|
|
Post by Syntax on Mar 29, 2014 10:02:24 GMT -5
I'm in the planning stages for a stand for my 125 gallon tank. I want to use a 40g breeder for my sump.
The question that I have is related to the stand size... Here it goes (sorry if it is poorly worded):
My sump and tank both will have a width of 18.? inches. I want to make sure that I have enough room under the tank for the sump. If I build my stand making sure that I have about 19 inches inside the cabinet for depth, that will mean that my tank will be resting on a 3/4 inch piece of plywood inside of the 2x4 frame. Is this going to be a problem a structural problem? I plan on running a few pieces of 2x4 from front to back like floor joists. I think I'll be fine since the plywood will be supported by the frame and "joists"... Just making sure. Thanks. I hope that made sense.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tucker on Mar 29, 2014 10:09:32 GMT -5
I would suggest a 55 gallon sump. It is only 13 inches wide.
|
|
|
|
Post by gotareef on Mar 29, 2014 10:15:58 GMT -5
double the 2x4 around the top support with 2x6 legs and cover in plywood
|
|
|
|
Post by gotareef on Mar 29, 2014 10:16:42 GMT -5
also make sure to "weave" the corners just like building a deck
and make sure to use rigid styrofoam under the tank 6' tank needs foam under it when you build the stand you can hide this with trim
|
|
|
|
Post by Lance on Mar 29, 2014 10:22:29 GMT -5
If I build my stand making sure that I have about 19 inches inside the cabinet for depth, that will mean that my tank will be resting on a 3/4 inch piece of plywood inside of the 2x4 frame. Is this going to be a problem a structural problem? I plan on running a few pieces of 2x4 from front to back like floor joists. I think I'll be fine since the plywood will be supported by the frame and "joists"... Just making sure. Thanks. I hope that made sense. I'm not clear what your question is so I don't know if this helps or not, but for what it's worth: - Glass tanks need to be supported on their corners; they don't need to be supported on the edges between their corners. It's important that the support on the corners is even and level so there is no torsion on the glass to cause stress on seams.
- Make sure to calculate in head height. You'll want enough clearance above your sump to be able to access pumps, plumbing, skimmer, etc. If you go with a 55, that's a lot taller tank (48 1/4 x 12 3/4 x 21 high). They do make a 40 Long which is approximately the same height as the 40 breeder (16 7/8 high). With this in mind, I would not build a platform for your sump. Place it on the floor on some foam insulation to allow self-leveling.
- Make sure your doors or panels give you good access. Make sure you can completely remove/replace the sump without having to disassemble the entire tank/stand. I've seen people build their stands around their sumps assuming nothing will go wrong... HA HA HA HA HA! As Homer says, it's funny because it happened to them.
|
|
|
|
Post by Syntax on Mar 29, 2014 10:59:21 GMT -5
Just to try to clarify my question:  The tank would be sitting inside the frame. Why styrofoam? Only the edges touch the plywood? |
|
|
|
Post by Syntax on Mar 29, 2014 11:01:37 GMT -5
I would suggest a 55 gallon sump. It is only 13 inches wide. I was thinking a 55 would work as well, but I read on reef central that the greater surface area makes the 40 breeder a better option. I'd also like to plumb my pump externally... Can't drill a 55. |
|
|
|
Post by gotareef on Mar 29, 2014 11:09:07 GMT -5
why cant you drill the 55g?
you are going to want support under the tank where it sits on the plywood with rigid foam under the full length of the tank.
me personally I wouldnt trust 2000-3000 pounds on 2x4 (3 1/2") use 2x6 (5 1/2")
|
|
|
|
Post by Lance on Mar 29, 2014 11:21:04 GMT -5
The tank would be sitting inside the frame. You want the joists supporting the corners of the tank; you don't want the tank "hanging over the edges". This can create stress across the glass where it's not designed to take stress. The styrofoam allows the tank to self-level. It also absorbs shock if needed. Just trust us - rigid foam is a good idea! |
|
|
|
Post by Lance on Mar 29, 2014 11:25:04 GMT -5
why cant you drill the 55g? When I was in retail pretty much all 55s were made of tempered glass. I am unaware of any way to drill tempered glass without it shattering. |
|
|
|
Post by gotareef on Mar 29, 2014 11:28:32 GMT -5
only the bottom are are tempered on the ones I have seen... I take broken ones cut them apart and reuse the side glass. same thing with 75g
with the exception of some perfecto tanks (but I have never seen one)
|
|
|
|
Post by gotareef on Mar 29, 2014 11:30:58 GMT -5
quote from allglass
"Our 55 gallon aquariums are tempered on the bottom, not on the sides so you can drill the sides. If you want to know if the bottoms of the other aquariums are tempered or not you can call our Customer Service Department 800-255-4527 and someone can help you. Thank you for your interest in our products."
|
|
|
|
Post by Lance on Mar 29, 2014 11:35:23 GMT -5
quote from allglass "Our 55 gallon aquariums are tempered on the bottom, not on the sides so you can drill the sides. If you want to know if the bottoms of the other aquariums are tempered or not you can call our Customer Service Department 800-255-4527 and someone can help you. Thank you for your interest in our products." Good to know. Was not always the case. Had some customers w/ lacerations to prove it. |
|
|
|
Post by Lance on Mar 29, 2014 11:35:38 GMT -5
quote from allglass "Our 55 gallon aquariums are tempered on the bottom, not on the sides so you can drill the sides. If you want to know if the bottoms of the other aquariums are tempered or not you can call our Customer Service Department 800-255-4527 and someone can help you. Thank you for your interest in our products." Good to know. Was not always the case. Had some customers w/ lacerations to prove it. |
|
|
|
Post by Syntax on Mar 29, 2014 13:14:44 GMT -5
I always thought they were tempered as well... very good to know. I wonder if they tanks that are going on sale at Petco will be tempered? Is it Aqueon??
Using a 55 gallon sump will solve my problems and I'll be able to build the stand exactly to fit the tank.
I'll use styrofoam. How thick? What brand?
|
|
