New tank 84x36x24 ... Time for a Stand build!
- Thread starter muffywrx
- Start date
Why, are you an expert? He works with a very large distributor of Tenecor acrylic tanks. I have contacted Tenecor directly and am waiting to hear back.
I have seen controversy on threads in the past on foam vs nothing. On a 310ish gallon tank, I'm going to estimate that it won't be an issue with a level stand and a level piece of plywood with imperfections sanded out.
More to come soon.
Okay ... after getting some well-needed experienced advice, I have come to something that will make everyone happy, and I will feel comfortable with.
Neo suggested I get Owens Foamular from Home Depot, which is covered in a plastic film, therefore making it impossible for the foam to eat away at the acrylic. Thanks Neo!
I don't know what everyone else is using, but this will work for my application. If this is what you were talking about, that's fine, but specific details are important
Now ... on to the build. Will be posting plans soon and buying materials soon as well, once design is confirmed.
Neo suggested I get Owens Foamular from Home Depot, which is covered in a plastic film, therefore making it impossible for the foam to eat away at the acrylic. Thanks Neo!
I don't know what everyone else is using, but this will work for my application. If this is what you were talking about, that's fine, but specific details are important
Now ... on to the build. Will be posting plans soon and buying materials soon as well, once design is confirmed.
Okay ... after getting some well-needed experienced advice, I have come to something that will make everyone happy, and I will feel comfortable with.
Neo suggested I get Owens Foamular from Home Depot, which is covered in a plastic film, therefore making it impossible for the foam to eat away at the acrylic. Thanks Neo!
I don't know what everyone else is using, but this will work for my application. If this is what you were talking about, that's fine, but specific details are important
Now ... on to the build. Will be posting plans soon and buying materials soon as well, once design is confirmed.
Thats the one I used. It has a blueish film on one side and a foil backing on the other. i used 1/2"
Okay ... going to attempt to go out and buy all my materials today (need to borrow fiance's dad's truck).
My future sump is currently in use as regular aquarium at the moment, growing out my RTC. I will probably set up a temporary kiddie pool to take it down and fix it up. It is probably tempered considering its 75gallon size I'm guessing? There is no sticker and its a bit older. May take it to a glass shop just to see. Want to implement my drip system ... Otherwise I'll have to get an overflow or make an overflow for the sump to connect to a drain that will flow outside. I still don't understand how the PVC overflows work, so a diagram would help if anyone has one. The convenient thing is that my tank will be located right in front of a dryer vent ... can rig this up to drain the water out the vent and into the yard.
Anyway ... comments or suggestions are welcome.
So far it looks like I need 6 4x4x8" pieces for the top and bottom frames (4 7' pieces and 4 3' pieces), 7 2x4x10' pieces (10 3-4' supports and 6-7 28" crossbraces (4-5 up top 2 on the bottom), a sheet of plywood (4x8' normally sold works), and a sheet of foamular foam (4x8' piece). Will need wood glue (have one bottle, will buy one more jic) and deck screws ... Also need a wood protectant of some sort.
What does everyone think of THIS .. will it protect against water?
My future sump is currently in use as regular aquarium at the moment, growing out my RTC. I will probably set up a temporary kiddie pool to take it down and fix it up. It is probably tempered considering its 75gallon size I'm guessing? There is no sticker and its a bit older. May take it to a glass shop just to see. Want to implement my drip system ... Otherwise I'll have to get an overflow or make an overflow for the sump to connect to a drain that will flow outside. I still don't understand how the PVC overflows work, so a diagram would help if anyone has one. The convenient thing is that my tank will be located right in front of a dryer vent ... can rig this up to drain the water out the vent and into the yard.
Anyway ... comments or suggestions are welcome.
So far it looks like I need 6 4x4x8" pieces for the top and bottom frames (4 7' pieces and 4 3' pieces), 7 2x4x10' pieces (10 3-4' supports and 6-7 28" crossbraces (4-5 up top 2 on the bottom), a sheet of plywood (4x8' normally sold works), and a sheet of foamular foam (4x8' piece). Will need wood glue (have one bottle, will buy one more jic) and deck screws ... Also need a wood protectant of some sort.
What does everyone think of THIS .. will it protect against water?
Hoping to get a reply soon ... So far what I've been told is to use the ebony stain but in conjunction with poly (polyurethane?) ....
All the lumber and foam has been bought, going to go get the little stuff now ... So it would be nice to know on this.
Also, have to order marine grade plywood and it is $69.99. . . Wondering if there is a good alternative plywood we can buy to save a little cost (if not, no issue just wondering because I see sometimes the marine grade is overkill esp if we are protecting the wood)....
Help
All the lumber and foam has been bought, going to go get the little stuff now ... So it would be nice to know on this.
Also, have to order marine grade plywood and it is $69.99. . . Wondering if there is a good alternative plywood we can buy to save a little cost (if not, no issue just wondering because I see sometimes the marine grade is overkill esp if we are protecting the wood)....
Help
Okay ... picked up some stuff today ...
Here is the lumber and foam
second pic, got this lighting set up and wiring setups ... Need to extend the outlet I'm using so that is what the extension cord is for and then 2 plug ins that I can mount inside the stand with switches for easy shut off when cleaning the tank or doing water changes if needed (one is for canisters, pump, and thermometers and the other will be for lighting and other things like airstones...
IMG_6386 by muffywrx, on Flickr
And here is all the stuff for the rest of the build of the stand .... Waterproof wood glue, sanding mats, deck screws with bit, clamps, polyshade minwax (stain and polyurethane in one step) and brushes, .....
Will probably start the build on Tuesday. Still need a few 2x4s as we changed the design a bit. Will post design soon.
STILL need to know what kind of plywood to get. See marine grade is best but can be overkill ... Planning on staining the plywood .... I see MDF is not a good idea ... So what type should I get?
Here is the lumber and foam
second pic, got this lighting set up and wiring setups ... Need to extend the outlet I'm using so that is what the extension cord is for and then 2 plug ins that I can mount inside the stand with switches for easy shut off when cleaning the tank or doing water changes if needed (one is for canisters, pump, and thermometers and the other will be for lighting and other things like airstones...
IMG_6386 by muffywrx, on Flickr
And here is all the stuff for the rest of the build of the stand .... Waterproof wood glue, sanding mats, deck screws with bit, clamps, polyshade minwax (stain and polyurethane in one step) and brushes, .....
Will probably start the build on Tuesday. Still need a few 2x4s as we changed the design a bit. Will post design soon.
STILL need to know what kind of plywood to get. See marine grade is best but can be overkill ... Planning on staining the plywood .... I see MDF is not a good idea ... So what type should I get?
Don't know if it will work long term or not but I had a spare sheet of regular 7/8" ply that I am using. Get a good brush for the min wax or it will streak and some mineral spirits to clean the brush. you will need at least 2 qt. of the min wax stain/poly for doing 2 coats. I have found the torx head deck screws work the best so far-- have not had even 1 strip out yet !
