Stand Question

[blackz151]

I got my plans from fishandtips.com and I have a quick question. I'm going to start building the stand today out of all 4x4's. My question is can I leave out the the middle selection on the front and the back. Will the stand still be strong enough? Or should I leave them out put the sump in and put them back in? Just wanted to check it seems like it will be a real PITA to work under there with the peace in the middle.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s278/blackz151/standhelp.jpg (http://s154.photobucket.com/user/blackz151/media/standhelp.jpg.html)

[Pife]

You should look up rocketengineers thread. I think using 4x4's is over kill. He has a great thread on diy stands and templates. Good luck

[Pife]

Here's the thread. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1169964

[JacobB89]

Yea I would Also look at rockets guide 2x4 corners and 2x6 top no center brace is what I would do

[SGT_York]

+1 that template is amature on so many levels. you'll be much better of structurally and financially with rocket engineers design.

a 2x6 is cheaper and can hold more weight than a 4x4, horizontally.

[JacobB89]

+1 that template is amature on so many levels. you'll be much better of structurally and financially with rocket engineers design.

a 2x6 is cheaper and can hold more weight than a 4x4, horizontally.

Plus no center brace that's the best part I made your my 180 had no center brace too lol.

[davocean]

Agree, look at rockets, 4x4's are not only overkill, but they are a bummer to fasten, it's 3.5" of material you gotta go through before connecting to a union.

[ThisGuy12]

Well now this is refreshing, someone who overdesigns something instead of looking at the bare minimum :) good on you.

With that said 4x4s are way overkill, stick with 2x4s or 2x6s on end as a "beam" you should be fine.

[davocean]

Well now this is refreshing, someone who overdesigns something instead of looking at the bare minimum :) good on you.

With that said 4x4s are way overkill, stick with 2x4s or 2x6s on end as a "beam" you should be fine.

Agree, all these people that rag on 2x's and encourage the bare minimum kinda ride my nerves sometimes.
It's the foundation for what usually ends up being a ton of time, energy, and money invested and living creatures, why do some people skimp so they can gain that whole inch and a half of space!?lol

[ThisGuy12]

Agree, all these people that rag on 2x's and encourage the bare minimum kinda ride my nerves sometimes.
It's the foundation for what usually ends up being a ton of time, energy, and money invested and living creatures, why do some people skimp so they can gain that whole inch and a half of space!?lolCheapskates and lack of know-how that's usually it.

I wouldn't want to rely on 1x as a structural component when a simple 30ga tank can weigh 350-400lbs full... Why risk it to save $50 especially when you're investing that on one fish.

If you're going to do it, do it right I say :D

OP - That isn't to say 4x4s as your corner posts won't work, they will work very well! If you really want to do it, go for it as they will perform better.

[davocean]

OP - That isn't to say 4x4s as your corner posts won't work, they will work very well! If you really want to do it, go for it as they will perform better.

That part I can't quite agree with, it usually results in a weak connection.
2x's fasten much better for the average builder, and I'd rather use a vertical 2x6 or 2x8 depending on span for the rim

[ThisGuy12]

That part I can't quite agree with, it usually results in a weak connection.
2x's fasten much better for the average builder, and I'd rather use a vertical 2x6 or 2x8 depending on span for the rimIf you put the posts under the 2x6 trim then it will work. Just like the leg of a table.

[JacobB89]

I'd rather use 2 2x4s butted up in a 90 of each corner then a 4x4.
This is how I did my corner post for my stand.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/19/u6upe7ap.jpg

[jlanger]

Regardless of being overbuilt or not...
Hasn't anyone noticed that the worst thing about the original plan is that a 4x4 does not measure 4 inches by 4 inches?
If he cuts all of his lumber to those dimensions, he's going to be an inch too short and an inch too narrow.

[davocean]

Regardless of being overbuilt or not...
Hasn't anyone noticed that the worst thing about the original plan is that a 4x4 does not measure 4 inches by 4 inches?
If he cuts all of his lumber to those dimensions, he's going to be an inch too short and an inch too narrow.

geez, someone had to point out the painfully obvious!
I glanced thinking he drew it up simple showing the lumber, but you're right, comes in at 24" F-B which is squeekin' if it's a 120g foot.:worried:

[blackz151]

Regardless of being overbuilt or not...
Hasn't anyone noticed that the worst thing about the original plan is that a 4x4 does not measure 4 inches by 4 inches?
If he cuts all of his lumber to those dimensions, he's going to be an inch too short and an inch too narrow.


I just noticed that also! Thanks for pointing it out. That would have been horrible. Looked up the rocket engineers diy and I am going to go with his for sure. Thank you for all the help and saving me from a horrible design.

[SGT_York]

Yes, that drawing is all kinds of wrong, FYI 2 2x4's forming an L or a T will be stronger than a single 4x4, will wear better (warp less), are easier to work with, and will be cheaper. The only real place for 4x4's is outside for a deck support. 2x4's don't look very appealing to home owners.

[JacobB89]

yes, that drawing is all kinds of wrong, fyi 2 2x4's forming an l or a t will be stronger than a single 4x4, will wear better (warp less), are easier to work with, and will be cheaper. The only real place for 4x4's is outside for a deck support. 2x4's don't look very appealing to home owners.


+1

[ThisGuy12]

Okay you guys made your point, I agree 2x4s are more practical, cheaper, and stronger than 4x4s, my point was if he wanted to use 4x4s it would work.

And OP - May want to design using nominal dimensions, in case you didn't know a 2x4 is actually 1-3/4" x 3-1/2"... I hope you would have known that though and have given you the benefit of the doubt :)

[blackz151]

Okay you guys made your point, I agree 2x4s are more practical, cheaper, and stronger than 4x4s, my point was if he wanted to use 4x4s it would work.

And OP - May want to design using nominal dimensions, in case you didn't know a 2x4 is actually 1-3/4" x 3-1/2"... I hope you would have known that though and have given you the benefit of the doubt :)

:lol: That part I did know. Thanks again for all the help can't wait to get the stand built

[davocean]

Okay you guys made your point, I agree 2x4s are more practical, cheaper, and stronger than 4x4s, my point was if he wanted to use 4x4s it would work.

And OP - May want to design using nominal dimensions, in case you didn't know a 2x4 is actually 1-3/4" x 3-1/2"... I hope you would have known that though and have given you the benefit of the doubt :)

Actually 1 1/2" x 3 1/2"

[ThisGuy12]

Actually 1 1/2" x 3 1/2"Depends where you buy from but yes 1-1/2" is typical as well.

I've had lumber that varied from 1-1/2" to 1-3/4 and everything in between :)

[MarlinHooker]

I have a custom woodworking business that specializes in building custom aquarium cabinets and canopies ... PM me if you have any questions ...

[blackz151]

I have a custom woodworking business that specializes in building custom aquarium cabinets and canopies ... PM me if you have any questions ...

Cool thanks!! Will do if I get stuck