Biocube Stand mod (length to short)

[West1]

I got an idea and want to share it for more ideas.

I want to buy a 18x18 sump but it does not fit in the stand of a standard biocube 29.
From wall to wall, the inside diameter of the stand is 17.5 inches. In order for an 18x18 to fit I need the walls pushed out, flushed with the base of the stand.

So, how would you solve this problem?

I worry due to the material of the walls (particle board of some type) and flush to the base might risk the screws bulging through the perimeter of the base, end result busted tank and out of the hobby for this noob. Do you think if I placed these double sides nail brackets all along the top and bottom with 3-4 screws per side (x4) that it would be stirty enough? https://www.strongtie.com/miscellaneousplates_miscellaneousconnectors/mp_plate/p/mp

Stand Manual
http://www.f3images.com/IMD/UserManuals/OA36017.pdf

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[cromag27]

I would not trust that. the stand is most likely powder coated mdf, which is junk quality. I would have a new, custom stand built. I wouldn't mess with the structural integrity of mdf especially since it's so poor to begin with.

 

[West1]

I was thinking about making two 18x18x.75 birchwood pieces and use it at the base and the top for support and. Give the walls something to screw into and still keep the 18x18 while screwing the walls to the bottom of the stock base. Some L (ball park 4x4x1 if I can find) brackets from the wall to the birchwood for extra support since I plan to place the sump over a thin piece of Styrofoam.

It's either this route or a custom 17x18 sump. Trying to go the cheaper route but still sleep at ease.

 

[Joey waid]

I was thinking about making two 18x18x.75 birchwood pieces and use it at the base and the top for support and. Give the walls something to screw into and still keep the 18x18 while screwing the walls to the bottom of the stock base. Some L (ball park 4x4x1 if I can find) brackets from the wall to the birchwood for extra support since I plan to place the sump over a thin piece of Styrofoam.

It's either this route or a custom 17x18 sump. Trying to go the cheaper route but still sleep at ease.

I would start over, if you are going to redo and scab on stuff you might as well do it right with no worries and make it with more room.. Just my one cents worth though...

 

[cromag27]

I've been building custom stands for over 10 years, and I can tell you without a doubt, the strongest support is gluing bare wood to bare wood. screws, nails, brackets, etc should not be used as support. if you don't want to have a new stand built then I would go with a custom sump that will fit in there.

Mdf basically falls apart once it gets wet so any cutting, drilling or screwing you do will inrease the chances of having the stand fall apart. that's why I would not suggest modifying this stand.

 

[West1]

darn it. I would build my own stand but I don't have a table saw or miter saw at min.
Well, that idea came and went. Thx guys, I appreciate it!

 

[Joey waid]

darn it. I would build my own stand but I don't have a table saw or miter saw at min.
Well, that idea came and went. Thx guys, I appreciate it!

You can build one with a power saw or hand saw. If you were going to cut up plywood you can do this.

 

[West1]

You can build one with a power saw or hand saw. If you were going to cut up plywood you can do this.

Hmmm. Now I'm thinking again. I was going to get the two pieces cut from my local Home Depot but maybe I will have them cut all the pieces...

I need to get my quotes for a custom sump and weigh out my options

custom sump.....$
230.00 eshopps medium cube sump + birchwood

Whichever is less is likely the route I'll go.

 

[cromag27]

You want them as straight and even as possible. most of the employees in the lumber department won't cut accurate unless you request it. even then, it's best to ask them to cut slowly to reduce tear-out. and explain to them you need the cuts as accurate as possible. if you're there on the right day you might find someone who will actually do it right.