Stand pics/examples?

[Aquattro]

I'm just planning out my stand for the 180 and I'm looking for ideas. Anyone got pics or build threads with decent pics? I'll be using wood as a free standing unit...
thx

[Borderjumper]

Give Brian (Biggs on the site ) a PM.. He's built some awesome furniture grade ones.

[Aquattro]

Thanks Shelley!

[mark]

huge (split) rc stand thread (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1688446)

[pirate]

You could buy a peice of furniture that you like, and make a stand to fit inside of it. Cut out the center of the funiture and install your own stand. Just make sure that the peice of funiture is larger then your tank.

[reefwars]

A simple stand.... Frame with wood, buys some maple plywood stain it dark. Buy some decorative trim hardwood stain that too, you can use really nice crown molding for the top , use magnets for doors for easy access and no swinging:) if you do it yourself like I did $500 I'll post pics when I get my computer fixed after the weekend. I'm building my stand right now for my 200g just started it tonight will add some pics of that too:) cheers

[reefwars]

Imo furniture grade = not aquarium grade

anything built of nice wood is gonna run over 1000$ if you buy furniture , cheaper furniture is made of low budget wood and wears easily especially when water and weight are concerned. If you build a stand be sure to use hardwoods and put a water protective sealant on it. The thing about building your own is you don't pay labour which is huge in quality furniture, it's designed around your tank and your house, it's structure is a good as you need it to be as most tanks are different. Alot of people go tile or stone or just plain wood. Either way build a cheap shell that's structured and "skin" it with what you like. :)

[Aquattro]

Imo furniture grade = not aquarium grade



Ya, agreed. In my case, furniture grade means GF approved grade. It has to be a nice looking piece of furniture to match the rest of the room. Underneath will be solid framing, wood screws and glue, sealed seams and marine grade white paint.
I'm more looking for the guts ideas, the attractive skinning is the easy part. Just not exactly sure how I want to build 7' of stand, without getting too much bracing in the way of sump access, etc...

[Aquattro]

I'll post pics when I get my computer fixed after the weekend. I'm building my stand right now for my 200g just started it tonight will add some pics of that too:) cheers

Much appreciated :)

[Smudge]

Thinking of going wood with my new stand and found this.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1169964

[Aquattro]

Thinking of going wood with my new stand and found this.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1169964

Pretty much what I'm thinking, I'm just concerned with the horizontal span. I'll have 72" of unsupported span, which according to that link will be fine, but I'm not sure I'd sleep well :)
Maybe an additional vert in the centre will give me peace of mind, without restrciting access too much.
Changed my mind on the sump, I'll use a 75g instead of my 115g, which gives me an extra foot...

[Chin_Lee]

Brad - just remember the weight of your tank is distributed throughout the span of the beam. If you're still really nervous, double up the 2x6 horizontal beams on the front and back. I did a 6' tank as per link and I've had plenty of sleep since :)

[Aquattro]

Thanks Chin, I guess you're right, I wasn't looking at weight distribution properly :) I may double up the 2x6 horizontals, that way I'll sleep too

[MitchM]

Brad, if you're concerned about the horizontal span, order a glulam from Rona or somewhere. That's what I'm doing for my 8'.
Much stronger, no crowns, twists, warps.

Mitch

[jostafew]

Mitch has the right idea. Composites and laminates are great for important structural components (like long spanning unsupported beams). Regular lumber is subject to grain and knot imperfections that create weakness. Of course you can always just beef up the lumber, but then you're losing valuable opening space into your sump area. I built my stand out of 3/4" oak ply, solid panels all around taking the load with a double-thickness laminated front panel that was cut away to allow access for sump etc. The laminate nature of the plywood with alternating grain direction make for very strong parts. I've got photos and solid models I can share if you like, but my particular design probly won't help much as it was designed for a tank that's 30" x 24" x 24". If I were doing a stand for a tank as long as yours I would design it with a support mid-span (front and back) and make the front support removeable. I have seen clever ways to take the load off the front-center brace of a stand while a sump is being serviced with a full tank still in place.

[Aquattro]

From a thread on RC, spanning 6 feet with a 2x6 won't require a vertical support mid span. So my design is a top rail of 2x6 on 2x4 verticals (2 each corner) plus additional support on the outside corners, as I'm making the stand longer than the tank. Then sheathing with 1/2" plywood, so strength should be fine. Not crazy about 6 inches on top, since it will block access to the skimmer cup a bit, but not a huge deal.

[Borderjumper]

We built ours using much the same design, but added a piece of plywood on the bottom. It kinda helps distribute the weight evenly on the floor AND we siliconed the joints and painted it with a couple of coats of marine paint. If we had a leak or overflow it would hold a few gallons of water without soaking the floor.

[Aquattro]

We built ours using much the same design, but added a piece of plywood on the bottom. It kinda helps distribute the weight evenly on the floor AND we siliconed the joints and painted it with a couple of coats of marine paint. If we had a leak or overflow it would hold a few gallons of water without soaking the floor.

