DIY stand question

dnott3

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
May 4, 2020
Messages
130
Reaction score
71
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I just built a stand for a 40 breeder. I used the basic diy plans. My question is the structural part of the stand is 35 7/8 in X 17 15/16. The over tank dimensions are 36 1/4 X 18 1/4. Will this small overhang be detrimental to the tank long term? I have some 1/4 plywood I can double up to make a top for the tank to sit on. I can move it forward and put just a small bit on the front trim pieces. Any suggestions, tips, opinions appreciated.
20210302_183756.jpg
20210302_174322.jpg
 

Idoc

Getting lazier and lazier with upkeep!
View Badges
Joined
Nov 4, 2016
Messages
5,149
Reaction score
10,831
Location
Clarksville, TN
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Using a 1/2" top or better yet, 3/4" top, would better distribute the hang over pressure without giving any bend. Since it's a 40g tank, you'll probably get away with it.

Measure twice... cut once!!
 
OP
OP
dnott3

dnott3

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
May 4, 2020
Messages
130
Reaction score
71
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Using a 1/2" top or better yet, 3/4" top, would better distribute the hang over pressure without giving any bend. Since it's a 40g tank, you'll probably get away with it.

Measure twice... cut once!!
I made the mistake of using whole number dimensions vs exact. Live and learn, atleast it doesn't have to be redone. Just to make sure I understand should make a top for it?
 

CMMorgan

Counting my blessings...
View Badges
Joined
Oct 12, 2020
Messages
3,907
Reaction score
14,794
Location
Punta Gorda
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I second @Idoc ... put a top on that puppy and you are good to go. I also suggest getting a black yoga may to go between the wood and the tank.
 

Idoc

Getting lazier and lazier with upkeep!
View Badges
Joined
Nov 4, 2016
Messages
5,149
Reaction score
10,831
Location
Clarksville, TN
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I made the mistake of using whole number dimensions vs exact. Live and learn, atleast it doesn't have to be redone. Just to make sure I understand should make a top for it?
Yes, I would make a top for it.
 

mickeysreef <*))))<

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
Apr 6, 2019
Messages
368
Reaction score
249
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
i think it'd be fine. 40b is a small tank. usually those tanks are only supported either on the sides or front and back.
 

DaddyFish

“5 percenter”
View Badges
Joined
May 6, 2020
Messages
1,238
Reaction score
1,719
Location
Dallas NC
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Support wise it should be fine the way it is for a framed glass 40. If you top it I would go the extra and definitely do 3/4" so there's no curling at the overhang edges. If you have the tools, make the topper oversize by 1" front-to-back and 2" end-to-end. Cut the edges along three sides (front, left, right) at 45-degrees and have yourself a nice looking top. Use wood filler to fill any exposed holes/gaps in the plywood layers.

Edge view of the plywood top...
IMG_20210302_214342823.jpg


Do that on three sides and let the back edge be flush with the tank frame.
 
Last edited:

Idoc

Getting lazier and lazier with upkeep!
View Badges
Joined
Nov 4, 2016
Messages
5,149
Reaction score
10,831
Location
Clarksville, TN
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Would you do 1/2 or 3/4? I can move it towards the front a little bit to make sure it's all supported if that makes a difference.
I'd use 3/4" to limit the edge from possibly bending downward.
 
OP
OP
dnott3

dnott3

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
May 4, 2020
Messages
130
Reaction score
71
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Support wise it should be fine the way it is for a framed glass 40. If you top it I would go the extra and definitely do 3/4" so there's no curling at the overhang edges. If you have the tools, make the topper oversize by 1" front-to-back and 2" end-to-end. Cut the edges along three sides (front, left, right) at 45-degrees and have yourself a nice looking top. Use wood filler to fill any exposed holes/gaps in the plywood layers.

Edge view of the plywood top...
IMG_20210302_214342823.jpg


Do that on three sides and let the back edge be flush with the tank frame.
I'll have to see what I can manage because I do like the look of that.
I'd use 3/4" to limit the edge from possibly bending downward.
Thank you! I'll guess I got some more work to do.
 

Beau_B

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Jun 29, 2019
Messages
1,532
Reaction score
1,417
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
The doubled 1/4 would be fine structurally, just hard to finish... would lead to moisture/de-lamination issues. Perhaps if glued up, properly painted or sealed with epoxy.

3/4 material is often used in cabinetry because it is more stable dimensionally (warp resistant) not because the load requires it.

I wouldn’t bother with a yoga mat or anything on a rimmed tank. Just level the top out.
 

Beau_B

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Jun 29, 2019
Messages
1,532
Reaction score
1,417
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Alternative to adding a top if you are just looking to have more landing area for the tank rim:

Put a banding of 1x4 around the top edge. Just be sure it’s flush with the 2x4. Glue it and screw it... done.
 
OP
OP
dnott3

dnott3

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
May 4, 2020
Messages
130
Reaction score
71
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Alternative to adding a top if you are just looking to have more landing area for the tank rim:

Put a banding of 1x4 around the top edge. Just be sure it’s flush with the 2x4. Glue it and screw it... done.
I debated just adding another 2x4 across the back and down to hold it as well. I haven't decided for sure on a top, was trying to get some other thoughts. It would cover up the ends of the 1/4 around the tank though
 
OP
OP
dnott3

dnott3

Active Member
View Badges
Joined
May 4, 2020
Messages
130
Reaction score
71
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Add plywood to the back then add a top that should fix the overhang
I was wanting to leave the back open. I'm not sure if I'm going to put a sump on it yet so I was wanting to leave ample room if I needed to route plumbing
 

More than just hot air: Is there a Pufferfish in your aquarium?

  • There is currently a pufferfish in my aquarium.

    Votes: 30 17.5%
  • There is not currently a pufferfish in my aquarium, but I have kept one in the past.

    Votes: 27 15.8%
  • There has never been a pufferfish in my aquarium, but I plan to keep one in the future.

    Votes: 32 18.7%
  • I have no plans to keep a pufferfish in my aquarium.

    Votes: 74 43.3%
  • Other.

    Votes: 8 4.7%
Back
Top