40 breeder stand help

[pdiehm]

if i wanted to make stand for a 40 breeder display, but also house a 40 breeder sump how do I do that? I am designing one, but i have the top right, however I want the sump to sit inside the bottom 2x4's (almost like a tub), but in order to do that, that section needs to be 18.5" wide. If I do that, then the top is too wide, and the breeder would fall through. The only thing I can think of (and I'm not an engineer or a carpenter) is to use 3/4" plywood as a tabletop, glued/screwed into the top part of the frame.

A) would this work?
B) I think if it would work, I would need to add a center brace on the top frame to add support to the 3/4" ply right?

 

[pdiehm]

Something like this...I would think 2 would add support to the 3/4" plywood tabletop, 3 is engineering overkill, but would/should eliminate any chance that the plywood would give way under a weak point.

 

[Kodock]

Are you going for just a raw open frame, or a detailed molded design?

I would personally put 2 center braces for top and bottom, as well as plywood over them. All of those 2x4’s and 3/4” plywood covers gets heavy, if you ever try to move. It may not concern you, but know that 2x4’s are not actually 2x4’s if you are trying to be specific on dimensions, closer to 1.5x3.5. Most people already know that, but I had to learn it the hard way. Hope that helps for something..

 

[pdiehm]

Are you going for just a raw open frame, or a detailed molded design?

I would personally put 2 center braces for top and bottom, as well as plywood over them. All of those 2x4’s and 3/4” plywood covers gets heavy, if you ever try to move. It may not concern you, but know that 2x4’s are not actually 2x4’s if you are trying to be specific on dimensions, closer to 1.5x3.5. Most people already know that, but I had to learn it the hard way. Hope that helps for something..

i'm going to skin it and make it match our cabinets (or try to) in the next room over. I'm not bracing the bottom because I want the sump so sit inside almost like storing stuff in a drawer. Showed it to my brother in law who is an engineer with Dupont, and he said, 1 would work, 3 is overkill, 2 would suffice. when asked what he would do, he goes, 40 gallon tank, 40 lbs of rock, 20-30 lbs of sand, figure 33 gallons of water and saltwater weights approximately 8.6lbs per gallon.

Tank weight empty: 58lbs
Rock: 40lbs
Sand 30 lbs
Water: Approximately 33 gallons at 8.6lbs per gallon. 284 lbs.

total 412 lbs.

he goes: 2 braces + the 3/4" plywood top. No sweat.

 

[Michael Lane]

I'd also recommend skinning the bottom of the stand and adding something to waterproof it. I used shower pan liner. I've never had a leak, but I always seem to splash or spill a bit of water when I'm doing anything under the stand. It's nice not having to worry about water damage on the floor, and I can easily wipe up any water.

 

[Fish_N_A_Box]

people under estimate the strength of wood, especially when vertical and/or in short lengths.

to crush or cause a 2x4 to splinter vertically would take a huge amount of downward weight/force.

2 center braces for stability.. though one would suffice given the 3/4 will tie it all together (top and sides). Technically you could get away with zero upper braces.

reason being all four sides of the tank will be sitting on the 2x4 rim of the stand, which will be clad in plywood and this will keep the 2x4 from sagging anywhere.

reference: I use to be in the lumber business.

 

[William Mumford]

You will be just fine doing that.

 

[pdiehm]

I'd also recommend skinning the bottom of the stand and adding something to waterproof it. I used shower pan liner. I've never had a leak, but I always seem to splash or spill a bit of water when I'm doing anything under the stand. It's nice not having to worry about water damage on the floor, and I can easily wipe up any water.

i will be putting a bottom piece to seal the bottom. plan is to caulk the joints of the bottom, use something to waterproof it, paint it. Since we just redid the floors, what I don't want is something to ruin it which would be grounds for an immediate divorce

So, by doing this, in the event of something bad, or minor spills, I have something to protect the floor. I removed the top center brace, and will be going with 2.

I'm starting to design a side cabinet that will hold my ATO, and controllers.

 

[lion king]

You could use something like this as a frame. I have 2 40B sitting on these, they are a perfect fit. The tanks set right inside the frame perfectly, you could have one on the top, one on the bottom, then shin it to your pleasure. You just use have the height of what is pictured.

Edsal Muscle Rack 36"W x 18"D x 72"H Ultra Rack - Walmart.com

Free Shipping. Buy Edsal Muscle Rack 36"W x 18"D x 72"H Ultra Rack at Walmart.com

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[Kammetal]

Lol I wish I could have got a 40breeder beneath my 40 breeder

 

[pdiehm]

ok, i am somewhat happy with this. The stand fits a 40 breeder on top, a 40 breeder sump on the bottom. On the right is the housing for an ATO, and a small cabinet for stuff such as test kids and what not. Any dosing can be done from inside the stand, OR I can set up the dosing containers behind my ATO containers and use the bottom shelf of the cabinet. From there, I would drill holes to the dosing containers, and then run the tubes to the left into the sump (probably be the return section.

The right hand wall of the ATO compartment would be my controller panel where I hang the vortec controllers, the apex brain and EB8/832 whatever it is.

 

[pdiehm]

I should correct that the tank will be sitting on a 3/4” plywood table top.

 

[X-37B]

Here is what i did for my 45 frag tank. Stand is 36x24x36. They also come in 36x18x36 from uline. The shelves are rated at 1800lbs. I coated mine in spray on rubber. They are powdercoated grey. Replaced the fiber board with ply.
The bottom is a 40 breeder for the sump. The 36x18x36 will fit 2 breeders nicely.

Simple and very strong.

 

[Acros]

Here is what i did for my 45 frag tank. Stand is 36x24x36. They also come in 36x18x36 from uline. The shelves are rated at 1800lbs. I coated mine in spray on rubber. They are powdercoated grey. Replaced the fiber board with ply.
The bottom is a 40 breeder for the sump. The 36x18x36 will fit 2 breeders nicely.

Simple and very strong.

I am going one of these for my 40 breeder. Did you end up closing off the sides with some panels?

 

[X-37B]

I am going one of these for my 40 breeder. Did you end up closing off the sides with some panels?

No but you could use magnets glued to the panels.
My 120 is steel frame and 13 months later still no panels too lol.
I like the look and functionality of an open
Frame.
Cardboard on the 40 breeder sump to keep out stray light.

 

[Acros]

Thank you for the reply. It looks cool.