DIY Steel stand design.

[BarroomHero]

Yup...you are only supporting about 1000lbs plus tank and gear...the stand will support the plywood that your tank will set on, so no worries, just build the stand with the same dimensions as the tank

Thanks again.

 

[BarroomHero]

My tank is 72 x 30 and the stand is 72x30 and the plywood is 72.5x30.5 and the foam is 72x30...but my tank is acrylic...
You still want to put down plywood if you are running glass...IMO

What is the benefit of using the plywood with a glass tank that has a plastic frame on the bottom?

 

[zennzzo]

What is the benefit of using the plywood with a glass tank that has a plastic frame on the bottom?

IMO it will provide a flatter surface for the rim of the tank to set on...I just built my metal stand and the top plane has a slight unevenness that the plywood takes up...

 

[BarroomHero]

IMO it will provide a flatter surface for the rim of the tank to set on...I just built my metal stand and the top plane has a slight unevenness that the plywood takes up...

Oh, my thinking was that the steel would provide a flatter surface for the rim of the tank due to natural variations in wood and such.

 

[zennzzo]

Oh, my thinking was that the steel would provide a flatter surface for the rim of the tank due to natural variations in wood and such.

Sure, but that same softness to the wood is what will absorb the high spots...If you can get the steel welded and still be relatively flat, it might not be a problem, but Myself, I'd use plywood...

 

[BarroomHero]

Sure, but that same softness to the wood is what will absorb the high spots...If you can get the steel welded and still be relatively flat, it might not be a problem, but Myself, I'd use plywood...

Is there anyway I could glue the plywood to the steel stand so that I don't have all the screw heads sitting under the plastic rim on the bottom of the tank?

 

[Knowdafish]

Is there anyway I could glue the plywood to the steel stand so that I don't have all the screw heads sitting under the plastic rim on the bottom of the tank?

Construction Adhesive. It is available at Lowe's or Home Depot as well as most home improvement centers.

 

[zennzzo]

I used 4 #8 screws and countersunk them...done...

 

[BarroomHero]

Wouldnt having an entire frame around the bottom make the tank and stand more stable (like in case it got bumped or anything), or would it be just as stable resting on 4 legs? I am about to have the stand built and I am considering changing the design last minute lol.

 

[BarroomHero]

Here is the latest design I have, by the way.