Topping my stand

[h8z2luze]

Ok well I want to put a 40B on my current stand that holds my 20L. I know its plenty sturdy but it isnt big enough. I need to make a top that is about 2" bigger all the way around. I am trying to figure out what to top it with, I was thinking like 3/4" plywood. That is what the current top is and I just plan to lay the new one over it. Ideas?

Pic of my stand to get an idea.

 

[wuuzzzuuppp]

You could use plywood. Maybe trim the outer edge with solid wood to hide the edge of the plywood. 3/4 should be plenty strong after being mounted to your existing stand for your 20L.

How to Flush Trim Solid Wood Edge Banding on Plywood or Melamine with a Router Table « Woodworkers Source Blog

 

[wuuzzzuuppp]

the solid wood will stiffen up the edges too!

 

[h8z2luze]

Yea. I was thinking also a solid wood top but that would cost a lot I bet.

 

[wuuzzzuuppp]

Too bad you werent closer! My dad has a wood shop. We could come up with something nice for you.

 

[h8z2luze]

Yea that would be nice!

 

[JMSKI333]

What about a piece of countertop material like Granit or Quartz? I am not sure what your budget is but that would look sweet!

I would check your local countertop installers. Maybe they have a scrap piece they would let go the cheap.

 

[h8z2luze]

Hmm that's not a bad idea. Idk how I would attach it though.

 

[JMSKI333]

Honestly you probably wouldn't have to. The weight of your tank would keep it from going anywhere (No different than the tank on the stand or the stand on your floor). If you were nervous at all about the idea of not securing the top to your stand, than you could simply silicone the top to the stand or glue it with construction adhesive. Just like they attach counter tops to your cabinets at home.

Just an idea I guess. You could even get crazy and use a counter top that matches your kitchen.

 

[h8z2luze]

Lol Ya that is a good idea.

 

[Swine]

I'd be scared putting my tank directly on that stand and not evenly distributing the weight on the bottom glass pannel. Maybe a 40B isnt really heavy enough to be concerned?

If I was being cheap id still make a top out of 2x4. A rectangle with a couple center braces. depending on the location of the braces id make a sandwich with the 2x4s and two pieces of plywood

 

[h8z2luze]

I'm not sure what you mean. The top that is on it now is solid not a frame...

 

[Swine]

picture this sandwich in between two pieces of plywood to make a top sturdy enough to put on top of your stand. Dont use the actual dimensions.. this is one way people put up walls

 

[grumpy-crab]

I would suggest solid wood for strength or as some one else suggested using a piece of granite or some other stone would look nice and it would permanently attach with construction adhesive.

 

[Bad Company]

Don't forget the piece of foam or equivalent to put between the tank and any hard surface. Small imperfections or even grains of sand can be huge stress risers on the glass paneling. GL!

 

[wuuzzzuuppp]

What about a piece of countertop material like Granit or Quartz?

Oh nice! I dig that idea!