40B stand

[Jwheld]

I currently have a DIY 2x4 stand for my 40B, with a 20L sump. I know the stand was way over built with 2-2x4s as corner supports.

I’m thinking of making a new stand. Most likely 3/4” plywood. This will give me more room, as currently my Sump is a very tight fit between the frame.

What’s the best construction technique for something of my size? (Glue, biscuits, pocket holes, etc.)

I’d like to see pictures of other’s projects!!

 

[Apotack]

Pocket holes and glue would be the easiest

 

[Jwheld]

Pocket holes and glue would be the easiest

An excuse to buy a Kreg set.

 

[Apotack]

Always love to get a new tool

 

[dbl]

Agreed...pocket holes can be your friend here. And yes, the benefit of doing any new project is new tools!!!

 

[Jwheld]

Structurally, will I need a center brace in the front? Thinking about have center brace in back, and possible doors on sides.

 

[dbl]

If you're using 3/4" plywood, and your joinery is good, you don't need a center brace in my opinion for a 40b.

 

[Jwheld]

Cool thanks. I’ll probably get started in a week or two and post a few pictures.

 

[Daltrey]

I just picked up a cheap $45 metal stand from petco. The 20 long fits under it perfect. Thinking about adding white magnetized panels to it. It's my QT setup.

 

[October Sky]

I just picked up a cheap $45 metal stand from petco. The 20 long fits under it perfect. Thinking about adding white magnetized panels to it. It's my QT setup.

I have the setup, but it's not set-up yet. There's a variety of issues with this stand, mainly the top is not flat. The side rails are either higher or lower than the front and back rails. I used Bondo to make it even, and I'm going to put a wood panel on top just to assure it's flat. It's also lower than normal. A "standard" height tank is 36" while this is 30". Not the end of the world, but it is lower. Finally, because it's lower, you have to make sure you have clearance for the skimmer. Almost all will fit, but some taller ones will just fit, making taking off the top difficult. If I had tools, I would have built my own.

There is also the Edsal shelves that Home Depot and Lowes sell, it's metal with MDF or wood shelves. They're rated at something absurd like 500 pounds per shelf. The problem with those is that the 40b is not actually 36" long, it is at the glass, but the frame makes it 36.25 or so. That's not going to fit. This is not the case with all 40b tanks, so I would measure yours. I have 2 of those shelving units in my basement, they're great and easy to put together, but my personal tank will not fit. They're also 36" tall, so that's nice.

 

[lmm1967]

Photos of 40b on 3/4" plywood DIY stand. These photos are pre-sanding / painting / adding trim. Pics 5 & 6 show the stand upside down. Last 2 show the DIY trim pieces pre-paint.

The door didn't work out the way I wanted it so I tool it off.

 

[Jwheld]

Photos of 40b on 3/4" plywood DIY stand. These photos are pre-sanding / painting / adding trim. Pics 5 & 6 show the stand upside down. Last 2 show the DIY trim pieces pre-paint.

The door didn't work out the way I wanted it so I tool it off.

Thanks! This gives me some ideas.