I'm in the process of planning a custom stand for a 48X24 60 gallon shallow lagoon-style reef. I've been doing a lot of research on stand construction and read through the @RocketEngineer thread/designs. I'm looking to build an open stand with a bottom shelf that resembles a modern console table. Below is a picture of exactly what I had in mind. I understand most DIYer's stand construction involves 2x4s stacked on TOP of 2x4 legs for eliminating any screws carrying the load. The below design is built more like a kitchen cabinet/table.
My plan was to use a combo of 4x4s and 2x4s. Are there any structural considerations here? I'm not an engineer but comfortable with woodworking. I would have to guess all weight is going to be distributed/carried to the four legs. The 4 side pieces are acting mainly to hold everything together? Those corner braces (love the looks of them) also help transfer weight from the cross pieces to the floor. Am I wrong in my thinking here?
Since I'm not wrapping this (AIO sumpless build), I want to avoid exposed screws on the face of the stand. I'm considering using pocket screws as needed.
Here is the original build thread for reference: https://www.nano-reef.com/forums/topic/327282-bretts-shallow-reef/
Any help/insight is appreciated.
My plan was to use a combo of 4x4s and 2x4s. Are there any structural considerations here? I'm not an engineer but comfortable with woodworking. I would have to guess all weight is going to be distributed/carried to the four legs. The 4 side pieces are acting mainly to hold everything together? Those corner braces (love the looks of them) also help transfer weight from the cross pieces to the floor. Am I wrong in my thinking here?
Since I'm not wrapping this (AIO sumpless build), I want to avoid exposed screws on the face of the stand. I'm considering using pocket screws as needed.
Here is the original build thread for reference: https://www.nano-reef.com/forums/topic/327282-bretts-shallow-reef/
Any help/insight is appreciated.