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Post by Lance on Mar 29, 2014 14:00:04 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? Aqueon = All Glass Aquarium. They changed their name or were bought out. I'd still confirm 100% that the specific tank you buy is plate glass before you drill! For the foam - I use foam insulation board like you find at Home Depot/Lowes. I don't think the kind matters that much and you don't need to go that thick. 1/2-1" should be good. |
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skirossi
Full Member
Brunswick
Posts: 117
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Post by skirossi on Mar 29, 2014 15:12:28 GMT -5
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Post by Syntax on Mar 29, 2014 17:00:10 GMT -5
I've seen that thread before and I just don't understand the whole concept and purpose of a "screw strip" I don't trust attaching the vertical supports to the horizontal supports indirectly through the use of a screw strip... Why not "toe-in" a couple of screws for a direct connection? These long threads at RC are informative but dizzying and often contradicting. I also think that the use of 2x4's is unnecessary when building an aquarium stand even for a 125 gallon tank. If the supports are built using 1x4's and 1x6's, if sheeted with plywood there are absolutely no structural concerns that I can see. A 2x4 stand constructed in the manner they suggest could hold almost 10,000lbs... even a 125 gallon glass tank filled with rocks, sand and water will weight no more than 1500lbs, 375lbs per corner. (say 9lbs per gallon of water 100 gallons = 900lbs, sand 80lbs, rocks 150lbs, tank 125lbs) I could be wrong, I'm not a carpenter, but the commercial wood stands sold at lfs's are made with 1x2's and hold up a 125g just fine (they must or they wouldn't sell them). I just can't envision a scenario where 1x4's and 1x6's would not prove to be more than adequate especially when sheeted with 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch plywood. Am I wrong? |
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Post by speedyron on Mar 29, 2014 18:29:41 GMT -5
2x4s sheathed in plywood is more than adequate.
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Post by doverdoug on Mar 29, 2014 23:04:13 GMT -5
Im about to build a stand for my 125 also, im starting in the basement with some 4x4s to support the floor.
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Post by Syntax on Mar 30, 2014 6:42:15 GMT -5
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Post by speedyron on Mar 30, 2014 7:32:47 GMT -5
nice read. It looks like it will work fine. I have seen that fastner jig he uses to drill for screws. makes a very strong joint.
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Post by Syntax on Mar 30, 2014 7:41:11 GMT -5
It's a pocket joint jig.... I'm thinking of buying one.... around $65.00 at Harbor Freight
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Post by speedyron on Mar 30, 2014 7:50:34 GMT -5
yeah they have a name brand one for not much more I just cant remember name. A guy from a home improvement show had infomercial on it. You may want research it b4 you buy. ive bought alot stuff from HF and some of it is real junk
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Post by speedyron on Mar 30, 2014 8:01:44 GMT -5
Kreg is the name of the brand. Is 99 bucks but comes with a nice clamping system.
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skirossi
Full Member
Brunswick
Posts: 117
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Post by skirossi on Mar 30, 2014 8:13:56 GMT -5
I've seen that thread before and I just don't understand the whole concept and purpose of a "screw strip" I don't trust attaching the vertical supports to the horizontal supports indirectly through the use of a screw strip... Why not "toe-in" a couple of screws for a direct connection? These long threads at RC are informative but dizzying and often contradicting. I also think that the use of 2x4's is unnecessary when building an aquarium stand even for a 125 gallon tank. If the supports are built using 1x4's and 1x6's, if sheeted with plywood there are absolutely no structural concerns that I can see. A 2x4 stand constructed in the manner they suggest could hold almost 10,000lbs... even a 125 gallon glass tank filled with rocks, sand and water will weight no more than 1500lbs, 375lbs per corner. (say 9lbs per gallon of water 100 gallons = 900lbs, sand 80lbs, rocks 150lbs, tank 125lbs) I could be wrong, I'm not a carpenter, but the commercial wood stands sold at lfs's are made with 1x2's and hold up a 125g just fine (they must or they wouldn't sell them). I just can't envision a scenario where 1x4's and 1x6's would not prove to be more than adequate especially when sheeted with 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch plywood. Am I wrong? I think the "screw strip" is just to add additional rigidity to the stand. I ran mine up to the plywood edge and down to the floor though so it carried load and wasn't just carrying weight on the screws. I do agree that the design is overkill, but I've used it twice now on my own tanks and The only down side is using more lumber, it's heavier, and less internal room. I'm sure if the commercial pressboard stands can handle the loads than a stand built with 1x's probably can handle it too. I would want to do the math though to be sure. Also I'd really look at how it's put together to handle racking. That's the key I think. The 1x's and plywood can likely support a bunch of weight on edge, but you also want to be sure the tank won't move if you bump into it. Lots of screws and glue... |
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skirossi
Full Member
Brunswick
Posts: 117
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Post by skirossi on Mar 30, 2014 8:15:54 GMT -5
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Post by speedyron on Mar 30, 2014 8:25:32 GMT -5
I make my stand 3" wider then tank. Use hole saw on back of stand pass piping thru. is really nice having that area in back set thing u use often like fish food or scraper. just reach behind tank grab it. is not that much further away from wall and have all space need underneath
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Post by Syntax on Mar 30, 2014 8:54:46 GMT -5
I'll probably go with the 2x4 design for added safety, it can't hurt, right? I'll make my stand a little bigger so I'll be able to put an 18" wide tank under to use as a sump.... if I built the tank to size then I would never get an 18" wide sump under the stand.
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Post by Syntax on Mar 30, 2014 8:56:00 GMT -5
I like how that Hummer (lol) guy extended the plywood to give himself about 6 inches behind the tank for plumbing and wiring, looks clean and finished.
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