Question for a Structural Engineer regarding stand

[SeaJay]

It’s rimmed.

I didn’t put plywood on top of mine. Only the rim needs to be supported.

 

[Tuffloud1]

Ideally, you'd want 7/8" Baltic Birch veneer-core plywood, but it may simply not be possible to obtain in a 4x8' sheet, which is what you'll need for a contiguous top. Baltic Birch is generally free of most defects such as knots, but it can be hard to source. Failing that, I'd strongly recommend getting veneer-core plywood - I'd be concerned that MDF core would creep under the weight of the tank.

By the way - you didn't mention whether this was a rimmed or rimless tank. I suspect rocket engineer's stand was designed for a rimmed tank; a rimless may require some cross-bracing in at least two places across the top to support the center of a rimless tank.

Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing.


Will this work?

3/4 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. D-3 Special Birch

https://www.homedepot.com/p/304944323

 

[KStatefan]

I was able to find top grade dry Doug Fir at Meek’s. Stuff is completely free of knots and perfectly straight. Ridiculously expensive at $8.45 a foot.

That is expensive but does look like a nice piece of wood. A #2 Douglas fir 2 x 8 x 12 feet is $15 at Menards here.

 

[Dkeller_nc]

Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing.


Will this work?

3/4 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. D-3 Special Birch

https://www.homedepot.com/p/304944323

Yes, that will definitely work. It's not "Baltic" Birch (which is exclusively imported from Europe, of course), but it's the equivalent.

 

[t5Nitro]

Bumping thread -- for those better experienced in DIY and engineering, how should this schematic be modified to build a stand to hold a 60x36x24 225 gallon tank?

Debating buying tank only from glasscages and having a local shop build a stand if I know what to send him.