DIY Frame Slightly Bowed At Ends

jeebsbyreef

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I’m building a frame with a base of 36x21. This is my second attempt.

The ends on three corners of the longer dimension are slightly curved downwards. Here’s a few pictures:

1C53D982-26A1-48A7-B536-C37274E6D660.jpeg
BCEAB8CC-9F7A-4FA2-9DB7-499A29D6FBB8.jpeg
7AC30A17-E6A1-45A1-8E79-EF041E8A7325.jpeg
87E9963A-343D-4877-9FB0-CCF015B3C1FA.jpeg
089CC8D3-14F9-4CF7-90AC-0BCFF5A8C07A.jpeg


The downward curves are less than 1/16”.


I’m trying to place a piece of Baltic Birchwood 3/4” on top, but when I screw it into the frame, it ends up bowing between 1/32” and 1/16” downwards on the ends. I’ve sat on it to see if it would flatten out, and it helps a little but not enough for me to be comfortable. I’m going to be placing a 65 gallon rimless tank on top. I know these tanks need a perfectly flat bottom, which is what I’m trying to achieve.

Any thoughts? The first time I built this I asked if I should shim between the top frame and plywood, and was told not too. This time, the gaps are a lot smaller.

Should I put the ply on top and use the marine grade epoxy resin to make sure there’s a flat surface for the tank? Should I sand the 2x4’s lengthwise until the highest point is at the ends? Any other options?

I’d appreciate any input. Thanks!
 

WHICH PART OF YOUR SETUP IS HARDEST TO REACH OR REMOVE FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE?

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