90 gallon stand DIY attempt

[Cybervet]

Just at the planning stage. Ideas, comments? I am planning to build a little taller than average. I don't like to lean over to look at my fishes. Anyone else have something similar this tall? I have some concern about wobble front to back. The stand will be on a carpeted slab floor.

Thanks and I will be posting pics as I begin the build.

 

[john73738]

Design looks good. Assuming you are building with the MFK favorite 2x4 I have one question, Do you have 2x4 (or other lumber) laying flat then 2x4 on end on top of them? I think you would find your stand stronger without them due to the fact you will be able to better attach the legs.

Check out this thread than Pharaoh started particularly the stand design on the first page.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?302232-Worried-that-your-stand-won-t-hold-up

You can simplify your design a little bit. I just built 2 stands out of only plywood

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?425661-New-build-2-Stands

I am confident that these are more than strong enough (one being for a 6 foot 84 gallon tank)

Over building is for piece of mind however going overboard is not necessary. All my stands are minimal design, even my 240 stand is not crazy over built. I sleep just fine.

Good luck, and cant wait for progress

 

[Cybervet]

OK ... resisting the temptation to over build, how's this revised plan look? Standard 2x4 skeleton with 3/8 plywood skin. The partial skinning in this drawing is for visual reference. I plan to fully enclose the sides and front. I'm still very undecided what to do about access thru the front. Ideas?

Planning to predrill and countersink most joints, using quality deck screws. I'm gonna try doing pocket screws on the uprights. I've never used a pocket screw jig, but I'm a veterinary surgeon! How hard can it be to adjust a jig and slam a drill into it??

Again, probably my greatest concern is wobble or "tippyness" front to back. I'm hoping the weight will overcome the fact that I'll be a little taller than average.

This is my first attempt at a stand. I plan to take my time and make it look nice. If I can pull this off, I intend to make one for a second 90 gallon and one for my 120.

 

[john73738]

That looks good. There is no reason to overbuild if you build it well.

The only thing that you removed you could keep would be the "L" shaped verticals. Being tall that along with the plywood will help with stability.

As far as access through the front, just add a border of plywood and add doors.

Here is the stand I built for my 240 ply build.

The only area I did not use pocket hole screws is to assesemble the legs and attach the plywood back.

Note the only plywood is the back the rest is simple pine planks.

And my stand for my 84 ( All oak plywood)

Do yourself a favor and buy a Kreg pocket hole jig if you have not already.

Happy DIY'ing, Look forward to seeing the finished product.

 

[littlewangzfan]

You are in good hands buddy. You're getting advice from one of the best DIYers here. Don't forget to post pics.