[Scully]

So I've been wanting a smaller non-standard tank size. I've been eyeing the UNS 60L(24"x8"x8") because the dimensions/size and I've had the itch to do a dedicated high tech tank. I'm also in need of a functioning desk since I haven't had an actual workspace since using the library in college. So I figured why not kill two birds with one stone. I plan on starting to build this in the spring when the weather warms up and I have a new table saw to mess around with(my current table saw has been used and abused for over a decade and has missing/broken parts). I think I've finally come up with a design that'll work the way I want it to, but I haven't had a rimless tank before so I'm unsure of what kind of support it'll need.

This is a rough idea of what I want to build and somewhat to scale. The top would be 3/4" sanded plywood. The cabinet(30"H x 30"D x 16"W overall) beneath the tank would be framed out using 1x4 held together by pocket screws and skinned with 1/2" sanded ply with the back piece running the full length of the desk. The face of the cabinet would be 1x4(maybe ripped down a hair) so I can put face frame hinges on for a door since the frame would be in the way of doing full overlay hinges. The right side would either be 12" wide drawers or a cabinet with shelves and is slightly less important/more standard.

I'm wondering what people think of this. Is the frame overkill/will a full 1/2" ply frame be enough to support it? Would I need to add braces under where the tank is to support it more? Is this enough as is?

I might be overthinking it but I have seen some horror stories about rimless tanks getting just ever so slightly out of whack and exploding and I seriously don't want that.

 

[Lingwendil]

Frame will be plenty strong for the tank!

 

[Goodwood]

Your design will be fine for supporting your tank.

I would build your whole project out of 3/4" plywood, if you can. Pocket holes and glue could be more than adequate for what you are doing. This method would also free up a bit of room inside your "boxes."

 

[Scully]

Your design will be fine for supporting your tank.

I would build your whole project out of 3/4" plywood, if you can. Pocket holes and glue could be more than adequate for what you are doing. This method would also free up a bit of room inside your "boxes."

I was mainly worried that without direct support from some sort of brace/frame under the tank that it might sag the plywood top over time and crack. The cabinet/box underneath the tank will be 4-5" wider and 3" deeper on either side of the tank. But now that you mention it, if I used the 3/4" ply I could just add some 1x4 braces running front to back in the cabinet for either side of the tank instead of a whole frame within the cabinet, even if it is just for some peace of mind. I was also thinking I might just use a butcher block countertop instead of plywood, which might further eliminate the need for bracing underneath the tank. I'd want to see how well the base cabinets come out first though before spending the $$$ on a nice top.

I bought a pocket hole jig for this project and possibly for work if it ever comes up. If this comes out well I'll probably redo my 20 gallon long stand at some point too. I just want to make more professional looking stands than my last couple.