I just built mine for my 300gal and I used [email protected] 24" oc to support the tank. Mine is acrylic so I used [email protected] 12" oc for the tank bottom. Then I wrapped 3/4 ply, glued and screwed/nailed it. Most tank stands I have seen in the lfs are similar to yours or not as good for the same or larger tank. It is probably ok, but, for me it seems to scarry. I want to feel comfortable putting my body under it. I would beef it up a little.
Good luck
That stand is very strong and will be fine. The verticle compression capacity of plywood (especially 3/4") is very high. I build cabinets and am currently building a stand for my friends 150 gallon. My design is different but I am using ONLY 3/4" plywood. The front of your cabinet (between the doors) looks like solid wood with the stiles joined to the rails with pocket hole screws. this is also a very strong construction method.
If your super paranoid of coarse you could beef it up. But I wouldn't bother.
The compression is straight down, if the stand is not pefectly plumb, there are shear forces. Then you are relying on the corner attachment. I would not worry about the weight crushing the ply. straight down, but if you floor is not level, or if it gets bumped in one side or the other . I would block the corners to tie it together better, then add a few more just because I like to sleep at night. :wink:
if ur not confident, go to pet supermarket or something like that, and look at their factory stands. they are basically similiar, except they use pine strips and staples to hold them together!
There is no need to worry about "shear forces" because the large whole areas of plywood will take care of that. Thus there is no need for triangular braces, they would be redundant.
Hey, if it makes you feel safe, make it better.Put your carpentry to work. :thumb:
Add 4 x 4s in the corners, or 2 x 4s, either way. Always better safe then sorry.Whatever makes you feel better. :wink:
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
A forum community dedicated to Cichlid Fish owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about breeding, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!