Todd's ~ 320 Gallon System- A New Biginning?

Discussion in 'Show Off Your Fish Tanks!' started by Todd_Sails, Aug 16, 2013.

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  1. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    I took my basic design from this popular thread on the Dark Side:
    DIY Stands Template and Calculator - Reef Central Online Community
    I made a slighlt change to the uprights on the corners/ends:
    [​IMG]
    I used these screws and this adhesive- Menards
    [​IMG]
    I used only reclaimed/reused lumber I had left over from framing my shed- which was also framed with used/reclaimed lumber.
    [​IMG]
    Top and bottom frames made and squared:
    [​IMG]
    Assembling the uprights:
    [​IMG]
    Bottom frame leveled, uprights added and plumbed:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    Top Frame added:
    [​IMG]
    Final frame:
    [​IMG]
    Now, I have to add some sheathing, which keeps it from 'Racking'.
    I want to add something that's fairly light, not exspensive, and will look good in my Family Room.
    It will have my new drilled bottom 40b Frag Tank IN the stand, so I'll need 1 to 2 doors, or maybe a paned held by magnets, etc.
    Your thoughts on finishing the outside?
     
    Last edited: Dec 5, 2013
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  3. SPINNER

    SPINNER Fire Shrimp

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    Your double reclaimed lumber stand looks nice and well built:)
     
  4. ingtar_shinowa

    ingtar_shinowa Giant Squid

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    You can get thin oak plywood from box stores. As long as you are careful with it it it won't be an issue. My stand I built weighed less than half as much as the one for the other 125g and Is just a stable if not more. Did you use 2x8 or 2x10s for the top/bottom frame?
     
  5. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Oak plywood, that may be what I go with. I can make doors or a hatch out of that as well.

    The top boards measure 2x7.

    The rest is standard 2x4 stud grade- so 3 1/2 inches on those.
     
  6. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Thanks, with some sheathing/skin on it, it'll for sure hold up my truck, or my 180 stocked display tank.

    Keeping things square and plumb I felt was a real must, for the weight I'm basically loading on to the 4 cormer uprights.
     
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  7. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    looks really good Todd! You accomplish so much in a short time once you set your mind to it! Wish I could build things.......once you have someone else build for you, you're kind of stuck on their schedule.
     
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  9. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Thanks OFK,

    I thought I was taking my time too! Now that it's in my garage, I do want to get it outta there within a few weeks!
    The garage is where I park my old pick up truck!
     
  10. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Although the plans for the stand from the thread state I could get away with no center supports.

    I'm adding them, manily for a place to put two doors, or removeable panels. I don't want a 6ft door/panel!
     
  11. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Funny, on this international forum, no one has any concerns for my build, etc.

    But on my local,regional forum, well, there are some concerns being voiced.
    I'm trying to address them and make necessary changes to my build.

    It is SO overbuilt compared to my current 125g stand, no comparison, and it holds up fine.

    I dunno?
     
  12. ingtar_shinowa

    ingtar_shinowa Giant Squid

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    it will probably be ok once you skin it. with a 180 you are getting close to the deflection point of a 2x7 without a center brace so I think that has people a little freaked out that do more DIY projects.

    If you can skin the front and back with one piece and glue it in place I don't think there is any worries... well honestly I think you are fine as you are, but if you have a deeper sandbed and a ton of rock it would be a little uneasy.