Aquariam diy stand

Fishymark · Apr 15, 2022

Hello all new member here I think I am just being paranoid but having a custom tank built and doing the stand myself I have built the stand out of 4x2 timber untreated and it was built on a uneven floor so it has thrown my leveelness out slightly the front is within 3mm on the upright the back is close to 5mm the tank I am getting is a flat glass 10mm 325l and I have a slight dip in the center around 1 to 3mm I'm wrapping in 9mm ply hardboard and 12mm on the top I have enough spare to do another layer if needed

jsker · Apr 16, 2022

As long as the top were the tank is going to sit is flat, the one can shim the bottom to level. Would you have a picture to see your cabinet? and area were the cabinets is going to sit?

Fishymark · Apr 16, 2022

jsker said:
As long as the top were the tank is going to sit is flat, the one can shim the bottom to level. Would you have a picture to see your cabinet? and area were the cabinets is going to sit?

Fishymark · Apr 16, 2022

All the outside edges are all touching its just where the middle is it dipps down I haven't added the ply to it yet as I'm waiting to speak to the tank builders to see what they recomend I also have a slight rock in a corner by rock where the bottom 4x2 isn't compleat flush with the floor it has a 2mm gap I thought I could get round it with shims the unit itself is solid I've sat on top of it I weigh about 19odd stone not as much as a tank granted I've used 150 decking screws to hold it all together as well

jsker · Apr 16, 2022

That is some nice work and solid joinery on your stand!!.

You will be perfectly fine with your stand. As I stated before, if you have to level the stand, use shims on the Botton to level.

jsker · Apr 16, 2022

Fishymark said:
All the outside edges are all touching its just where the middle is it dipps down I haven't added the ply to it yet as I'm waiting to speak to the tank builders to see what they recomend I also have a slight rock in a corner by rock where the bottom 4x2 isn't compleat flush with the floor it has a 2mm gap I thought I could get round it with shims the unit itself is solid I've sat on top of it I weigh about 19odd stone not as much as a tank granted I've used 150 decking screws to hold it all together as well

they will recommend 3/4 play with a pad for the tank to sit on

Fishymark · Apr 16, 2022

jsker said:
they will recommend 3/4 play with a pad for the tank to sit on

Is that 3/4 ply?

Fishymark · Apr 16, 2022

jsker said:
That is some nice work and solid joinery on your stand!!.

You will be perfectly fine with your stand. As I stated before, if you have to level the stand, use shims on the Botton to level.

Thankyou it's my first attempt ever I think I'm just thinking too much and getting paranoid as first time and I have a need for attention to detail lol

jsker · Apr 16, 2022

Fishymark said:
Is that 3/4 ply?

Yes.

jsker · Apr 16, 2022

Fishymark said:
Thankyou it's my first attempt ever I think I'm just thinking too much and getting paranoid as first time and I have a need for attention to detail lol

It never hurts to over think a tank stand.

Your welcome. I have built a few tank stands in my years.

HuduVudu · Apr 16, 2022

Make sure you seal the stand with something. Salt water is hell on wood.

Fishymark · Apr 17, 2022

jsker said:
It never hurts to over think a tank stand.

Your welcome. I have built a few tank stands in my years.

Yes that was what I was thinking so it doesn't matter that I have it slightly off on the upright by a couple of mm and I would get away without the center support in the top by using 18mm blyboard and foam to take out the dip

Fishymark · Apr 17, 2022

HuduVudu said:
Make sure you seal the stand with something. Salt water is hell on wood.

Yes I was going to seal it with some ronseal interior varnish diamond hard stuff also would 9mm plywood be OK to wrap the front and sides I say woukd it be I have already done it now what would you recomend to hide the shards where I've been cutting the wood or will varnish be fine for it

HuduVudu · Apr 17, 2022

Fishymark said:
Yes I was going to seal it with some ronseal interior varnish diamond hard stuff also would 9mm plywood be OK to wrap the front and sides I say woukd it be I have already done it now what would you recomend to hide the shards where I've been cutting the wood or will varnish be fine for it

Anywhere that water can get in ... it will. As long as you make sure that the varnish gets in.

I am not sure what varnish that you are using, you need to check that it is water tight. I ONLY use Varathane (Polyurethane) because I have used it over the years and I know it will stop the water. I am not kidding about this, you do not want to be a year into your tank and start having dry rot. It is better to nip this in the bud before this ever becomes and issue.

reefsammy · Apr 17, 2022

it looks nice

Fishymark · Apr 17, 2022

jsker said:
Yes.

Would 9mm

HuduVudu said:
Anywhere that water can get in ... it will. As long as you make sure that the varnish gets in.

I am not sure what varnish that you are using, you need to check that it is water tight. I ONLY use Varathane (Polyurethane) because I have used it over the years and I know it will stop the water. I am not kidding about this, you do not want to be a year into your tank and start having dry rot. It is better to nip this in the bud before this ever becomes and issue.

OK thanks