All DIY stand builders please read

[808_fairladyz]

Honestly, the real discussion here is whether or not dimensional lumber will do as you claim. You stated that using a dimensional lumber stand will cause a tank to fail. This is what you need to prove.

Although it is true that plywood is stronger that dimensional lumber, that doesn't in iteself prove that dimensional lumber will fail. All it proves is that plywood is a bit stronger. No where in the discussion has factual evidence been provided that shows dimensional lumber to;
1. be insuffucient for bulding aquarium stands
2. that the failures you mention were in fact a direct result of the use of dimensional lumber in aquarium stands.

What this discussion then becomes is an argument on which style of stand each person "feels" better about using. Not to even include discussion of proper design techniques for both types of material that would ensure that there is an adequate comparison of the two types.

At this point, without further information, I'm inclined to beleive that what you have on your hands is a coincidence.

+1, you've summed it up pretty good. We can all agree that there is alot of materials out there that are more superior than others, but with all this technical data being introduced into this topic, we're starting to overlook the more relevant facts, that the best material in the world assembled improperly is not as relevant as a properly build one of lesser material. If the original poster is building his plywood stands properly, than I shouldn't discredit it anymore than he should discredit the use of 2x4 lumber. With large DYI stands, it's difficult to truly square it up during it's build process, that's why for me, I level off the stand. Than I level it again with the aquarium on it. I check the level again during my filling process and after. Does that seem excessive? What do I have to lose?

Sent from my LG-P509

 

[CarvinSigX]

There's an easy way to figure this out...Someone build identical size stands out of each material and do a load test.

Sent from my Desire HD using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[stockfool]

There's an easy way to figure this out...Someone build identical size stands out of each material and do a load test.

Sent from my Desire HD using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

I nominate you.

That will still not give the answer though as the builder would need to be a master carpenter and we would need to wait for results for some time, as it should not be an instant fail either way. I think the data is available, tough not necessarily complete in this thread and everyone would still not agree. Everyone should do what they are comfortable with, but this is not as complex of a question as we have made it. It goes back to taking someone’s word on what has worked for them. That is not scientific, but if enough credible MFKers support it I'm cool, but I'm still questionable on this one knowing what I do. Maybe just good maintenance and preparation is the key as in most aquatic related endeavors.

 

[BoCoMo]

Your stands look very nice! I personally use treated 2x4's & screws and the plywood to make them look pretty. My tank sits on thick foam so if there is movement (there hasn't because I can frame a stand) then hopefully this will help. Next stand I build will be for my plywood tank and I think I will use steel tubing. Always appreciate another perspective though!

 

[joefish72b]

There's an easy way to figure this out...Someone build identical size stands out of each material and do a load test.

Sent from my Desire HD using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

I'm honestly thinking about doing exactly that. There are several issues that come to mind, first being if I'm correct I know someone will cry foul because I'm the one doing the test. The other most obvious will be the design of the stand, there are several ways that people do lumber stands. Then there is the actual test, I'd need to be able to simulate a tank so the weight would have to sit on the outside rim like it would if it was a glass tank that had the plastic trim.

I'd be willing to build an 18" x 96" stand just to prove a point, or be proven wrong.

 

[waynes world]

Never mind wood for a base, if you want to be closer to 100% safe then go with steel or brick/block base, i dont think these will rot or rot/distort if treated like you should with ANY type of wood when its used around water.

As to do a test on ply and timber frame, it would not work as you cant build the same type of frame as a frame can have as many bearers as wanted, i could build a frame from any material i wanted which would hold a 3 ton tank.

There is no best way IMO its down to the person who builds it. And if you want to have a good nights sleep.

 

[livelymc]

Ove always used cinder blocks they hold up just fine and are cheap and you can still do doors n that once the weight of the water n tank are on it

Sent from my Sony Tablet S using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[David R]

Interesting thread. Looking at the first post, with the pics of the ply stand being made using dowels and some pretty precise carpentry, I'd say that the skills/methods/equipment used to make the ply stands in question go above and beyond what the average DIYer has. I know for sure it would be far easier for myself to build a stand out of 4x2 than it would be out of ply using the methods shown here, I'd struggle to make cuts that perfectly square and accurate just using a skillsaw and strait edge, let alone drilling and lining up the holes for the dowels perfectly using an old battery drill!

I certainly think most people way over-engineer their home-made stands, but as you've seen with your blown out tanks I don't think that is a bad thing. I'm sure there are many broken tanks from unlevel stands out there, but I don't think suggesting people try to do precision carpentry with ply and dowels is going to improve that either!

 

[Phixer]

I live in an old house framed using dimensional lumber. It also snows a lot where I live, the trusses that support my roof and joists that support my floor are also constructed of dimensional lumber. So far my house has managed not to collapse.

 

[greenbud]

Interesting thread. Looking at the first post, with the pics of the ply stand being made using dowels and some pretty precise carpentry, I'd say that the skills/methods/equipment used to make the ply stands in question go above and beyond what the average DIYer has. I know for sure it would be far easier for myself to build a stand out of 4x2 than it would be out of ply using the methods shown here, I'd struggle to make cuts that perfectly square and accurate just using a skillsaw and strait edge, let alone drilling and lining up the holes for the dowels perfectly using an old battery drill!

I certainly think most people way over-engineer their home-made stands, but as you've seen with your blown out tanks I don't think that is a bad thing. I'm sure there are many broken tanks from unlevel stands out there, but I don't think suggesting people try to do precision carpentry with ply and dowels is going to improve that either!

Having just finished my 300 gallon plywood build i agree