Why DIY Stands Fail

[fish head )'>]

i asked this already in my thread and i was never answered, will it hold my 40gal.?

Yes, but anything bigger you should have the vertical 2x4's directly supporting the horizontal 2x4's. Right now only the "shear" strength of the drywall screws are supporting the weight. Enough for 40g. But, for bigger tank stands, one should add to you design, 2x4's to the corners, as shown below. NOTE: nice base spreading the weight.

 

[Razman]

Yes, but anything bigger you should have the vertical 2x4's directly supporting the horizontal 2x4's. Right now only the "shear" strength of the drywall screws are supporting the weight. Enough for 40g. But, for bigger tank stands, one should add to you design, 2x4's to the corners, as shown below. NOTE: nice base spreading the weight.

alright, thats all i needed to hear, i think i know what you mean, that is what nate77 did on his stand i think. NOTE: thanks

 

[synapse989]

Awesome! Pictures with tank and snake please!
100 hours, it would be hard to sell that at the LFS for $100 to compare with the stuff they sell.

The stuff in the LFS aren't even the same animal as a stand like this one.. they're tacked together.. barely 14 gauge sheet metal spot welded at the corners and stuff.. 3/8ths round bar.. every metal stand I've ever seen at the stores have been wobbly crap.

I put a $1000 price tag on this stand a year ago *shrug* ..not for sale anymore ..anyway.. I can build them for any configuration..

 

[fish head )'>]

awesome work. I am not into snakes, but looks cool.

Superior craftsmanship and artistic design has a smaller market. I am sure you would be able to find people who are willing/looking for such an artist. (and they understand that they have to pay for quality) you just have to spread to word. good luck.

 

[big mother trukkin cat]

One thing that I have found is that heavy plywood sheathing (if properly attached) works a good bracing againt lateral motion. The largest I have built was for a 150g and the only diagonal braces it had were to support the lighting hood. It was way over built

yes. as an architect, i didnt read through the first post because thats why we pay the structural engineer as a consultant. an easier way to say all of that is, the triangle is the strongest, most stable shape in geometry. but, the principle with the plywood creates what is called a diaghragm which prevents wracking. basically, the same idea why plywood is used as exterior sheathing and floor platforms in construction.

 

[synapse989]

awesome work. I am not into snakes, but looks cool.

Superior craftsmanship and artistic design has a smaller market. I am sure you would be able to find people who are willing/looking for such an artist. (and they understand that they have to pay for quality) you just have to spread to word. good luck.

thanks.. the shop's got work.. just not so very creative... ..but hey it's all about making money so I'm not complaining

 

[portabuddy]

this should be made a stickey, people really need to think about what they do and build things correctly,...

well atleast you cant say that i built my stand weak

 

[kumdoalan]

Some very good photos on page one of this topic.

 

[kumdoalan]

I also think this is a great stand, and it could serve as a guide on how to really make a stand that can take a beating and is not afraid of water.

Notice how the corner posts carry the weight right from the bottom of the tank all the way to the floor.
Once a shell of plywood is added there is no need of other cross- or diagonal bracing.
Plywood is a very good thing to add to the outsides of a DIY stand as it will really do a good job at holding all the support members in place.

However, from what I have read (from many DIY experts here on this forum), plywood or any other types of coverings should never be allowed to carry the weight of the Aquarium.
That's not its best job.

Now this stand has 4x4s in the corners and that's fine for this monster tank, that's what you need here.
But for smaller tanks (like for 10 or 20gal) you would not need 4x4s but the design of load carrying members in the corners is still a good one to use.
2x4s or even 2x2s will do a great job of supporting the weight of your smaller tanks.

The great thing about this design?
It can get wet!
This type of well built design can get soaked by someone haveing their hands full during a water change and have no harm come from it.

Heck, this type of stand design could go underwater should the basement flood without any harm!...thats a sign of a well made stand.

 

[CHOMPERS]

That's a nice and beefy stand. Keep up the good work.

You brought up a good point with stands in basements or any in areas prone to flooding. If the base of the stand is made with treated lumber it will prevent mold growth after a flood.