Will this stand do?

[Conner]

I thought glass tanks had to be fully supported aroud their perimeter ?

The design of the stand does support it all around the perimeter, he just used 1"x2" boards instead of 2"x4" boards like most of us mfk'ers use. That should still support the whole tank (especially with the 1/2" or so plywood on top), and then the whole of the weight is being applied to 4 vertical 2x4's.

I think most of us would prefer using 2x4's as the top frame, but I don't see why this design can't work. It's just like glass thickness, IMO. He has less of a safety factor with the smaller dimension wood.

All the weight is still supported on the vertical 2x4 posts, regardless of how the top frame is built. The top just adds support under the whole length of the tank, plus dimensional rigidity to the stand.

I would still recommend at least adding a solid plywood panel to the back of the stand before setting an aquarium on this stand. Adding plywood to both sides as well would make it more than strong enough, IMO.

I think supporting glass tanks (as long as they have the plastic trim) all along the bottom isn't as important as it is for acrylic tanks. That doesn't mean it isn't a good idea and safer to support them completely though.

 

[dawnmarie]

I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.
His design "As Built" would be fine with NO modification if attached to the wall , with one exception. The 1 x 2 spanning the front and rear of his top , even when covered with plywood, will NOT be rigid and WILL transfer that load to the front and rear panels of his glass tank.
Case in Point: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306478
Once you read through 50 or so posts you find the conclusion is : the stand was not rigid.
I can't imagine it's worth the risk.
Either way OP , Good Luck.

 

[Conner]

I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.
His design "As Built" would be fine with NO modification if attached to the wall , with one exception. The 1 x 2 spanning the front and rear of his top , even when covered with plywood, will NOT be rigid and WILL transfer that load to the front and rear panels of his glass tank.
Case in Point: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306478
Once you read through 50 or so posts you find the conclusion is : the stand was not rigid.
I can't imagine it's worth the risk.
Either way OP , Good Luck.

I agree, I would not use the stand as is. I would probably not use it even with plywood on the back and sides. I like to overbuild my stands, although not to the standard of most of the people on mfk. I wouldn't use anything smaller than 2x4 lumber.

i think where we are disagreeing is in regards to floating glass bottom tanks (i.e. with plastic trim), and tanks that rest on the bottom panel of glass. I think a floating glass bottom panel tank would be ok on this stand IF he added plywood paneling to the back (and possibly sides). A tank that sits on the bottom glass would most definitely NOT be ok on that stand.

Anyways, to the OP: DON'T use that stand unaltered to set a tank on. Unless you want to risk a lot of water and broken glass on the floor.

Good luck, hopefully you can modify it to work for what you want. If not, build a new stand (from 2x4's. There are LOTS of great diy stands here on mfk to copy), and use this one (which is very nice looking) as a side table, or something like that.

 

[Dane]

I would say what makes this stand work is that the horizontals are cut into the 2x4 uprights. So shearing is not an issue. I would add ply back and sides for added safety from sideways movement.

 

[ttmf]

I smell a lawsuit

i think it will hold up but as for it being safe. not really, especially around kids. i personally would sheer the sides and rear w/ at least 5/8 ply to where it butts the top panel to make the stand more rigid. make it like a cabinet. from his pics looks like he knotched the tops and bottoms of the 2x4s and used 1x2s with a 3/4 ply top. i think the stand and his tank has the same 4 x 18 footprint. i just speculating though. :]

 

[nolapete]

I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.
His design "As Built" would be fine with NO modification if attached to the wall , with one exception. The 1 x 2 spanning the front and rear of his top , even when covered with plywood, will NOT be rigid and WILL transfer that load to the front and rear panels of his glass tank.
Case in Point: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306478
Once you read through 50 or so posts you find the conclusion is : the stand was not rigid.
I can't imagine it's worth the risk.
Either way OP , Good Luck.

Attaching to the wall is the same thing as adding a piece of plywood or vertical supports to the back. Attaching a stand to the wall is not something that most people desire to do. Some can't, especially if they live in an apartment.

 

[dawnmarie]

I would say what makes this stand work is that the horizontals are cut into the 2x4 uprights. So shearing is not an issue. I would add ply back and sides for added safety from sideways movement.

Preventing "sideways movement" is the very reason one would add plywood "shear" panels to the sides and rear.

Attaching to the wall is the same thing as adding a piece of plywood or vertical supports to the back. Attaching a stand to the wall is not something that most people desire to do. Some can't, especially if they live in an apartment.

I couldn't agree with you more Pete, however, adding vertical supports (parrallel to the leg)would not resist shear. On the other hand , If installed on the diagonal they would perform the same function as sheeting with plywood.
So the only question left is, How should the OP deal with the possibility that the top sheet of plywood supported only by a 1 x 2 spanning the front of the stand is very likely to deflect/flex and transfer this load to the tank ?