal bracing - in case a runaway forklift hits it... bob
Novi January 17, 2010 Author January 17, 2010 Starting out with a big pile of lumber... After some cuts..... Starting to make some shapes.... Pocket Holes are your friend!!!! Stay tuned more to come
Novi January 18, 2010 Author January 18, 2010 (edited) Day 2... So far I have about 14 hours into this thing. Growing some legs.... Adding some center support Just need to add some angle bracing and the skeleton will be done! Edited January 18, 2010 by Novi
lanman January 18, 2010 January 18, 2010 Nice! And if you decide against the tank, you can put the car up on it to work on the underside!! bob
Novi January 18, 2010 Author January 18, 2010 Nice! And if you decide against the tank, you can put the car up on it to work on the underside!! bob LOL.... I used your design because I liked the Elephant remark
Jon Lazar January 18, 2010 January 18, 2010 When you move the tank inside, will you be able to get the forklift through the door?
Novi January 25, 2010 Author January 25, 2010 Started do a little stain.... Almost there.... Just need to do the doors but overall I am done... Going to start getting my equipment this week.. lights, skimmer, controller, etc... Stay tuned
Novi January 27, 2010 Author January 27, 2010 darn I hope no replys means it doesn't suck Anyways I swung by The Marine Scene and picked up some good stuff... MRC MR-2 Protein Skimmer Blueline 40 HD-X Pump NextReef Media Reactor Won Bros. Pump Vortech MP40w I also placed an order today for an ATI Powermodule which will be here Friday. I am hoping to be up and running next Saturday. Waiting on a few more things to be coming in next week so long as there not back ordered.
Reefer37 January 27, 2010 January 27, 2010 Lookin Good! When you get it up and running I will have to come by and check it out since im local. I hope the door holes are big enough to get your equipment through for service...
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