|
|
Have a question?
It's Free!
|
|
| DIY Forum Share those Do-It-Yourself projects and money saving tips with us here. |
Registered Members don't see these ads. Register now it's free!
10-22-2008, 10:26 AM
|
#1
|
|
Little Fishy
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: brandenton, fl
Posts: 351
|
Modifiying an exisiting tank stand
Hey all have a quick question didn't really know the "right " answer here. I have an existing tank stand that I received for nothing it is a really high quality stand and was used with the tank I have now. My question is should a saltwater tank be supported along the entire length of the bottom? ( because of extra weight of rock etc...). Right now the stand is framed by 2x4's along the top with a hole in the middle, was wondering if i should fill that in.
Thanks
Josh
|
|
|
|
Registered Members don't see these ads. Register now it's free!
|
|
|
|
|
10-22-2008, 10:28 AM
|
#2
|
|
Gone Snorkeling...
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Greenville,SC
Posts: 8,540
Reviews: 52
|
pics would help see what you are describing.
__________________
My 135RR Tank build
Upstate SC Reefers Unite!! Join the PMAC!
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein
|
|
|
|
|
10-22-2008, 10:56 AM
|
#3
|
|
Little Fishy
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: brandenton, fl
Posts: 351
|
i know but i can't post right now, i'll see about later thanks
|
|
|
|
|
10-22-2008, 11:25 AM
|
#4
|
|
spaceman spiff
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: south of Dimples
Posts: 10,636
Reviews: 72
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by lagrew
Hey all have a quick question didn't really know the "right " answer here. I have an existing tank stand that I received for nothing it is a really high quality stand and was used with the tank I have now. My question is should a saltwater tank be supported along the entire length of the bottom? ( because of extra weight of rock etc...). Right now the stand is framed by 2x4's along the top with a hole in the middle, was wondering if i should fill that in.
Thanks
Josh
|
If the tank is in a trim (for example, a black metal trim running the perimeter of the tank), then no you don't need support as the tank will just sit along the edges. If the entire pane of glass on the bottom would sit flat on the top of the stand, then yes you'll want a piece of plywood across the opening, and a piece of foam between the tank and the plywood.
|
|
|
|
|
10-23-2008, 04:58 PM
|
#5
|
|
Little Fishy
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: brandenton, fl
Posts: 351
|
the tank is one of those with the trim around it, and the glass is recessed a bit, I was just thinking of the extra weight of a reef tank vs. freshwater and if I should support the entire bottom or not. I guess I could better safe than sorry.
|
|
|
|
|
10-24-2008, 12:47 PM
|
#6
|
|
Little Fishy
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Blackwood, NJ
Posts: 54
|
Well, you could beef it up a bit if you want. But, as Chris said above, when you have a trim around the perimeter then all of the weight of the tank will be distributed to the bottom edges of the trim only.
The trim pieces are designed to be a brace to hold the glass in place, and help prevent bowing. Also, as you mentioned, they are usually made so that the glass bottom is raised and therefore the weight of the tank will only create downward pressure at the bottom edges of the trim. The weight in the middle of the tank is dispersed outwards to the trim bracing.
So, as long as your stand has good support around the outside (2x4's) then you won't have any issues with weight.
|
|
|
|
|
10-24-2008, 12:55 PM
|
#7
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: spartanburg, south carolina
Posts: 4,961
|
2X4's should be plenty strong to support the frame of the tank, unless it is a big tank (over 180 gallons).
__________________
|
|
|
|
|
10-24-2008, 01:27 PM
|
#8
|
|
spaceman spiff
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: south of Dimples
Posts: 10,636
Reviews: 72
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by hng
2X4's should be plenty strong to support the frame of the tank, unless it is a big tank (over 180 gallons).
|
Even that large, I wouldnt worry about bolstering the stand for reasons of strength. A single 2x4 in compression is good for a huge amount of weight (think a ton or so), and when you spread the weight around 4 corners you can add those numbers up. A 180 gallon setup will probably be no more than 2500 lbs, so you can quickly see that a well built stand is in no risk of failing due to weight (now poor construction is a different topic).
|
|
|
|
|
10-24-2008, 01:40 PM
|
#9
|
|
Little Fishy
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: brandenton, fl
Posts: 351
|
the stand is, very well contructed, however when i aquired it i did reenforce it quite a bit. It was wobbly and not level so i fixed that with contruction wood glue and, a few well placed braces. The tank is only a 75 gallon so I don't think I have any problems there. The stand now is prestine and is capable of holding much more weight without shifting.
|
|
|
|
|
