300G : DIY Stand

[dxdx]

Getting things in order for the arrival of the 300g which is 8'x30"x25".

I need the tank to sit lower than average, so I built the stand with almost the same dimensions as the tank - 8'x32"x25"

Here's some pictures of the almost finished stand. All that's left is the 3/4" plywood top, and I've made a brace for the center of the front opening, but it won't go in until after the sump is in place. Unfortunately, I won't be able to access through the side of the stand because of where it's going.

The final step will be the skinning which will be done last. I plan to use a nice hardwood plywood, maybe mahogany, with the 2 openings on the front. Haven't decided whether I'll do 2 sets of doors, or just 2 big magnetic panels.

Interesting note: When researching the strength of a 2x4, I found this article from a 1964 Popular Mechanics:
http://books.google.com/books?id=Ae...113#v=onepage&q=2x4 vertical strength&f=false

 

[brich999]

looks good

 

[brich999]

wow interesting article, think a 2x4 can rteally do over 2 tons in an 8ft section?

 

[dxdx]

I was surprised by that too. They tested douglas fir, which is not what you typically find in a 2x4 today. Although, I don't know how great the difference between the two is....

I was thinking of trying to balance the whole tank on one 2x4 to test it out...

 

[Maduro]

great start!

 

[Liquidplants]

Yea 2x4's are VERY strong.

You built that very well. You have the 2x4's vertical and resting on another 2x4 and not relying on the sheer strength of the mechanical fasteners! Good Job!

 

[dr.mahmoud]

where is the rest of pics

 

[david yurik]

i know its an old thread but just couldn't believe the strength of a single 1.5" x 3.5" ( 2X4 ). the weakest one was 4000 pounds but still averaged almost 5000 pounds!! unbelieveable how strong a piece of wood is. nice stand. i would have liked to see more pics also.

dave