Design Theory: Large Bowfront Stands

[jbdreefs]

So, any idea how you would make a stand for a rather large acrylic bowfront aquarium (200 gallons, or so)?

How important do you think it would be to support the front 6 inches of the tank (it's the bow). Can the main support be provided under the rectangular area of the tank. Obviously, there would be some </em>support there by the time the stand was framed </em>and skinned, but I'm thinking most of the support can be provided under the other 80-85% of the tank, which includes the corners.

I'm trying to convince myself to go buy this tank. I'm not sure why I fell in love with it. It's probably more trouble than it's worth.

 

[reeferman]

it would be VERY important for the front 6" to have support.

 

[snowmansnow]

it would be front heavy if you don't support the bow... not supporting it would be a mistake... a critical mistake

 

[grouper therapy]

There is a way to build it without making the entire front bowed.

 

[jbdreefs]

Well, I went to see the tank this evening. I didn't love it as much as I did from just seeing the pictures, but the guy came down on the price by about 25%. Really liked it and i'm really considering it.

Grouper Therapy and/or RedEDGE2k1 , any chance I could treat you to lunch one day so that I can pick your brain? Same goes for any other experienced stand makers. I think this stand design would have some kinks that I would need help working out.

 

[basscyn]

Mine is an Oceanic 175 bowfront with a stock stand. The stand is nothin special...but you are welcome to come take alook at it.

 

[jbdreefs]

BASSCYN;724810 wrote: Mine is an Oceanic 175 bowfront with a stock stand. The stand is nothin special...but you are welcome to come take alook at it.

That would be a big help. I'll definitely take you up on that if I buy the tank.

 

[basscyn]

Just say when.


Hey...the canopy is the REAL challenge :doh:

 

[jbdreefs]

I pulled the trigger... This should be a fun one. I'm still looking for advice on constructing a stand. This tank is really designed to be a built-in, I'm considering that also. The bow is the part that I need help with supporting... I guess, worst case scenario is that I can support the bow with a horizontal 4x4 (or as wide as the bow), and just use a square stand. Thoughts?

 

[johniii]

JBDreefs;731444 wrote: I pulled the trigger... This should be a fun one. I'm still looking for advice on constructing a stand. This tank is really designed to be a built-in, I'm considering that also. The bow is the part that I need help with supporting... I guess, worst case scenario is that I can support the bow with a horizontal 4x4 (or as wide as the bow), and just use a square stand. Thoughts?

What are the measurements front of the bow and rear of the bow.

Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk

 

[jbdreefs]

It bows out about a good 5 or 6 inches.

Here's a pic

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[holabird]

You can come and see mine. It is a 150 double bow. Bowed in front and back. I had the stand modified to fit my needs. LMK if you want to see it.

 

[jbdreefs]

Holabird, Will you pm me your phone number?

 

[grouper therapy]

I can build you one.

 

[jbdreefs]

grouper therapy;731561 wrote: I can build you one.

Why do I feel like I can't afford it? :sad: you make very nice stuff with exceptional quality. I would certainly like to treat you to lunch or dinner sometime. I'd love your input and the chance to pick your brain.

 

[jbdreefs]

Okay, here is my first shot at drawing up the stand. It's incomplete so that you can better see the skeleton.

The brace for the bow would be constructed out of layered (glued & screwed) 2 x 10's. I want to be able to access the tank from both the front and rear. The bracing over the rear opening is currently set as three layers of 3/4" plywood (5 inches tall, is that enough?). I also doubled up the plywood on the sides. All of the skin is 3/4" plywood, and the bottom is such also.

I'm open to comments. My wood working skills are better than average, and I have plenty of tools. Let me know what you think.

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The doors are still a challenge, but I think I have them figured out.

 

[thbrewst]

Just seeing this thread.

I also have the Oceanic 175 bowfront set-up. I was told that the stand is the 'old style' Oceanic which provided much better support. This comment came from a local fish-store owner not the seller so they had no reason to BS me. With that said I can certainly snap some pics of it if that would help. There is enough room in the stand for me to run, sump (w/skimmer), calcium reactor (w/20lb bottle), and an ~12 gallon ATO reservoir.

 

[jbdreefs]

thbrewst;732641 wrote: Just seeing this thread.

I also have the Oceanic 175 bowfront set-up. I was told that the stand is the 'old style' Oceanic which provided much better support. This comment came from a local fish-store owner not the seller so they had no reason to BS me. With that said I can certainly snap some pics of it if that would help. There is enough room in the stand for me to run, sump (w/skimmer), calcium reactor (w/20lb bottle), and an ~12 gallon ATO reservoir.

Pictures would be awesome! I have been talking to a couple people about visiting to view their stands, but my crazy work schedule is interfering with any progress at the moment.

Edit: It's hard to calculate the volume of water for a bow front... If someone can help, I'd appreciate a formula. I calculated 185 gallons for the square and then another 46 for two right triangles inside the bow. That's a total of 231. I'm guessing that the tank is in the area of 240-250 gallons.

 

[rededge2k1]

JBDreefs;732259 wrote: Okay, here is my first shot at drawing up the stand.

You don't want to let the back of the stand span that large of an opening. Put vertical supports half way across the back and you'll be good.

For the front, don't use 2x10s, as they are not dimensionally stable. It's always best to stick to plywood for cabinetry framing (load bearing or not).

If I were you, I'd make a bowed template out of 1/2" MDF, and then use the template with a router and flush trim bit to make a layer assembly of 3/4" birch plywood. That would be much stronger than 2x10s to boot.

Dustin

 

[jbdreefs]

RedEDGE2k1;735781 wrote: You don't want to let the back of the stand span that large of an opening. Put vertical supports half way across the back and you'll be good.

For the front, don't use 2x10s, as they are not dimensionally stable. It's always best to stick to plywood for cabinetry framing (load bearing or not).

If I were you, I'd make a bowed template out of 1/2" MDF, and then use the template with a router and flush trim bit to make a layer assembly of 3/4" birch plywood. That would be much stronger than 2x10s to boot.

Dustin

Thanks Dustin. I appreciate the feed back.