Stand Build Question

[user 2204]

Question for anyone and everyone.

I am currently working on a stand for my 65 gallon tall tank. Dimensions of the tank are 36L x 18D x 24H and it is an All Glass tank, my question is with a tank this short in length is it possible to not have the center beam in the upper portion of the stand or will the stand possibly twist without it? Stand will be skinned and finished.

The stand is 34" high and used both screws and Titebond III glue for the build.

I've included a photo of the stand as it is currently. Reason I'd like to remove the brace is for mounting dual American DJ PC100 power strips.

Cheers,
Alex

 

[DolphinLVR]

What about running the center brace length wise?

 

[user 2204]

What about running the center brace length wise?

I don't think that would give any extra support as the sides are only 18" deep and less prone to twisting/warping. Good idea though for a longer or deeper stand.

Cheers,
Alex

 

[Reefreak]

If you are concerned about twisting you could also screw and glue an additional 2x4 to the inside of the front and rear top to supports. That would provide additional support without using the center brace.

 

[user 2204]

I had thought about putting corner braces in to help, like the ones I installed into the floor of the stand. As shown in the photo.

 

[DolphinLVR]

you could always run 2 supports close to the ends of the stand as well.

Are the ends or at least one end going to be open (with a door)? You could mount the DJ strip in the end.

Look at my build and you will see. Although my stand is over 6 foot long

 

[user 2204]

If you are concerned about twisting you could also screw and glue an additional 2x4 to the inside of the front and rear top to supports. That would provide additional support without using the center brace.

THx, I was thinking of that but wasn't sure if it would help with the twisting. Might try that.

 

[user 2204]

you could always run 2 supports close to the ends of the stand as well.

Are the ends or at least one end going to be open (with a door)? You could mount the DJ strip in the end.

Look at my build and you will see. Although my stand is over 6 foot long

The right end will be to close to the wall to open the door fully. And the left end will have an opening door with MH/T5 ballasts, RK Elite modules, fan controller and power strips for the RK elite. But will be closed off from the inside of the stand, if that makes sense. I can mock it up and take a photo for reference if that would help.

I am would like to build a box like the one in the photo. I've built one before and it looked awesome. Of course it was for a larger tank.

 

[user 2204]

Here are some photos showing the mocked up side on the left. I plan on putting controllers, ballasts and the such inside this area. Will be air cooled with fans.

This will leave plenty of room for a sump just a bit larger than a 20L, along with 2 phosban reactors, and UV to be mounted to the back wall.

 

[jrgilles]

I built mine without a center brace, check out my DIY.

If you were going to leave it out, you might also want to put a 2X6 on the top instead of a 2X4. The boards become exponentially stronger with width, so a 2X6 would be much more solid than a 2X4. Anyway, check out how I did this using gusset plates, might be your answer. It keeps it very square and is very solid.

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=...mMtNGIzNy00ODk0LTg0YzEtNGRjOWQ0NzI1ZGE0&hl=en

 

[Scooterman]

I'd yank it also, I doubt it would be necessary, If you ever look at store brought stands & compare to home made you'd soon realize we way over build them.

JMO!

 

[jrgilles]

I misread your post. I don't think you need the brace in the center. I didn't put one in mine. If you are worried about any twisting, gusset plates (shown in the DIY I posted) will make it so it cannot twist or bend. Pretty easy to put in, so you might want to think about it.

 

[user 2204]

I misread your post. I don't think you need the brace in the center. I didn't put one in mine. If you are worried about any twisting, gusset plates (shown in the DIY I posted) will make it so it cannot twist or bend. Pretty easy to put in, so you might want to think about it.

THx for the info Rob. Didn't think of those but know exactly what they are. I'll be sure to check into those next trip over the lumber yard. Also I'd do the 2x6 route but as you can see the stand frame is already built and sanded. *lol* Just waiting on the marine top coat boat paint and primer.

 

[user 2204]

I'd yank it also, I doubt it would be necessary, If you ever look at store brought stands & compare to home made you'd soon realize we way over build them.

JMO!

Very true. I was thinking I might park my Jeep or Samurai on this thing just to see how long it could hold it. *lol* :lol:

 

[user 2204]

I misread your post. I don't think you need the brace in the center. I didn't put one in mine. If you are worried about any twisting, gusset plates (shown in the DIY I posted) will make it so it cannot twist or bend. Pretty easy to put in, so you might want to think about it.

Just looked at your DIY, those plates are very stout.

Cheers,
Alex

 

[NWDiver]

Way more than strong enough without the brace! The skin will provide all the shear you will need and then some

 

[mal1099]

yeah the stand that was made by aga for my 150 is just 1x4 with 2 braces.