Who and Why, is putting ply on the bottom

[bassguy]

I'm building a 180 long stand and I'm wondering should I put plywood on the very bottom of the stand? I have carpet floors with plywood and joist.

I have built many stands for smaller tanks and have never used it on the bottom. The reason I'm concerned is the larger weight of the tank and the load distribution. I have a 240 with out it, but it's on concrete in the garage.

 

[DMD123]

I just recently bought a 210g with a stand. The stand was a typical pet store pine type with doors. I added 3/4" ply to the bottom and top of the stand and then trimmed it out. I did this for two reasons, one was to help with the weight distribution on my floor and two because I thought the stand was a bit too short (adding the 2 pcs of ply gave me 1 1/2" more height-looks better proportioned now.).

This is probably not necessary but again I also wanted a bit more height.

 

[Joe M]

I did it when i rebuilt my 125 stand. Mostly because the floor in it was bad, and I wanted a good strong one that wasn't suspended off the floor. The weight distribution is also a plus for me. I got a sheet of 3/4inch ABS plywood at HD on sale for a little over 20 bucks and used that. I honestly don't see any reason NOT to do it, aside from mold issues if you spill a ton of water.

Im definitely building my next stand. I think it cost me more to make my old store bought stand sturdy enough for me to trust it than it would have to start from scratch. Its amazing how horribly constructed store bought stands are.

 

[hbluehunter]

When i built my stand for my 220 i put a 3/4" piece on the bottom also, but my reason was a little different. I sealed the bottom and water proofed it so if anything ever leaked the whole bottom of the stand would fill up with water before the floor and carpet would get soaked. I do have to say it saved me once..

 

[Pharaoh]

I generally put a piece on the bottom if I plan on keeping filters and other equipment down there. Mainly to keep stuff off of the carpet.

 

[bassguy]

Well that settles it, I'm putting ply on the bottom. Thanks for all the help all!!

 

[Joe M]

When i built my stand for my 220 i put a 3/4" piece on the bottom also, but my reason was a little different. I sealed the bottom and water proofed it so if anything ever leaked the whole bottom of the stand would fill up with water before the floor and carpet would get soaked. I do have to say it saved me once..

Yeah I caulked and watersealed mine completely as well. Adds a little bit more of a safety thing for me.