Stand not quite square

[Rob.In.AZ]

Moved into our newly built house, and am getting my tank set back up. Office has a nook that is a perfect fit, if I take out the baseboards on the sides.
Stand is framed. Just test fit in the space. The stand is not quite square.

what kind of tolerances do we have with stands? It’s got a twist to it, ever so slightly. It’s 42” tall (I’m a tall guy). Over that 42” it about 1/4” front to back and not quite 1/8” left to right. Side to side there is quite literally nowhere for it to go, have about 1/16” on each end. Front to back is a different story of course, but I was planning on anchoring it to the studs of the house in the back. Can do heavy lag bolts if it matters.
Asking for trouble? Or am I okay? I can’t imagine any of the other 4 stands I’ve built over the last 15years have been perfectly square, but also have 2 littles running around, so…

 

[Rick's Reviews]

Following as my aquarium is leaning forward with stand...

 

[hoffmeyerz]

A pic would help. As long as it's faced with plywood or some other facing it should be fine. What you're describing isn't too bad really and the facing will keep it from shifting. As long as the weight is transfered properly to the floor your all good.

 

[Rob.In.AZ]

Pics attached (I think).

planning on ply on the inside sides. And on the front (or some 1x project board to make the facade). Can also add some 1x on the back to re-enforce it.

 

[workhz]

Sometimes I find they'll take the shape of the floor they're built on in terms of twist. How does it look measurement wise on the floor it's supposed to be installed on without someone sitting on it? Is the wood twisted or is it just not level so you can shim?

 

[PotatoPig]

If it’s for a framed tank - do all four corners of the tank bear on the stand and all four legs of the stand bear on the floor?

 

[jabberwock]

Danger Danger Danger

Looks like a big stand for a big tank. I reckon we are talking a lot of water. From someone who has had a catastrophic stand failure, make sure you are 100% confident in this critical piece of equipment.

Fix it, use a leveling mat, shims, do whatever it takes to ensure that this does not fail.

 

[Coinzmans Reef]

Rob, I looked at your build and it seems fine to me. The only thing that stands out is the center posts, I would have gone with 2x6 and added an inside scab the way you did on the four inside corners. For compression the stand is adequate, laterally secure the stand to the studs like you mentioned and shim the twist in the stand so you can get the tank level. Also you might want to shim the 1/16" on both sides to make a positive connection to the side walls.

 

[hoffmeyerz]

You are getting a lot of good responses here. You have a good looking well constructed stand. I am a licensed residential builder and have worked in the trade for over 30 years. Stand is solid. Add your facing, shim it level on the floor, and get your tank filled
Happy Reefing!

 

[Rob.In.AZ]

Thanks for all the feedback.

@jabberwock yeah, 72”x24” 155. With a 4yo and 2yo running around I’m extra cautious.

tank is framed and the stand is largely level. At least nothing that can’t be solved with shims. My concern was sit being out of square. That said, may have solved it. Backed out the screws and used a mallet…can now bring it back to square. Only downside is I had to use the mallet and need to re-glue and screw.

thinking I’ll square it up with the side ply, then re-glue and screw. Then anchor once is in place, if nothing, for a little extra piece of mind.

question, should I wait for tank/ rock/ water before I anchor it? In my brain I should, get all that in, then level it as needed, THEN anchor it.

 

[hoffmeyerz]

If you want to anchor it you can do it before or after, it doesn't matter. With a155gal tank you'll be over #1500lbs water, tank, rock, etc...it's not going anywhere...lol