Stand Integrity Question

[DolphinLVR]

Question/Concern!!!!!

As you can tell from my stand measurements 74*26*36 vs tank Measurements 72*24*24, I built my stand 2 inches wider and 2 inches longer. I only have one beam between the front and back and am about to secure the top to the stand.

My question/concern is being that the stand is 2 inches wider and longer, Am I going to be ok with my tank sitting on top? It will only be sitting on 1/2 inch of the frame! do you think I need to add more braces???

 

[fatboyt123]

Why not add a 3/4, 1/2 piece of plywood ontop?

 

[DolphinLVR]

Why not add a 3/4, 1/2 piece of plywood ontop?

I will have 3/4 Ply ontop, I just wanted to make sure I was OK (being paranoid) before securing it in place!

 

[roscoe]

My stand that Mike built for me is 2'' longer all around and it is fine.

 

[DolphinLVR]

Whew!!!! Thanks Sarang! makes me feel better!

 

[roscoe]

No problem! Glad I can help. On a side note are you going to the swap?

 

[DolphinLVR]

No problem! Glad I can help. On a side note are you going to the swap?

Yes I will be there! (I'll be wearing a nascar Jacket!)

 

[roscoe]

alrighty I will see you there my friend. I will probally be hanging out with some friends that is setting up a tank to sell thier corals.

 

[Chichas01]

I built mystand 3 inches longer and a 1/2" wider than my tank. Your stand looks solid and once you start wrapping ply on it, you will be amazed at how solid it gets. You can always add Simpson ties to REALLY tighten things up.

 

[DolphinLVR]

I built mystand 3 inches longer and a 1/2" wider than my tank. Your stand looks solid and once you start wrapping ply on it, you will be amazed at how solid it gets. You can always add Simpson ties to REALLY tighten things up.

Simpson Ties?

 

[DolphinLVR]

alrighty I will see you there my friend. I will probally be hanging out with some friends that is setting up a tank to sell thier corals.

Awesome Sarang! Can't wait to finally meet you!

 

[Chichas01]

Simpson Ties?

Yep, Simpson ties:

 

[DolphinLVR]

Ahhhhh ok! I wasnt sure what they were (wood/construction dweeb!)

 

[returnofsid]

From a structural stand point, the weight of the tank should be 100% supported at each corner of the tank. Each corner should have weight bearing lumber directly under it. Since your stand is 2" longer and wider, the bottom rim of the stand will still sit on half of the weight bearing member, 2X6. That's plenty. There's no need for simpson ties unless you're expecting a hurricane. They will add no structural integrity to your design. They are meant to hold things "down," as winds are trying to pull them "up." Make sure everything is PERFECTLY square, before wrapping in plywood. Also, make sure your plywood seams do not fall on any structural seams. Once wrapped in this way, your stand will be stronger than any store built stand.

How have you attached your corner legs to the bottom and top rim? I would suggest screwing some 1X2 strips that go from the bottom rim, to the top rim, but not the total length. Hmm, that sounded more confusing that I meant it. For instance, if your stand is 32" tall, get a 30" 1X2 strip. Start about 2" down on the 2X6 and screw the 1X2 to the 2X6, 2X4 corner legs and 2X4 bottom rail. This will tie them all together nicely.

 

[trido]

I agree with Micheal, the simpson ties in your case, are totally unecessary. The plywood wrap if installed with glue and nails will be far stronger than any corner brace.

If it were me, I would add two more cross braces to support your acrylic tank. Ive seen 3/4 plywood sag built two foot on center. Trust me, your tank will eventually make it sag.

 

[returnofsid]

Ahhh, I missed the part about this being an acrylic tank. In that case, I would also add a couple more braces, front to back, before installing your top plywood. As long as all 4 corners of the tank are sitting on the 2X6 rim piece, AND all 4 structural corners of the TOP of the stand are square and level, you'll be just fine.

 

[DolphinLVR]

Thanks all!

I was and will add a couple more braces at top before securing the 3/4 ply.

 

[bigblue141]

Jeff,

I would add a couple more 2x6's to assist in supporting your 3/4" plywood top. You can never go wrong adding more support.

Ryan

 

[DolphinLVR]

Jeff,

I would add a couple more 2x6's to assist in supporting your 3/4" plywood top. You can never go wrong adding more support.

Ryan

Yupp! Going to Lowes today to get another 2x6 and more pocket screws! I think i am on a first name basis with the hardware stores around here! :lol:

 

[Lakota]

Maybe this goes without saying, but make sure to use the high quality plywood. The more layers (plys) the stronger and less likely to warp it is. A countertop or cabinet grade is good. Around me home depot usually has stuff they call sand ply for 20 to 40 bucks depending on sales