Hi,
Been running my current 37L for about 1.5 years now -- tank thread here.
Space is a challenge here. Apartment in Sweden. However, where the current 40x30x30 AIO cube sits there is a *bit* more space. There isn't any commercially offered peninsula style tanks to fit the area tho. So custom it is.
The target dimensions are 80Lx40W and either 40 or 50 tall. This would put me either 128L or 160L size. As well a sump. Either the existing 40x30x30 cube, or a custom to fit the space inside. (Probably custom)
I plan to steal the common design that's passed around:
Planned dimensions:
Orange -- 76.8cm
Purple -- 79.4cm
Blue/Yellow -- 31cm
Green -- 96cm
1.6cm thick MDF panels all around, and on top. Making total dimensions 80x43.2x100cm -- if anyone wants to check the math
I'd like some feedback on lumber please I will try to explain the design but I just can't figure out how to draw it in sketchup or elsewhere...
Since this is Europe, I will be using 45x95(Tiny bit larger than a 2x4 in US) lumber all around. For this size tank, I think this is adequate all the way around. I may use a thinner piece for the green supports. Does anyone think that be a concern?
The second thing. To cover the outside my plan is to use MDF board -- Basically it'll make it look like an IKEA cabinet. They come in 40cmx100cm sheets. Practically this let's me use 2 panels on each side giving me 80cm in length(and will be doors), then sandwhich one panel between the other side. These MDF sheets are 1.6cm wide. Technically the top dimensions will be 80cmx43.2cm including the MDF, or just looking at the wood frame it would be 76.8 x 40cm
Additionally I plan to build the cabinet to be 100cm tall. (Giving me either 140 or 150cm total height with tank). My current plan is to build the 45x95 lumber frame to be 98.4 cm tall, then place a sheet of MDF on 'top'. This will recess the top MDF layer within the 80x40 'box' of MDF i've made with the panels. Giving one flat top service for a tank to sit on. (I will also use some sort of insulation pad for extra saftey).
One long side will be a set of doors(the two MDF 40x100 panels). On this side the tank will not sit on the MDF. Basically the top dimensions will be 80x43.2cm but the tank will either be 80x40 or 80x41.6. This will ensure no pressure on the MDF that is acting as doors.
If that all made sense... I have a few questions.
1.) Does anyone see a concern with this? Basically the outer 'edge' will be MDF that the tank sits on three sides of this frame. Or should I make the tank only the width of the actual lumber frame and have a 1.6cm lip around the tank?
2.) Is it ok to use 45x95(basically 2x4s) for the entire frame for this size tank? Or does the top need to be 2x6s?
But this project has officially started. After a day of riding around found all the lumber for the frame, and a mider box to cut it. (Apartment..) Had to do some rough cuts at K-Rauta before hauling it home -- Think it's around 12-14meters total wood.
and home.. Time for dinner then to start cutting pieces for the stand.
Hope to get the frame built by tomorrow. Once we have a finished stand we are happy with, will order the custom tank from a local shop.
Been running my current 37L for about 1.5 years now -- tank thread here.
Space is a challenge here. Apartment in Sweden. However, where the current 40x30x30 AIO cube sits there is a *bit* more space. There isn't any commercially offered peninsula style tanks to fit the area tho. So custom it is.
The target dimensions are 80Lx40W and either 40 or 50 tall. This would put me either 128L or 160L size. As well a sump. Either the existing 40x30x30 cube, or a custom to fit the space inside. (Probably custom)
I plan to steal the common design that's passed around:
Planned dimensions:
Orange -- 76.8cm
Purple -- 79.4cm
Blue/Yellow -- 31cm
Green -- 96cm
1.6cm thick MDF panels all around, and on top. Making total dimensions 80x43.2x100cm -- if anyone wants to check the math
I'd like some feedback on lumber please I will try to explain the design but I just can't figure out how to draw it in sketchup or elsewhere...
Since this is Europe, I will be using 45x95(Tiny bit larger than a 2x4 in US) lumber all around. For this size tank, I think this is adequate all the way around. I may use a thinner piece for the green supports. Does anyone think that be a concern?
The second thing. To cover the outside my plan is to use MDF board -- Basically it'll make it look like an IKEA cabinet. They come in 40cmx100cm sheets. Practically this let's me use 2 panels on each side giving me 80cm in length(and will be doors), then sandwhich one panel between the other side. These MDF sheets are 1.6cm wide. Technically the top dimensions will be 80cmx43.2cm including the MDF, or just looking at the wood frame it would be 76.8 x 40cm
Additionally I plan to build the cabinet to be 100cm tall. (Giving me either 140 or 150cm total height with tank). My current plan is to build the 45x95 lumber frame to be 98.4 cm tall, then place a sheet of MDF on 'top'. This will recess the top MDF layer within the 80x40 'box' of MDF i've made with the panels. Giving one flat top service for a tank to sit on. (I will also use some sort of insulation pad for extra saftey).
One long side will be a set of doors(the two MDF 40x100 panels). On this side the tank will not sit on the MDF. Basically the top dimensions will be 80x43.2cm but the tank will either be 80x40 or 80x41.6. This will ensure no pressure on the MDF that is acting as doors.
If that all made sense... I have a few questions.
1.) Does anyone see a concern with this? Basically the outer 'edge' will be MDF that the tank sits on three sides of this frame. Or should I make the tank only the width of the actual lumber frame and have a 1.6cm lip around the tank?
2.) Is it ok to use 45x95(basically 2x4s) for the entire frame for this size tank? Or does the top need to be 2x6s?
But this project has officially started. After a day of riding around found all the lumber for the frame, and a mider box to cut it. (Apartment..) Had to do some rough cuts at K-Rauta before hauling it home -- Think it's around 12-14meters total wood.
and home.. Time for dinner then to start cutting pieces for the stand.
Hope to get the frame built by tomorrow. Once we have a finished stand we are happy with, will order the custom tank from a local shop.