75 Gallon Aqueon Tank On DIY Stand

[pixelbit]

Hi All!

I have been slowly building a stand for my 75 gallon Aqueon tank. I tested the fit and noticed around the bottom middle, the tank frame is not sitting on the box frame (made with 2x4's) of my stand. The corners appear to be supported as expected, and everything seems level. Would this be a concern when I fill the tank? The space is roughly about 1-2mm between the frame and the stand.

Thanks!

 

[OregonTechAquarist]

So the box frame supporting the middle of the tank or the sides? Either way, I would be concerned. If the tank is not touching the wood, that wood isn’t supporting the weight of the tank.

 

[pixelbit]

Hiya!
The box frame I made to fit the same footprint of the tank, so it was supposed to support the entire bottom frame of the tank. Most of it does, just this one section about 5-6" across. I should probably take a photo of what it looks like...

 

[Devaji]

get us a photo if you can.
but I agree with these rimed tanks the weight seems to set on the frame.
could be that the 2x4 was a bit off.

 

[pixelbit]

get us a photo if you can.
but I agree with these rimed tanks the weight seems to set on the frame.
could be that the 2x4 was a bit off.

Hi Devaji - That's what I was thinking as well, the 2x4 being off slightly. Home Depot doesn't always have the straightest pieces! I will grab a photo when I get back home from work.

 

[pixelbit]

Ok...bit of a delay. (Needed help to put the tank on the stand) Here are some photos. From what I can tell, the end pieces of the frame I built are slightly higher, and I think if I sand it down, it will sit more evenly.

 

[pixelbit]

Do folks think this will be an issue? I am assuming so, the length of which the gap runs is longer than I initially thought.

 

[Sailingeric]

I would fix it. I would take that board off and if you know some one with a planner or jointer and they can run the board through to level it off, or go get another board. There is going to be over 600 pounds of water and rock in tank, don't risk it.

 

[pixelbit]

Thanks. I will get this leveled up before adding the tank.

 

[Billdogg]

Because it is already assembled, your easiest option will be to cover the top with a 3/4" piece of plywood and then shim between the stand and the plywood to get it right. Use lots of shims - they are cheap and very easy to trim down.

If you attempt to sand down the "high" spot(s) you will be hard-pressed to get it all correct.

When I make a stand from dimensional lumber (2x's) the first thing I do is run them all through the jointer and planer so that I can work with wood that is actually square! It makes the entire assembly easier IMO.

 

[pixelbit]

Oh thanks for the suggestion Billdogg. I was contemplating between laying on a 3/4" cut of plywood for that purpose, or trying to sand it flat...but sanding is always so curvy. I'll go with the plywood and shim route, since it seems the most easy method. I wish I had a planer, but not yet! So I usually end up eyeballing all the dimensional lumber at the store, trying to at least get close to straight!