Overbuilt DIY stands?

[mcarroll]

I would say the majority of us don't have access to a HVLP sprayer to apply nice finishes.

+1

I think some (Red Sea?) may use even more sophisticated finishing techniques than that. Something like foil lamination maybe? Seems like more than a regular veneer.

 

[Kent12456]

Yes it’s over built. 2x6’s are cheap, hardwood flooring is not. That’s why I over built.

 

[erk]

+1

I think some (Red Sea?) may use even more sophisticated finishing techniques than that. Something like foil lamination maybe? Seems like more than a regular veneer.

I've thought about using the vinyl lamination sheets for cars on a tank stand. Would give good UV and moisture protection. I may try going this route on the 20 long stand I plan to build. My goal is to make something similar to the ADA stands.

 

[mcarroll]

vinyl lamination sheets for cars

Link?

 

[erk]

Link?

Here is one I found on Google. I searched vinyl car wrap. Not sure how much it would cost.

https://www.rvinyl.com/vinyl-wrap.html

 

[mcarroll]

Holy cow! :D Looks cool, but elaborate. :)

 

[cane]

I think there are very few structural engineers on here. I imagine that every commercial stand vendor has their stands profenssionally designed (and spelled) by and Engineer.

I agree

 

[cane]

I just purchased an 8’ 240 gal aquarium and I plan on using all 2x4 for the stand. But I was told to use all 2x6’s but I feel it’s way too much. Especially as I will have 2 center supports on the front and the same on the rear. This is in addition to the corner supports

 

[N1Husker]

I reinforced the crap out of mine. Makes me feel safe.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

But the store bought stands look flimsy but can and do hold large aquariums with no problem.

I would wager a guess that commercial stands are engineered to just barely meet the need. Safety factors are sacrificed in lieu of cost.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I just purchased an 8’ 240 gal aquarium and I plan on using all 2x4 for the stand. But I was told to use all 2x6’s but I feel it’s way too much. Especially as I will have 2 center supports on the front and the same on the rear. This is in addition to the corner supports

With two supports, you should be fine with all 2 x 4's. If you go with a single support, I'd go with a top frame of 2 x 6's. Top whatever you make with 3/4 plywood to "level" out the imperfections in the dimensional lumber. Also, some kind of skin is needed to keep the frame from racking.....I use 3/8 ply.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

I am building my stand for a 100 gallon tank. Here is the thing water is heavy!!! I would not trust those MDF put together stands with the screw on things, don't even know what your call them lol its the same thing like ikea furniture. With that said, I went with 2 x 4 for peace of mind. I can sleep at night and not worry about the weight etc. full build is in my signature but here is the stand I painted today. Still have to finish the inside.

 

[Ashish Patel]

MDF board is what I use to skin my tank stand. The stuff you guys are talking about is particle board. I never slept good at night with this stand. Its like a wood sponge that soaks in water, and puts tons of stress on the seams. Mdf board is medium density fibre board and alot more stronger than particle board but still prefer metal or solid wood stands

 

[AlexG]

I always overbuild. An aquarium weighs a lot and its not something I want to take a risk on. My large tank alone weighs over 6000lbs and I would never want to risk a stand failure. 2x4s and 2x6s are cheap and it does not take a whole lot of extra work to overbuild a stand that will last a lifetime.

 

[Ashish Patel]

..

 

[Ashish Patel]

Don't overbuild if its going to prevent you from adding a large wide sump.. I did this on my 120 10 years ago and I could only fit a 12" wide sump because of the middle support. My previous stand was particle board and I had to replace it with a OLD dresser (picture in the back) since the tank was unleveled by 1/2" since the particle board warped, so in hindsight I should have planned this out better when upgrading to a 120gallon but I was paranoid it being my first major project. I will say I got handy in all aspects after building this with all the wrong equipment..

 

[Ashish Patel]

This is my new tank - I had to go with aluminum and while it supposedly stronger I prefer the bulky over build stands.. So much so I am considering adding additional wood support! lol

 

[Macdaddynick1]

Better safe than salty.

 

[TonapahNorth]

I didn’t overbuild my nano sized tanks. But you bet I built my stands for the big displays on Overkill Mode.

 

[flsalty]

Don't overbuild if its going to prevent you from adding a large wide sump.. I did this on my 120 10 years ago and I could only fit a 12" wide sump because of the middle support. My previous stand was particle board and I had to replace it with a OLD dresser (picture in the back) since the tank was unleveled by 1/2" since the particle board warped, so in hindsight I should have planned this out better when upgrading to a 120gallon but I was paranoid it being my first major project. I will say I got handy in all aspects after building this with all the wrong equipment..

I think you redefined the term "overkill" here...lol