New 20L stand I built last night.

[flight50]

Originally Posted by jeremyTR

If it was wider then the corners of the tank wouldn't be resting on the legs of the stand.

The bottom part isn't a shelf, but supports for the whole stand.

Being wider would be possible if the top horizontal pieces rested on top of the legs. That way all side will rest on an edge. It also adds more strength in that configuration. Nice simple build though. Its functional and works for what you need which is all that matters. I think Jadenlea was just trying to squeeze one more tank in there for you.

[DogFish]

Nice work 1st time out.

If you added a plywood top, you would greatly increase the strength of your design. If you make the top deeper (Front to Back) and have the excess sticking out of the back/front flush, you get a nice hidden shelf to store chemicals, fish food, etc. I did that and it's very handy.

If your plywood cutting skills are not strong, HomeDepot will cut plywood for you and 3-4 cuts are N/C.

You don't need to buy a full sheet either, you can buy a 1/2 sheet or the smaller 2'x4' panels.

To help level you can use a Yoga mat. Simply lay it down and AFTER you TEST fill there tank trim with a razor. If you trim BEFORE a TEST fill you won't be able to compensate for compression. I've made that mistake myself


There are also window/AC foam on 3/4" wide rolls that make nice gaskets to level or pad under the tank. I used 3/4" black foam to make a gasket to set my Wood top on my Metal stand (see PAR38 Track link in my Sig line.) Plywood on Metal will always move/expand/contract.

[jeremyTR]

Originally Posted by flight50

Being wider would be possible if the top horizontal pieces rested on top of the legs. That way all side will rest on an edge. It also adds more strength in that configuration. Nice simple build though. Its functional and works for what you need which is all that matters. I think Jadenlea was just trying to squeeze one more tank in there for you.

I totally understand what she was sayin. In all honesty I wasn't even really thinking about that. I didn't even go into this with like a blueprint I guess you could say. Just went to Home Depot grabbed some 2x4s and some bracket things that I thought would work best lol.

Originally Posted by DogFish

Nice work 1st time out.

If you added a plywood top, you would greatly increase the strength of your design. If you make the top deeper (Front to Back) and have the excess sticking out of the back/front flush, you get a nice hidden shelf to store chemicals, fish food, etc. I did that and it's very handy.

If your plywood cutting skills are not strong, HomeDepot will cut plywood for you and 3-4 cuts are N/C.

You don't need to buy a full sheet either, you can buy a 1/2 sheet or the smaller 2'x4' panels.

To help level you can use a Yoga mat. Simply lay it down and AFTER you TEST fill there tank trim with a razor. If you trim BEFORE a TEST fill you won't be able to compensate for compression. I've made that mistake myself


There are also window/AC foam on 3/4" wide rolls that make nice gaskets to level or pad under the tank. I used 3/4" black foam to make a gasket to set my Wood top on my Metal stand (see PAR38 Track link in my Sig line.) Plywood on Metal will always move/expand/contract.

Yea, my cousin was telling me to put a sheet of plywood down but I was like "nah" lol <_< thanks for the great tips though, they'll definitely come in handy when I'm building a stand for my second 40B. Also, thanks for the compliment man!


I also did start working on this thing at 10:30pm with a couple mixed drinks in me heh. I was working on the garage floor too and being on your hands and knees for a couple hours suuuuuccckkkks haha.

[DogFish]

I started DIY just like you are doing, a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. With a Tips from "old" guys I got a little better each project. Anyone can toss money at a hobby, DIY projects, raising your own fish, growing a tank full of plants that's what it's about...not shopping online.

When you go back to HD, spend some time in the Kitchen dept. looking at the cabinets, then some more time in the aisle with the wood trim & moldings. I'm sure you'll get some great ideas.

Best of luck.

[150EH]

Your off to a good start and DogFish is right a hobby has nothing to do with buying prebuilt so you off to a good start but we need way more photos.

[Plantlet]

Cool.. I'm also building a stand for my 5 gallon, 29 gallon, and 55 gallon. My 5 is on a little folding table, my 29 is on top of a dresser, and my 55 is empty so its just on the floor for now. One thing though, under the tank, there is nothing to support it. The weight of the water may crack the glass since there is nothing to hold it.

[jeremyTR]

Nah the glass won't crack underneath.

Sent from my HTC Evo 4G

[jeremyTR]

Even if there was plywood the bottom pane still wouldn't be touching it.

Sent from my HTC Evo 4G

[DogFish]

yes, a plywood top would function as lateral movement support elimination or greatly reducing stress on the stand.

A rimmed tank is supported by the lower rim along the edges. However, it is still important to reduce flex from sitting on an uneven surface. by getting the tank level.

[jeremyTR]

tank is pretty even and the stand is sturdy.

[AndrewGreen]

Looks great man, i see the effort!

[150EH]

Yeah your good and with those size tanks there's not much worry on the weight.

[fusiongt]

If you don't want ugly cardboard below the tank, you could try leveling the tank this way:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts_Jb...7&feature=plcp