33 dollars, 1 hour = stand for a 150 gallon.
- Thread starter kallmond
- Start date
I don't see that many screws. IMO definitely not enough, I'm always down for over-doing it on a build. Especially one that is to support such weight. We are talking at least 1500lbs when the tank is full. That doesn't include substrate or decor.
Either way I wish you the best of luck with your new set up.
Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
Either way I wish you the best of luck with your new set up.
Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
From my post with the instructions:
The way the stand is built, there are 6 load bearing legs, with 2x4 runners braced to them to spread the load. A 150 full weighs 1800 lbs. http://freshaquarium.about.com/od/aquariumsandstands/a/tanksizesweights.htm
1800 lbs, spread over 6 legs = 300lbs per leg. It's your supposition that a 2x4 on end can't hold 300lbs?
In fact, this stand IS overbuilt. I doubled up the 2x4 legs. Which (in a purely mathematical vacuum) means 150lbs per 2x4. Is it your opinion that a person balanced on a 2x4 would crush it?
I put 3 wood screws at every junction, at different angles, plus fully coated the entire joint in liquid nails. I knew this build would bring out the "overbuilders". I'm all for it, if you own a lumberyard. But I wanted an example of a perfectly sound, reasonable stand on this site.
Today the tank is full, with substrate and rock decorations. Sitting up there like a champ.
As a last question, has anyone ever bought a stand for a 150 gallon tank? The ones in the store were made of 1/4" plywood with 1.5 x 1.5" braces inside. By all definition outside of MonsterFishkeepers, my stand IS overbuilt.
kallmond said:
The way the stand is built, there are 6 load bearing legs, with 2x4 runners braced to them to spread the load. A 150 full weighs 1800 lbs. http://freshaquarium.about.com/od/aquariumsandstands/a/tanksizesweights.htm
1800 lbs, spread over 6 legs = 300lbs per leg. It's your supposition that a 2x4 on end can't hold 300lbs?
In fact, this stand IS overbuilt. I doubled up the 2x4 legs. Which (in a purely mathematical vacuum) means 150lbs per 2x4. Is it your opinion that a person balanced on a 2x4 would crush it?
I put 3 wood screws at every junction, at different angles, plus fully coated the entire joint in liquid nails. I knew this build would bring out the "overbuilders". I'm all for it, if you own a lumberyard. But I wanted an example of a perfectly sound, reasonable stand on this site.
Today the tank is full, with substrate and rock decorations. Sitting up there like a champ.
As a last question, has anyone ever bought a stand for a 150 gallon tank? The ones in the store were made of 1/4" plywood with 1.5 x 1.5" braces inside. By all definition outside of MonsterFishkeepers, my stand IS overbuilt.
Like I said I wish you the best with your stand. I hope it lasts a lifetime.
I personally wouldn't trust liquid nails.
You're right... Compared to some store bought stands yours is over built. But if you all you wanted was a pat on the back for building a stand quickly and cheaply then why didn't you say so..
I was only offering a little constructive criticism... From a dude who has built many stands, racks, ponds, and muti tank systems......
Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
I personally wouldn't trust liquid nails.
You're right... Compared to some store bought stands yours is over built. But if you all you wanted was a pat on the back for building a stand quickly and cheaply then why didn't you say so..
I was only offering a little constructive criticism... From a dude who has built many stands, racks, ponds, and muti tank systems......
Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
Stand looks great. 2x4s will hold way more vertically than people give them credit. Only thing I would mention is to give yourself another 2x4 in the back for horizontal bracing.
My reply came across much more defensive or cocky than I intended. Pls chalk it up to that being a bad day of dealing with he ex-wife and accept my apology. I love the level of expertise here at MFK, and I love that I can come here and post a question and get a huge array of constructive answers.
I too have built many stands, tanks, and racks. You can tell from my join date I'm not a newbie at this, but I posted this to show that you can build a functional tank for much less than what the average MFKer appears to spend, with very few tools. The 150 was a craigslist purchase for $80 (I think.. maybe it was $100). I found a pair of AC110's (actually older AC500's) on freecycle. I used playsand and 10 gallons of crushed coral (also from freecycle). The heaters were a trade from someone with a broken tank, I traded a 55 gallon for a broken 110, 1 light fixture, a Rena XP canister and the two heaters.
All in all, including stock, I have under $200 out of my pocket in the setup, and most of that was spent over time. The reason I posted this thread was to show that you CAN be a MFK without spending thousands, or even hundreds of dollars if you plan, and work at it.
rdKirby, the stand is holding up great! The tank is full, rocks stacked, and 6 happy (baby) inhabitants (Filter media from other well established tanks).
Pharaoh, you're right, horizontal bracing is needed. In a couple weeks, I'll be shrouding the stand in plywood, which will give the needed lateral rigidity. Until then, I'll have to keep an eye on it.
Horizontal (or better yet, diagonal) braces across the back like / \ would be a great addition. The reason to double up on the 2x4's wasn't for strength, it was to transfer the load from the horizontal 2x4 'rail' to the vertical post. My rail sits on top of 1 2x4. All the force is directed downward directly to the floor. If you screwed your post to the rail, all the weight would be trying to sheer the screw.
Here's a picture of the top rail meeting the post, and why it's important to double up the 2x4 posts.
