55gal. disaster!
#1 Guest_jacksmelt_*
Posted 29 August 2013 - 08:58 AM
#2
Posted 29 August 2013 - 09:50 AM
Look around here, I think some others have shared their stand plans... and please take pictures as you go and share yours!
#3 Guest_Irate Mormon_*
Posted 29 August 2013 - 09:52 AM
As for why tanks fail: I tend to blame the stand before pointing a finger at the manufacturer. The tank does not have to be 100% level, but when empty it cannot rock on the stand , not even a little bit. A lot of people will go ahead and fill the tank up when it rocks a little bit, and as it settles down it doesn't rock any more. What this does is transfer uneven stress to the seams and the structure of the tank, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic failure. Instances where one of the glass panels (typically the front) fails are almost ALWAYS the result of uneven support. Also, you should level your stand from the bottom of the stand rather than placing shims under the high corner(s) of the aquarium. Some people place a sheet of styrofoam underneath the tank - this seems to work too. Note that if your stand is on carpet or a wooden (as opposed to concrete) floor, it may settle unevenly over time, so the styrofoam makes sense as a precautionary measure.
If you decide to tackle the resealing job I can walk you through it.
#4 Guest_gerald_*
Posted 29 August 2013 - 10:18 AM
Tanks can be resealed - it will cost you about $10 and a couple of hours of your time.
As for why tanks fail: I tend to blame the stand before pointing a finger at the manufacturer. The tank does not have to be 100% level, but when empty it cannot rock on the stand , not even a little bit. A lot of people will go ahead and fill the tank up when it rocks a little bit, and as it settles down it doesn't rock any more. What this does is transfer uneven stress to the seams and the structure of the tank, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic failure. Instances where one of the glass panels (typically the front) fails are almost ALWAYS the result of uneven support. Also, you should level your stand from the bottom of the stand rather than placing shims under the high corner(s) of the aquarium. Some people place a sheet of styrofoam underneath the tank - this seems to work too. Note that if your stand is on carpet or a wooden (as opposed to concrete) floor, it may settle unevenly over time, so the styrofoam makes sense as a precautionary measure.
If you decide to tackle the resealing job I can walk you through it.
#5
Posted 29 August 2013 - 03:01 PM
"No thanks, a third of a gopher would merely arouse my appetite..."
#6 Guest_jacksmelt_*
Posted 29 August 2013 - 05:58 PM
#7 Guest_jacksmelt_*
Posted 30 August 2013 - 07:15 PM
#8 Guest_Skipjack_*
Posted 30 August 2013 - 07:26 PM
#9 Guest_jacksmelt_*
Posted 30 August 2013 - 08:24 PM
#10 Guest_Skipjack_*
Posted 30 August 2013 - 08:44 PM
#11 Guest_Irate Mormon_*
Posted 30 August 2013 - 11:26 PM
#12 Guest_AussiePeter_*
Posted 11 September 2013 - 04:40 AM
im going to cut another piece of plywood to cover the whole top and connect the whole frame together.
What happens when plywood gets wet? Maybe an occasional bit of dampness won't matter, but those type of woods do like to swell if water sits on them.
You actually don't need anything under most of the aquarium. I usually have it sitting on something that goes all the way around the edge with one or two cross members. Although a 75 is getting up there a bit.
I've always been amazed at how flimsy many aquarium stands look and feel, yet the seem to hold which astounds me a little bit!
Painted cinder blocks can actually look nice for making a stand out of. Just make sure you spray them with at least 3-4 coats or else the finish will look uneven. I then lay 2 inch boards across the top, polystyrene and you are good to go.
Cheers
Peter
#13 Guest_jacksmelt_*
Posted 13 September 2013 - 07:58 PM
ill be coating the plywood with exterior paint and use the styrofoam to make up for any warpage. the cinder blocks are a good option but as im living in a 32 year old trailer, anymore weight added to the floor probably isn't a good idea.What happens when plywood gets wet? Maybe an occasional bit of dampness won't matter, but those type of woods do like to swell if water sits on them.
You actually don't need anything under most of the aquarium. I usually have it sitting on something that goes all the way around the edge with one or two cross members. Although a 75 is getting up there a bit.
I've always been amazed at how flimsy many aquarium stands look and feel, yet the seem to hold which astounds me a little bit!
Painted cinder blocks can actually look nice for making a stand out of. Just make sure you spray them with at least 3-4 coats or else the finish will look uneven. I then lay 2 inch boards across the top, polystyrene and you are good to go.
Cheers
Peter
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