Custom stand strength... ?
 

OK... I'm going to be building a custom stand for my new 160 (48" x 30" foot print) and although I'm fairly confident that I'll build a strong enough stand, I'd like a little reasurance. I'm thinking 2 2x4's perpidicular to each other on each corner, with 2x4's around the edges up top, and likely a couple of extra 2x4's across the top inside the perimiter. On top of that, probably 3/4" plywood and then 1-2" styro foam on top of that. I'd like to throw an Ikea cupboard in the middle which when planned correctly, can also be used as supprt for the center of the tank. I may also put another couple of 2x4's vertically in the center area for good measure.

To me, this all sounds good... maybe even a little like over kill... what do you think?

It's overkill, you'll be fine.

Have a look here its couple good reads and some good ideas.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1169964

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1355576

Thanks parkinsn! Those links are awesome!

No problem. Sorry, but now im going to hi-jack your thread a little :biggrin:

Has anyone seen this type of wood? (the stuff on the doors) I have seen it on a few tank stands its "quilted" maple, walnut, oak ect does anyone know where you can get this?

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/r...n/P3110332.jpg

Parkinson, you should check out the Black Forest Wood Company. They have all sorts of cool types of wood there. Maybe your next stand could be made from purpleheart? Or a type of ebony? Very nice stuff, can also be very expensive.

Windsor Plywood may have some.

those doors are curly maple its a very nice very hard wood lol i have spun some pens out of it. there is cheaper places than windsor plywood to buy most of those fancy woods if you have the tools to work with it :lol::mrgreen:

For block wood there's definetly cheaper places to buy but if you're looking for fancy plywood I wouldn't recommend running it through a planer!:lol:

really thanks for the heads up on that dawn lol what fun is plywood when the real solid wood is available lol