[DrinkTheYeastMix]

Not sure if this will solve my issue...
My tank is without a stand, and i REALLY want to take next week to set everything up. But issue #1 is this:

I have an extra stand in the garage but its 2 inches too shallow
(1 inch on either side)

Is it going to be an issue to place two separate pieces of wood that don't span the length of the tank so there is something under the majority of the rim?

Since the rim is the only thing that makes contact with a stand is this a huge issue haveing about a 5 inch space between the pieces of wood?

 

[archer772]

I would just get some 2x4's and build out on the back side of the stand as long as the stand is the correct length

 

[davocean]

^^^ I like that idea.
The 2 pieces of ply look a bit scary to me the way you have it, not worth the risk IMO

 

[davocean]

Oh, and if you add a ply top, make sure it's PLY, and not the MDF/particle board you have right now, that stuff swells/mushes when wet, not good for a heavy load, and glass.

 

[DrinkTheYeastMix]

good to know. I think I'll head to home depot and add 2x4's to the back of the stand and get a plywood top.

 

[davocean]

And in doing so, make sure to have a 2x header that spans the total length of cabinet, and the legs will go UNDERNEATH that 2x, so the header sits on top.
That way the lumber takes the load, not screws/nails fasteners.
And then a ply top on top of that would be ideal.

 

[DrinkTheYeastMix]

2x header?

 

[archer772]

2x4

 

[davocean]

Yeah, 2x4, sorry.

 

[DrinkTheYeastMix]

ah gotcha. didnt think of that, good design idea. looks like ill have something to do on a day off tomorrow (while i put off my homework haha)

 

[mickmac247]

A 1in piece of plywood cut the the sixe of the bottom of the tank will do the trick also. Less work and solid all the way. Try and center ply and tank so that an even amount is all the way around each side as best you can. Might think about a 1/2 piece and have them cut it so you can double it to make a 1 in piece. might be a bit cheaper. Some places also have scrap pieces to pic thru and ask if you dont see them. Major part is to have the base of the tank touching also level on all 4 sides. Let us know how you make out. The other ideas sound great as well. A quick spray paint job and u are good to go...

 

[DrinkTheYeastMix]

I like that idea, anyone see anything wrong with that simple fix?

 

[mickmac247]

I have that fix working for a 55 (2) 1/2 pieces glued didnt have screws lol also on a 20 tall screwed both for a few years now. Scrap woood is just as good usually so look around Might even try some construction sites that are throwing partial sheets away.

 

[davocean]

Ply alone will flex, but an inch in front, inch in back, you MAY be OK since you have trim, maybe.
I believe those tanks are meant for load at each corner, more than across whole span of trim.
For me, I'd do the 2x's and ply top, but I'm a carpenter, easy for me to do.
Judgement call on your end, but I personally would sleep better if it had full support.

 

[archer772]

I agree davocean I would never trust just plywood and yes the tank needs to be supported on the corners.

 

[mickmac247]

Ya the load should go on the edges all around and didnt mean the whole span. Some of the 2x4 racks just have the bottom trim touching on all four side and some racks have 20 tanks keep updates comming
http://newenglandguppies.org/FishRooms/fishrooms-andrews.htm

 

[mickmac247]

I would go more than just the corners and support the trim all around the base like a metal stand does. Its not like he would be using 1/8 ply its hopefully 1 in and what little area is sticking out i dont think much bowing will happen JMO ;0
Smaller tanks 5s 10s can be just suported on the front and backas you can see in the link.http://newenglandguppies.org/FishRooms/fishrooms-driscoll.htm

 

[DrinkTheYeastMix]

5 mins on sketchup and here's whatchya get....

This is meant to give a general idea as to how I added support for the plywood extending off the back of the stand. The sketch makes this look flimsy, but the actual thing seems darn solid. The sketch also gives the impression that the corners are drastically unsupported. While the actual setup has the corners bare, it isn't as bad as this makes it look.

So here is the general idea of what I did today. Like I said, the tank is only 2 inches too deep, so the dimensions here are not exact. 1/2 in piece of ply sits on top of the stand, extending about 1/2 inch out on the front and sides, and about 4 inches off the back. The 2x4's are screwed into the ply from the top. There is also plywood securing the 2x4's into a fixed position at their bases, to prevent them from ever wobbling side to side. It feels sturdy with the tank sitting on top, have yet to do a fill test.

 

[DrinkTheYeastMix]

EDIT: I did the sketch because its dark in the garage, but heres a crummy picture just to see. You can see the screws that go through the ply and into the 2x4, and the rim of the tank straddles the two screws in each.

 

[DrinkTheYeastMix]

Fill test!!

I went ahead and dragged this baby outside for a fill test. Here is what we're lookin at...

Everything seems fine. Ask questions because I can't see why this might end in heartbreak.