im lost...lol...do i need to and support to the 2x4s or do i need to add cross support? anyone else...it my first time building a stand so, i appreciate all the input. thanks, joe
building my 125gal stand!!! total cost under $130...load warning
- Thread starter Rebel Souljah
- Start date
I think there talking about cross braces between the 4x4's top and bottom. Here is a terriable draw up of what I think they meant.
It might help to see where the tank is bearing on the stand. That will determine if the screws are supporting most of the weight or if the 4x4's are supporting the weight.
The stand looks really good. Definately better than cinder blocks. It reminds me alot of the first stand I built by myself.
The stand looks really good. Definately better than cinder blocks. It reminds me alot of the first stand I built by myself.
Just some constructive criticism would be: next time notch out the 4X4 to accept the 2X4 so all the load is setting on the wood and not the screws. The way you built it, some of the load is on the screws but it’s really no big deal for a 125. If you go bigger or put multiple tanks on a stand you’re going to get your self into trouble. On a side note your stand looks awesome, it was cheap, and it will work fine for as many years as you’re in this hobby. Good job!
I have a question to you all DIY'ers out there. How will the tank be in trouble if it's on the screws. I mean if the 2x4 top frame is on the 4x4's how and why would it matter. Wood is on wood, I just am lost here, lol. Thanks all.
Let me see if I can clear things up.
the 4x4 posts go from the ground to the plywood. The downward force is on the 4x4's. The frame of 2x4's holding the 4x4's together does not bear the downward load. there is a cross load (shear force) that isn't addressed in the stand however. This is the left to right force and front to back force. Bracing for shear force in a stand like this means that you need to prevent that motion. A cross brace is a diagonal brace that transfers left and right or front and back load down the main support structure to the ground. Imagine a square, press straight down and nothing happens. Do the same thing but also push from the side, the structure collapses. Now, in the same square put diagonal beams from one corner to the opposite making an X in the middle. Repeat the same process. The structure will not collapse because the sideways force is now directed down to the ground through the cross beam.
I hope that clears things up. The force on the screws everyone is talking about is not exsistant in your stand. For that to be the case the frame of 2x4's would have to be the main contact with teh tank and the 4x4's would be holding the frame from the outside. the downward force would then be on the screws from the 2x4 to the 4x4.
the 4x4 posts go from the ground to the plywood. The downward force is on the 4x4's. The frame of 2x4's holding the 4x4's together does not bear the downward load. there is a cross load (shear force) that isn't addressed in the stand however. This is the left to right force and front to back force. Bracing for shear force in a stand like this means that you need to prevent that motion. A cross brace is a diagonal brace that transfers left and right or front and back load down the main support structure to the ground. Imagine a square, press straight down and nothing happens. Do the same thing but also push from the side, the structure collapses. Now, in the same square put diagonal beams from one corner to the opposite making an X in the middle. Repeat the same process. The structure will not collapse because the sideways force is now directed down to the ground through the cross beam.
I hope that clears things up. The force on the screws everyone is talking about is not exsistant in your stand. For that to be the case the frame of 2x4's would have to be the main contact with teh tank and the 4x4's would be holding the frame from the outside. the downward force would then be on the screws from the 2x4 to the 4x4.
I think that a plywood backing would account for the sturdiness if the tank was bumped from left to right. Also the 2x4 to account for the front to back movemen is a good idea. Other than that, if the stand is completely level then I think it will work out good for you. Nice stand!!!
Here's how I constructed my 2x4 stands corners might give you some idea's.
(I know the krylon spray is ghetto, but it's strong enough to park a car on)
Nice job on the stand BTW.
(I know the krylon spray is ghetto, but it's strong enough to park a car on)
Nice job on the stand BTW.
alleykat0498;2798847; said:
that's some good support you got going there i build my stands this way also works perfect for me
