Critique of Stand Design? (1 Viewer)

[Wildfire]

I like the idea presented here http://bluechunks.net/reef/225reef/, but for my 135 tank (so scaled down). Anyone see any obvious drawbacks to this plan?

Anyone who has built a stand, give me a lessons learned?

 

[Guest]

good tools. mitre saw really helps, a level, sharp pencil, a good square, and measuring tape...have a friend help ( an extra set of hands can really make a difference)....you don't have to go crazy on the wood size, they build houses out of 2x4's you don't need 4x4's for your stand....take the time to search for the straightest wood....measure, double check it, triple check it, and measure it again..and..know which side of the line to cut on.

 

[Guest]

straight boards, straight cuts, good measurements!!!!! sux when you cut crooked, or too short, or the wood is warped when you go to put it together( not that I am speaking out of experience )

 

[Guest]

Try to stay away from metal brackets.

 

[Wildfire]

Dave,

there's something I hadn't thought of... joints. Any votes on which of the following is best:
1) Dove Tail
2) Lap
3) Butt Joint with Bracing

Assuming that, no matter which I do, I'll screw up at least once....

 

[Guest]

Weight bearing application is your judge in which joint methods you use. Your weight is vertical, so there is no internal/expansion pressure on those joints. Don't sweat it. Do what's easiest, what you are comfortable with, and what is going to give the best external/visual line.

 

[Guest]

Butt joints are fine as long as you place the top members above the support members. As Polecat stated, all of the mass will be supported in the vertical position. You can use braces if you wish, just make them from wood and seal them. Personally I believe the material you skin the stand will provide all of the lateral stabiltiy you need.

 

[Wildfire]

My goal is to have no "skin", just large doors (i.e. framing members surrounding large openings, with "cabinet style" doors allowing the greatest ease an access to the under-stand area....

I just sold my wife on moving the furniture around in the office, so that I can make a stand / cabinet assembly that's as deep as 33".... So , now the REALLY escoteric question:

I've got a 135 right now. I'd like a larger (driller) tank someday. What are the "standard" 72" Long sizes, who carries them, and for how much?? I intend to "double-frame" the stand surface, making a shelf / lip for the 135 I've got now (72" x 18") and extending the stand BACK to the wall behind it to accomodate a larger tank at a later time. I THINK a 215 - 225 is about 72" x 24", but I can't find a dealer anywhere....

THANKS!!!