biggest thread on this website

[ryanoh]

Going all the way back to this image, I get what you're saying. Scale it up so the 10s will fit on the bottom, then put wider pieces in the middle so that the edges of my tank are able to reach it. In my mind this will work, and should be stable as long as the vertical posts are relatively close the rim of the tank? I'd also want a cross bar just for extra support, but I can fit that in with a vertical post or two in between the tens, right?

I imagine this is similar to how they did this.

 

[aakaakaak]

You don't really even need the edges that close to the rim. Putting the 2x6s resting on top of the 2x4 verticle braces adds more than enough top support and the horizontal joist beams support the tank's weight in the middle. You're not bending a 2x6 with 450 lbs of pressure.

Do the top and bottom like the first image, not the second.

 

[ryanoh]

I'm saying scale it up so the distance between the middle and the sides is 20 inches, then the black lines I drew on the top are 2x6s or 2x8s, and the blue box is the footprint of the tank. Are we saying the same thing here?

 

[Dylandrewsdad]

The weight would be distributed over the entire top with the 3/4 plywood. No need to match the exact dimensions of the tank.

 

[Dylandrewsdad]

Paige-you need a Fish room!

 

[aakaakaak]

I dont' think so. The black markings you show have you turning the 2x6's on their sides instead of utilizing all 6/8 inches for strngth. If you lay them flat you reduce your strength to 2 inches. It would likely sag in the middle.

Edit: what Dylan said.

 

[Dylandrewsdad]

Yeah, the 2X's have to be "on end" that is where all the strength is.

 

[ryanoh]

So I can basically go with a design where the posts aren't below the corners as long as I use thicker plywood to cover the top?

 

[bassbonediva]

I do, but seeing as I live in a 2 bedroom house, that's impossible. One room is mine and the other is my son's. However, when I get my own place, I will have a room devoted to my fish...except for a main display tank or two out in the living room.

 

[aakaakaak]

So I can basically go with a design where the posts aren't below the corners as long as I use thicker plywood to cover the top?

No, it has nothing to do with plywood thickness. It's all about how you place your 2x6s.

Here, look at this picture:

The boards on the left are flat and help distribute weight laterally. They will bend if too much pressure is applied from the top without other support.
<--------STRONG---------->


Now, look at the right side. These boards are "on end". These boards will not bend under large weights. However, without the flat boards on top, they will sway and shift latterally.
^
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v

Do you get it now?

 

[ryanoh]

Yeah, I see. Thanks.
I'm probably going to throw a drawing I did today into sketchup and you can tell me if I'm overthinking it.

 

[aakaakaak]

You're overthinking it, lol!

TBH it's better to overthink something than not go in depth enough and miss something critical.

Edit: One other thing. Wood under constantly wet conditions will eventually bend no matter how thick it is, pressure treated or not. Don't leave standing water on it once it's in place. Wipe it up.

 

[ryanoh]

Yeah, I planned on staining it with some sort of water seal, and I always wipe up what water I can just incase.

To me, part of the fun in stuff is over thinking it, even if I end up spending a few more dollars than I need to. Should I go with the metal braces like in the picture we've been posting or not?

 

[bassbonediva]

Random announcement for today...I HATE PAIN! Thank you. That is all.

 

[Dylandrewsdad]

I got 6 Oto's today!

 

[aakaakaak]

Random announcement for today...I HATE PAIN! Thank you. That is all.

Do we even want to know?

 

[Newman]

random news - I have trimmed my tank today. finally no bunched up val leaves on one side of my tank. I hope they bud more now that they have been trimmed. I want my entire tank to be dominated by vals.

 

[OrangeCones]

*sneaks over to Newman's house for a bag of plant clippings*

 

[ryanoh]

Good news, everybody.
My banana plant grew a third leaf, and a root! That means my desk lamp setup is working for now.

Also, I used sketchup to make this:

The only thing not in that image is the 3/4 inch plywood on top, and then of course the big tank on it. It's probably way over-engineered, but I'm happy with how sturdy it seems. Do you guys think I should do metal brackets on all the joints, or is that megaoverkill?

 

[Newman]

i like how you included a person there lol.

and Orange we should trade some plants again (someday soon, maybe spring time. unless you dont think winter is going to be too cold lol)