Stand pics/examples? - Page 2

SmallFry · #1 10-24-2010, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

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

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

xblade · #2 10-24-2010, 05:38 AM

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

Everything glued and screwed with deck screws.
Still have to put the doors on...

reefwars · #3 10-24-2010, 06:10 AM

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

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

Myka · #4 10-24-2010, 06:41 AM

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefwars

phi delt reefer · #5 10-24-2010, 02:26 PM

Here is what I am working on....

Aquattro · #6 10-24-2010, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

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.

reefwars · #7 10-24-2010, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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

The Grizz · #8 10-24-2010, 06:13 AM

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

) 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.

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 · #9 10-24-2010, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquattro

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.

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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.

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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.

xblade · #10 10-26-2010, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

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.

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