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Originally Posted by Orlando
You could have a metal frame jigged up just the way you want it. It may be more expensive where you live. However, I found that local welding schools are always a good place to get projects done for fairly inexpensive. Sheet metal fab shops are going to be your best bet. The sheet fab shops are more expensive but the work will be tailored to your needs.
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Awesome idea, but I just get scared about a "project" that makes my tanks fall to the floor in pieces. I will check at the local welding school.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EcoGeek
I am a woodworker, so I have made use of this site in the past. If you take the time to do your weight calculations this can be useful. I realize it is designed for shelving, but you can still use it to help determine what you'll need to support this beast.
It is called "The Sagulator."
http://www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator.htm |
Awesome link, I will definitely keep this one around. Thank you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by User Name
Save money and increase horizontal clearance by building the stand out of 2x4s and 3/4" plywood as the outside finish. At first, 225g volume and a 10' span seems a lot, but try to break a 2x4 with the narrow side up. You only need to support the tanks at the corners. In your case, be sure to incorporate vertical supports at the sides and at 5'/4' where the two tanks meet.
I would use 6' long 2x4 and stager them on top and bottom, front and back.
Go to a pet store and check out their stands, you'll notice they are made out of 1x1" and plywood, with plywood used to support the weight.
I have seen 500g stands made of acrylic only, instead of plywood like mentioned above.
I had a 225g setup made by Tennecor and the stand was made out of 3/4" MDF boards, no hoirizontal beams. It was a solid built box with open back and a vertical support in the center.
Just my opinion.
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My 135 stand scares me. It is 2x4s on top of what look like 1x6s. Do not know how the thing supports the weight. But I agree, that if those can hold, I think I will do ok. Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jinx©
Nice illustrations. 
Here's a great link for DIY Stand Specs that I had forgot I had saved in favorites earlier. It may help give you some more info.
One advantage I can think of by doing the 2 stands butted against each other is that should you ever move, change your mind, sell the tanks etc., you could always use them seperately. |
Love the fish and tips site, totally awesome stands and even gives you skinning ideas. Thanks for your help and the idea about the "modular" approach. I think I may have made up my mind....well maybe.
Thanks all, I am going to do some more SketchUp to see what type of skin would look best and post something tomorrow maybe. I think butting the stands up and then placing some molding could hide the seam. Hmm...the wheels are turning, don't mind the smoke!