Exactly my plan. Then I have to figure out how to level it, the floor isn't exactly flat :)

[don.ald]

go to HD and buy those plastic shims for leveling doors. work great! once the weight is on they wont move.
Exactly my plan. Then I have to figure out how to level it, the floor isn't exactly flat :)

[chris121277]

Here are a few shots of the stand I'm building right now

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq339/chris121277/reef%20tank/PA180030.jpg

This cabinet on the side will have a hidden door that will house all my electrical
http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq339/chris121277/reef%20tank/PA180032.jpg

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq339/chris121277/reef%20tank/PA210041.jpg

Tonight I'm install all the junction box's and routing all the wires.....and with any luck I'll get a chance to start skinning this week end
http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq339/chris121277/reef%20tank/PA210040.jpg

[chris121277]

and if your interested, here are a few of my last one....I waaaay over built it....I bet the stand itself ways 150 pounds LOL

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq339/chris121277/reef%20tank/P5260006.jpg
http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq339/chris121277/reef%20tank/P5290003.jpg
http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq339/chris121277/reef%20tank/P5300008.jpg
http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq339/chris121277/reef%20tank/P5310013.jpg

[paddyob]

Ya, agreed. In my case, furniture grade means GF approved grade. It has to be a nice looking piece of furniture to match the rest of the room. Underneath will be solid framing, wood screws and glue, sealed seams and marine grade white paint.
I'm more looking for the guts ideas, the attractive skinning is the easy part. Just not exactly sure how I want to build 7' of stand, without getting too much bracing in the way of sump access, etc...



What I have decided to do is use my existing stand and then design a "cover" to go around. This will eliminate the need for bracing that might get in the way of the sump as well as eliminate the need for it to hold a 1000 pounds. I am not sure yet if it will have doors... or a three sided pull away piece. I am sure there will be some sort of access door... but at again, it will have no bracing in my way when I need in the sump.


And just want to add... you don't NEED to use all hardwood for the stand.... the majority of stands fabricated for aquarium use composite woods like MDF. Very dense and very heavy. Properly sealed you would never have to worry about it. And on top of that.... MDF would probably run the same cost as solid wood.

[paddyob]

Here are a few shots of the stand I'm building right now

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq339/chris121277/reef%20tank/PA180030.jpg

This cabinet on the side will have a hidden door that will house all my electrical
http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq339/chris121277/reef%20tank/PA180032.jpg

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq339/chris121277/reef%20tank/PA210041.jpg

Tonight I'm install all the junction box's and routing all the wires.....and with any luck I'll get a chance to start skinning this week end
http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq339/chris121277/reef%20tank/PA210040.jpg




I really like the electrical box idea. I think I will do that with my own stand! I have been humming and hawing over what to do with the power bars.

[globaldesigns]

I saw that you are going to build using wood. Have you thought of a steel stand. Reason I say this is of course much stronger, but resistant to water damage, mold, rot, etc.... Ok you may get rust if not painted/powder coated properly, but much more resiliant.

Then you could do a nice wood cover for it.

[Aquattro]

My 150 was done on a steel stand, and I didn't like it. And it did start rusting after a couple years. Skinning it was also tougher, and past stands with wood, for me, seemed easier.

[SmallFry]

I'm just planning out my stand for the 180 and I'm looking for ideas. Anyone got pics or build threads with decent pics? I'll be using wood as a free standing unit...
thx

I made mine from 3/4 plywood and maple, wasn't too hard to do, though it's a little overbuilt. If you're interested I can have a look for the drawings I made before I built it - yours would obviously have to be scaled up somewhat as your tank will be bigger than my 75.

There are some pictures in my tank log here (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=49642&highlight=smallfry%27s+tank&page=2)

If you want to know anything else, let me know,
Rob

[xblade]

Here's some pics of my latest stand...built for a 48 x 18 footprint.


http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk40/xblade67/DSC03580.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk40/xblade67/DSC03583.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk40/xblade67/DSC03584.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk40/xblade67/DSC03586.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk40/xblade67/DSC03591.jpg
Everything glued and screwed with deck screws.
Still have to put the doors on...

[reefwars]

heres some of mine its just the framing and its for a 200g

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad85/reefwars/new%20tank%20build/019.jpg?t=1287900378

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad85/reefwars/new%20tank%20build/020.jpg?t=1287900378


http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad85/reefwars/new%20tank%20build/012.jpg?t=1287900378


http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad85/reefwars/new%20tank%20build/010.jpg?t=1287900378


http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad85/reefwars/new%20tank%20build/015.jpg?t=1287900378




i too had to go a little higher than i wanted as my skimmer needs around 30" or more for clearance and in the pics the stand isnt finished it still needs cross bracing and it needs the center framed out, ill be in stalling 2 large magnetic doors in the back and in the front in the square you see is a viewing window made from acrylic so i can view the refuge and fragtank:) ill post some more once i get it completely done:)

[The Grizz]

Just my 2 cent worth...... as a welder by trade but also a jack of all trades (carpentry, plumbing and electrical - don't like to pay for things I can do myself :biggrin:) I would be on the side of metal stands simply for the fact that the material you can use is smaller in size and stronger over time ( wood rots and gets moldy) This allows more room for all our goodies under the tank. As for skinny the stand there are many avenues such as hinges (welded or screwed on) strong magnets are the one's that come to mind. But to each is there own and what others like to use for building materials is what they use. :biggrin:

Again just my 2 cent's.

