Diy stand panel bowing.

[Jake_the_reefer]

So I decided for my new tank build I would go the diy route for a stand. I made it out of 2x4s and reinforced it with steel brackets. However, I notice one side panel is bowing out like a quarter inch from the frame of the stand. I only have screws in the corners of the plywood siding and I can add more screws in the center.
But my big question is, what could be causing this bowing? The wood was perfectly flush with the frame a few weeks ago and the stand and tank are both still perfectly level so I'm not sure that the stand went through any shifts or settling. It's also not water treated wood.

 

[cymonous]

That's most likely from the stand settling from the weight. Do you have any pictures of the frame or plans for the frame you built?

 

[AlexG]

Thin plywood can warp with changes in humidity and temperature. As long as this plywood is not intended to support the weight of the tank then I would not be too concerned as this can be considered normal. Using additional screws to hold it in place should take care of this issue.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Thin plywood can warp with changes in humidity and temperature. As long as this plywood is not intended to support the weight of the tank then I would not be too concerned as this can be considered normal. Using additional screws to hold it in place should take care of this issue.

Yeah the plywood bears no weight heres the frame. Its 2x4 and a half inch slab on top

 

[cymonous]

I'm not sure that stand is strong enough to handle any shifts of weight. If you used 1/2" or 3/4" plywood with screws all around for the three walls, it would help with support.

I think the bigger question is, does the stand wiggle at all if you push the top left or right?

 

[CasaReefer]

Thin plywood can warp with changes in humidity and temperature. As long as this plywood is not intended to support the weight of the tank then I would not be too concerned as this can be considered normal. Using additional screws to hold it in place should take care of this issue.

+1

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

I'm not sure that stand is strong enough to handle any shifts of weight. If you used 1/2" or 3/4" plywood with screws all around for the three walls, it would help with support.

I think the bigger question is, does the stand wiggle at all if you push the top left or right?

It doesnt shift really. I was able to stand in it and rock with no movement. I may add a cross brace in the back this weekend. I have corner braces for each corner but it could always use another brace

 

[oreo54]

Thin panels will grow a bit w/ humidity..Prob ably tight to top and bottom w/ no room to allow for stretch..

 

[clm65]

What does the stand look like on the inside? Any change to the frame?

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

What does the stand look like on the inside? Any change to the frame?

Inside looks perfect. Metal braces are still where they need to be surfaces are level and square.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

I think as a precaution I'll add a support like this. Will there be any problem adding on to it while the stand has all its weight on it or should I empty the tank first (I'd like to avoid that)

 

[Hypan]

+1 thin ply with few layers will twist/expand/bow pretty easily. Especially if only secured on the corners.

 

[clm65]

Inside looks perfect. Metal braces are still where they need to be surfaces are level and square.

Then I agree that this is a cosmetic problem. Is that warped board screwed to the frame at all? I see a hinge in the picture, so not sure how exactly it is secured.

And I think you would be better off putting diagonal braces in the corners (top and bottom). The design you have now will provide very little resistance if the frame should start to twist/lean.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

+1 thin ply with few layers will twist/expand/bow pretty easily. Especially if only secured on the corners.

It's cheap $2 plywood. Not water treated or anything. The top wood is of course way higher quality and is water treated
Thank you for the reassurance

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Then I agree that this is a cosmetic problem. Is that warped board screwed to the frame at all? I see a hinge in the picture, so not sure how exactly it is secured.

And I think you would be better off putting diagonal braces in the corners (top and bottom). The design you have now will provide very little resistance if the frame should start to twist/lean.

The hinge is secured behind the plywood because it's a very thin hinge. The plywood is screwed to the frame in corners only. I will secure it more tonight

 

[cymonous]

Tank was stored indoors in my house and leak tested in my house.

I think as a precaution I'll add a support like this. Will there be any problem adding on to it while the stand has all its weight on it or should I empty the tank first (I'd like to avoid that)

You should be fine adding the support while it is filled. Do you have a sump or anything inside the stand? I'm just wondering why only the one board warped. If it was from moisture, why would only this one board warp? From the picture of the board, it would appear to me the stand top shifted in the direction of that board.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

You should be fine adding the support while it is filled. Do you have a sump or anything inside the stand? I'm just wondering why only the one board warped. If it was from moisture, why would only this one board warp? From the picture of the board, it would appear to me the stand top shifted in the direction of that board.

No sump it's a 20g aio. I can add that I have another tank directly next to it on that side. The biggest problem with a possible shift is the fact the stand is still level and square.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Then I agree that this is a cosmetic problem. Is that warped board screwed to the frame at all? I see a hinge in the picture, so not sure how exactly it is secured.

And I think you would be better off putting diagonal braces in the corners (top and bottom). The design you have now will provide very little resistance if the frame should start to twist/lean.

Best way to make a diagonal brace? I'm not the most handy person

 

[cymonous]

No sump it's a 20g aio. I can add that I have another tank directly next to it on that side. The biggest problem with a possible shift is the fact the stand is still level and square.

Out of curiosity as I don't know your engineering skills and I'm just trying to help, but are you checking both the tops and legs if they are level from INSIDE the stand? I know the top can be level even it looks like this from a shift.

 

[cymonous]

Best way to make a diagonal brace? I'm not the most handy person

Cross-Brace/Diagonal-Brace