Fix JBJ 45g Stand or DIY

[snakpak]

Hi everyone! I managed to find a stellar deal on a brand new JBJ 45G AIO tank and stand. However, the stand has some issues that need to be fixed. The bottom panel pulled out from the sides (all cam lock design). The middle support that sits near the front of the stand has also ripped out.

I'm debating trying to fix this using brass threaded inserts into the existing cam lock holes and a pass through bolt to secure the bottom, adding an internal 1x4 frame that connects the top/sides and replaces the bottom of the tank, or just going full bore DIY to stay away from particle board completely.

Some of the holes that ripped out ballooned, so I would most likely need to drill new holes.

I bought the stand as-is with these issues as it was pre-assembled.

I'm also not entirely sure if I'm comfortable with a 45g tank being supported by an all particle board stand. With everything in, it's close to 500lbs. That's a lot of weight on particle board.

 

[ndrwater]

With the issues you mentioned, id just build a new one. With all the effort that is going to take to fix, might as well start anew.
You could always re-use things like doors and hinges.
Or... Buy a new one. Less fun, but definitely faster.
Not aure of your level of DIY skills, but there is a readily available template here for a simple 2x4 stand that will far outlive any particle board stand

 

[snakpak]

With the issues you mentioned, id just build a new one. With all the effort that is going to take to fix, might as well start anew.
You could always re-use things like doors and hinges.
Or... Buy a new one. Less fun, but definitely faster.
Not aure of your level of DIY slills, but there is a readily available template here for a simple 2x4 stand that will far outlive any particle board stand

That's kind of what I'm thinking. I've done my fair share of DIY, so definitely not something I'm leery of tackling. I'll check out that template, thanks!

 

[X-37B]

Had a similar stand issue a few years back on a used system.
I took the stand apart and glued the panels together. On the blowout holes/camlocks I used a 2 part epoxy.
Stand is still in use by the person I gave the system to when I moved.

Pics would help determine if it's to far gone to be repaired.

 

[snakpak]

Had a similar stand issue a few years back on a used system.
I took the stand apart and glued the panels together. On the blowout holes/camlocks I used a 2 part epoxy.
Stand is still in use by the person I gave the system to when I moved.

Pics would help determine if it's to far gone to be repaired.

There are 2 blown out holes from where the connection tore out from the base panel. I could glue in a wood dowel, then re-drill that hole and it should be plenty fine.

My biggest concern is that given how poorly this was put together by whoever assembled it, I'm not sure I 100% trust the entire assembly. Not sure I'd be able to glue the panels together considering it's coated particle board.

 

[X-37B]

2 part epoxy will work.
I glued the edges of the particle board together and held them in place overnight with clamps.
You will know if it's strong enough once it's assembled.
If not then you can get another stand.

 

[Fish Fan]

I don't know if the stock stand is worth all you'd have to do to shore it up. If you decide to DIY, here's the popular RocketEngineer's stand plan:

Basic DIY Stand Calculator

This is a repost of my previous calculations. Again, this is not my design but has become connected with my name over the years. The basic principle of the design is two box frames connected by four legs. The upper one supports the tank and transfers the load to the legs. The legs are made of...

www.reef2reef.com

Good luck!

 

[snakpak]

2 part epoxy will work.
I glued the edges of the particle board together and held them in place overnight with clamps.
You will know if it's strong enough once it's assembled.
If not then you can get another stand.

Hmm... it's worth a shot. Will need to grab some clamps and 2 part epoxy. Thanks for the idea!

 

[snakpak]

I don't know if the stock stand is worth all you'd have to do to shore it up. If you decide to DIY, here's the popular RocketEngineer's stand plan:

Basic DIY Stand Calculator

This is a repost of my previous calculations. Again, this is not my design but has become connected with my name over the years. The basic principle of the design is two box frames connected by four legs. The upper one supports the tank and transfers the load to the legs. The legs are made of...

www.reef2reef.com

Good luck!

I'll give the 2 part epoxy a try first. Not that I wouldn't mind building a stand, it's just a lot more work to make it look really nice / furniture grade.

 

[snakpak]

Alternative stand reinforcement using 1x4s.

 

[Fish Fan]

I'll give the 2 part epoxy a try first. Not that I wouldn't mind building a stand, it's just a lot more work to make it look really nice / furniture grade.

You can definitely make the existing stand sound with epoxy, so give it a shot if you like the looks of that stand. Just know it doesn't take much at all to turn the 2x4 stand into something truly furniture quality. A thin plywood or panel board "skin" and some moulding can go a long way

 

[snakpak]

Will do! If I can make it out today to grab some 2-part, I'll work on it tonight. Pretty wicked ice storm here today so trying to avoid going out and driving.

Will report back after I've attempted fixing it.

 

[Fish Fan]

Good luck, let us know how it's going!

 

[snakpak]

Update: Took each panel apart and 2-part epoxied each piece back together using the cam locks and some clamps to hold as I assembled. The sides are definitely snug. The bottom and top panels were a bit trickier as I couldn't get clamps to put pressure along the edges. I used a 40lb bag of salt & some jugs of water to put some weight on it as it cured. It definitely feels solid. I bought new nylon inserts as well for the bottom piece as that was the most damaged piece.

Some squeeze out, but I was able to clean it up with rubbing alcohol.

Just waiting on the new adjustable feet to arrive tomorrow. I need a tiny bit of height as I can't seem to adjust the doors enough so they open without dragging across the ground. Though I am a tiny bit worried about all of the weight being distributed through 4 feet versus having the entire bottom panel on the ground.

Pictures of the final resting spot.