Edit:
I do give props to some if not all of the wood stands I have seen in person and on here for jobs well done. There is some GREAT craftsmanship displayed and you all should be proud of your work.

[Myka]

we siliconed the joints and painted it

Be sure to use a paintable silicone (won't be 100% silicone) or just use indoor/outdoor caulking. I like DAP Alex Plus.

[Myka]

Sorry to use your pics of what not to do reefwaars, but this is not the best example of framing. The corners are not done properly. There should never be a vertical "seam" that runs uninterrupted. All the nails/screws/bracing in the world won't fix that. A double top plate could fix it though as well as nailing the bottom plate to the floor joists if that hasn't already been done.

FWIW, I'm a carpenter.


http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad85/reefwars/new%20tank%20build/015.jpg?t=1287900378

[phi delt reefer]

Here is what I am working on....

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af43/vinceispatel/014-1.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af43/vinceispatel/013.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af43/vinceispatel/012.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af43/vinceispatel/010.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af43/vinceispatel/009.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af43/vinceispatel/008.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af43/vinceispatel/001-1.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af43/vinceispatel/002-1.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af43/vinceispatel/003-1.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af43/vinceispatel/004.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af43/vinceispatel/005.jpg
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af43/vinceispatel/007-1.jpg

[Aquattro]

The corners are not done properly.

Ya, noticed that last night, I would at least do a double top plate with some 1x4 just to tie the sides together.

[Aquattro]

Here is what I am working on....



I think I saw this over on RC....nice job. That's the style I did for my last big tank, but had it all welded from steel. It was a monster stand that was 1/2" taller than my front doorway :)

[phi delt reefer]

I think I saw this over on RC....nice job. That's the style I did for my last big tank, but had it all welded from steel. It was a monster stand that was 1/2" taller than my front doorway :)

I wish i had done mine out of steel. Would have been so much lighter. Its only for a 30-40 gallon tank. Right now the thing ways at least 250lbs.

[Myka]

Ya, noticed that last night, I would at least do a double top plate with some 1x4 just to tie the sides together.

Ya, for a 200 gallon tank I wouldn't trust the plywood sheeting to hold those corners together. Personally, I would remove that single top plate, and design it differently to tie the corners together.

-----------------------

FWIW to all stand builders...

In framing of houses screws aren't used for a very good reason. The shearing power of a nail is FAR greater than the shearing power of a screw. Which means a screw will break much easier than a nail. We all love screws though because they are so much easier to use. Using through bolts in some of the main structural areas of the stand is a good idea, as well as corner bracing or sheeting to prevent movement in all directions.

You see screws used much more often in things like home cabinetry where there is little force in comparison to framing, and glue is always used to increase holding power, and reduce shearing forces on the screws. However, home cabinetry is not designed to hold weight like an aquarium stand is, so using framing methods combined with cabinetry finishing is the best bet.

----------------------

Another example...as much as I like the minimal look of this stand (and the color!), it scares me as well. There should at least be some corner bracing on the back as there is little to prevent this stand from shifting side to side. A solid back sheet would fix the problem. Most of us don't want that though, so for a small stand like this even some triangular shaped pieces of 3/8"+ plywood would increase stability significantly.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk40/xblade67/DSC03591.jpg

[reefwars]

Sorry to use your pics of what not to do reefwaars, but this is not the best example of framing. The corners are not done properly. There should never be a vertical "seam" that runs uninterrupted. All the nails/screws/bracing in the world won't fix that. A double top plate could fix it though as well as nailing the bottom plate to the floor joists if that hasn't already been done.

FWIW, I'm a carpenter.


there will be a 2x6 top plate added to the top and bottom that covers all joins and i still have more framing to do to the top and middle, its not finished yet these are just some pics up untill i ran out of wood. i used screws but am fully aware of the difference in nails to screws as i too am a carpenter and have been framing since i was 15 but now do more general contracting but i do prefer using nails to screws when it comes to support. i used screws for now because i am going to be moving just after christmas so this is just a quick stand to get evereything pieced together untill i can move it into its new resting spot untill then the tank will sit empty on framing and when i get my sump built i may run a freshwater fill but after christmas i will be wanting to take it all apart and rebuild in another house and one i will own lol in which case i will use a bit of both :) thanks for the suggestions:):)

[xblade]

Another example...as much as I like the minimal look of this stand (and the color!), it scares me as well. There should at least be some corner bracing on the back as there is little to prevent this stand from shifting side to side. A solid back sheet would fix the problem. Most of us don't want that though, so for a small stand like this even some triangular shaped pieces of 3/8"+ plywood would increase stability significantly.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk40/xblade67/DSC03591.jpg


Good advice..I added corner bracing on the top back.. And nailed it on. :)

[Myka]

Good advice..I added corner bracing on the top back.. And nailed it on. :)

Excellent! :biggrin: