Engineering Question

[ubiq]

Greets:
My new stand is extruded aluminum, approx. 48 x 24. A 30 gallon acrylic sump will sit in the bottom. There are aluminum stretchers that are structurally part of the bottom of the frame running across the short axis. If I set the sump directly on the frame, there will be unsupported sections of the acrylic spanning around 18". The sump, when filled, weighs about 250 lbs. In my view, this is way too much weight for acrylic, which will bow over time placing stress on the joints. I want to put a rigid sheet over the stretchers that will distribute that weight across its length. This will be in a damp, and occasionally wet, environment. Wood is probably not suitable, long run. What should I use?

• 
  
• 
  

 

[ARAJEA]

Something else!

 

[naterealbig]

What's the thickness of the sump acrylic?

What are the sump dimensions?

Does the sump have baffles? If so, any that are attached directly to the bottom? Drawing /pic might help here.

The 30g sump won't be full either. Maybe 1/2? Likely closer to 125 lb....

 

[Pistondog]

stretchers every 6 inches and call it done.

 

[ubiq]

Sump is Trigger Platinum 34. Acrylic is 1/4". Two baffles are attached at the bottom. Stand is Nuvo APS 80. I like the additional stretchers idea. Thanks for your responses.

 

[mike550]

@ubiq I like your idea of using plastic or some other material as a floor to your sump area. It will also reduce the issues of things falling / rolling between the space create beneath your sump and your frame.

I don’t think a plywood bottom that’s been properly sealed would be an issue — especially if you add a second layer like Formica, plastics or other material that makes sense.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

@ubiq I like your idea of using plastic or some other material as a floor to your sump area. It will also reduce the issues of things falling / rolling between the space create beneath your sump and your frame.

I don’t think a plywood bottom that’s been properly sealed would be an issue — especially if you add a second layer like Formica, plastics or other material that makes sense.

Formica, painted quarter round, and caulk. Works great. :)

 

[tricky_tran]

My stand is 60” x 30” x 36”. My sump is approx 60 Gal, 47” x 24” x 17”. I used sheets of 1/2” HDPE. To line the bottom shelf and top of the stand.