Help!!! Split wood on Diy 75 gallon stand (pics)

[R2D2-15]

So I was building this stand for a 75g I have in mind when I realized I actually split the wood one of the 4 mains rails that support the tank length wise (49inch rail). I’m hoping this isn’t too bad of a split and I can just continue with the build? Or should I go out and buy more wood? I can either decide to use this as the base that sits on the floor, or the base the supports the tank directly....

 

[Reef man 89]

Me personally I would just cut a new piece. You don’t want that piece of wood to fail with 75 gallons of water to hit the floor. Then kick yourself in the rear end because you didn’t fix it in the first place.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I wouldn't be too overly concerned if......you add the actual support pieces below this piece and top the stand with 3/4 plywood to help flatten it out. In addition, I'd consider pre-drilling any additional screw/nails you're going to add.

The support pieces I'm talking about are here (purple) in RocketEngineers design.

 

[JoshH]

I wouldn't be too overly concerned if......you add the actual support pieces below this piece and top the stand with 3/4 plywood to help flatten it out. In addition, I'd consider pre-drilling any additional screw/nails you're going to add.

The support pieces I'm talking about are here (purple) in RocketEngineers design.

+1 on this

 

[maxepr1]

That split because you didn't pre drill holes for those screws.

 

[SpringFever]

Former cabinet maker here.

I would most certainly replace that piece. Especially if you keep it screwed to the outside of your upright support. In its current configuration, the only thing holding the tank up is the sheer strength of the screws.

The frame diagram posted above is textbook. I highly encourage you to think about revising your design to more closely match it.

 

[R2D2-15]

Former cabinet maker here.

would most certainly replace that piece. Especially if you keep it screwed to the outside of your upright support. In its current configuration, the only thing holding the tank up is the sheer strength of the screws.

The frame diagram posted above is textbook. I highly encourage you to think about revising your design to more closely match it.

That’s the same design I’m using

 

[R2D2-15]

I wouldn't be too overly concerned if......you add the actual support pieces below this piece and top the stand with 3/4 plywood to help flatten it out. In addition, I'd consider pre-drilling any additional screw/nails you're going to add.

The support pieces I'm talking about are here (purple) in RocketEngineers design.

ok, so should I use this as the top (red) or bottom (orange)?

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Hi, I’m stopping by with my wisdom, so don’t expect much. ;Happy

It’s split, take the whole “will it hold” thing out. What would take at this stage to pull a few nails, grab and cut a new board when u get a chance and be done. I agree as well with it being fine, but if it’s worth doing than do it right. Gosh, do I sound corny.

Anyway, pull the board, put a new one in and keep us updated on that sweet build

 

[don_chuwish]

Whether or not it would hold, I couldn't live with it! Replace it. Either pre-drill or use a self tapping screw further away from the edge next time.

 

[Hop2jr]

Recut board and you can cut the damage piece up for the smaller side support and only lose half the board.

 

[jsker]

Former cabinet maker here.

I would most certainly replace that piece. Especially if you keep it screwed to the outside of your upright support. In its current configuration, the only thing holding the tank up is the sheer strength of the screws.

The frame diagram posted above is textbook. I highly encourage you to think about revising your design to more closely match it.

Winning answer in my book

 

[RocketEngineer]

Its so nice to see that design kicking around .

OP: I'm curious what screws you used. Given that they have a Phillips recess, I doubt they are exterior grade screws and are more likely long sheet rock screws. If that's the case, I would suggest a reset and rebuild. The exterior screws I prefer have a couple notable features including a self-tapping tip, a self-countersinking head, and a torx bit (star drive) recess for better engagement and control while driving them in.

Good luck and I hope you post the final results.

 

[Ashish Patel]

Not sure why you would want to keep the tank in this state given you spend all this time with this DIY. Last month I moved so had to make a stand out of 2x4 for a fiberglass vat I bought to hold all my corals and I did not feel good about the slit ends I ultimately made. Since its temporary and time was not on my side I reluctantly kept it but long term its no brainer.. Do the right thing! lol

 

[R2D2-15]

Its so nice to see that design kicking around .

OP: I'm curious what screws you used. Given that they have a Phillips recess, I doubt they are exterior grade screws and are more likely long sheet rock screws. If that's the case, I would suggest a reset and rebuild. The exterior screws I prefer have a couple notable features including a self-tapping tip, a self-countersinking head, and a torx bit (star drive) recess for better engagement and control while driving them in.

Good luck and I hope you post the final results.

I went ahead and bought two more 2x4 and replaced two rails that weren’t even. Used the left over wood for side support and middle bracing. Added a back bracing for the back and I’m leaving the front open for a sump. Just need to buy some oak sheet wood and stain to make it look pretty. Don’t mind the background, I decided to build the stand in one of the floors I’m renovating. Oh and they’re deck screws.

 

[Ashish Patel]

Looks good.. Congrats on doing the right thing

 

[Crabs McJones]

I went ahead and bought two more 2x4 and replaced two rails that weren’t even. Used the left over wood for side support and middle bracing. Added a back bracing for the back and I’m leaving the front open for a sump. Just need to buy some oak sheet wood and stain to make it look pretty. Don’t mind the background, I decided to build the stand in one of the floors I’m renovating. Oh and their deck screws.

I based my stand for my 75 off the same design, and it's solid

 

[RocketEngineer]

Yup, looks good.

 

[SpringFever]

Bravo. This design will be much easier to skin, also.

One other thing to consider is a leveling system. I imbedded adjustable leveling legs into the base of my stand. I might be able to snap a picture in the next day or two as I'm in the process of setting my tank back up.

 

[Bigtrout]

I based my stand for my 75 off the same design, and it's solid

My 75 stand is the same design with the exception of more framing wood in the bottom so that when I add my 40 breeder sump, all 4 sides will be sitting on a 3/4 piece of plywood and the tank edges sitting directly over framing. If you plan on a sump its easy to add that stuff now