stand support question

[atlweb]

I took some pictures of the stand with the legs on, and then with shims for extra support as well (in a cross cross pattern).

Do you think the legs look steady? The tank manufacturer told me to put them on the side board that is about 1/2 inch thick and not the bottom board. So the leg sticks out about a half an inch. but also goes across the bottom board as well for continued support.

Do you think I should leave the shims there (in that criss cross pattern) so that it prevents the middle from caving in, or should it be fine with just the legs on like this?

Also, the way the stand is put together... it just has those ikea type screws where you put the screw in the hole, and then tighten a circle part on the other piece of wood to pull it together (please excuse my lack of proper terminology). Should I maybe take a nail gun to where the sides meet the panel for extra support? Or should a screw work better? Remember, the wood is only 1/2 inch thick, so I can't put anything too large in there without splitting the MDF wood.

Thank you so much for any help at all! I sware... I am having the worst luck with stands.


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[irahmatulla]

When it comes to my experience, not just with fish tanks, but all construction aspects. Depending on the length of the nail driven (support) and the amount of PSI in your compressor, the risk of damaging the wood is not worth it. This could greatly put a chink in your support. I would advise using a screw or more to support, as the threads will be able to take more pressure without pulling out. Also, without knowing more about the stand. (dimensions and adjusted weight @ leverage point) I would definitely run the shims just in case as to not stress any aspect of the structure. I think is is almost worth a minor eyesore (that may be unnoticeable to most) than have a major catastrophe later. Also, if it is the connectors I have seen on several middle of the line computer desks, then you stand is made of press board and not very structurally sound period. If it gets wet is swell and loses a lot of its strength. Also if it gets knocked too hard those screws that go into the circular locks, can become stripped right out of the wood they are in. ::worried::

 

[atlweb]

It is MDF wood, but it has a water resistent coat on it (the manufacturer uses this on all their tanks and it seems to work well for them, however I do wish it was real wood). I do agree about the screw support though... perhaps I will buy a few screws to really make this thing a rock.

 

[irahmatulla]

Mama always said "better safe than sorry." I wish it hadn't taken me years to understand. GL and keep us posted.

 

[giulianom]

I can't tell from the pictures..

How large is the tank (gallons)?

And is the stand an actual aquarium stand, or is it some other piece of furniture?

 

[atlweb]

50 gallons, 24x24x20. It is an actual aquarium stand (cadlights built it).

 

[giulianom]

If the cam-lock screws are horizontal, then the stand is probably on its side instead of standing up.

Cam-lock screws are typically used to hold the side panels to the top/bottom panels, and the top should be sitting directly on top of the side panels.

The panels are supposed to take the weight, not the screws.

Perhaps you attached the feet to a side panel instead of the bottom panel?

Maybe you have the stand sitting on its side...

 

[grouper therapy]

Why do you have the plywood on the carpet?

 

[atlweb]

GiulianoM;690338 wrote: If the cam-lock screws are horizontal, then the stand is probably on its side instead of standing up.

Cam-lock screws are typically used to hold the side panels to the top/bottom panels, and the top should be sitting directly on top of the side panels.

The panels are supposed to take the weight, not the screws.

Perhaps you attached the feet to a side panel instead of the bottom panel?

Maybe you have the stand sitting on its side...

The stand is upright, the manufacturer just uses the camlocks for everything (hence why people probably have problems with the stands being stable).

Edit:

grouper therapy;690375 wrote: Why do you have the plywood on the carpet?

I was told to put a heavy piece of plywood down because the carpet would sink too low to open the doors (even with the legs on) and it is supposed to be better on a flat hard surface than carpet? no?

I think I decided I am going to put 4 screws (2 on each side) into where the side panels connect with the bottom board to reinforce the cheap screws that come with the stand. This will help hold everything together, I hope.

Edit: Also... the plywood is temporary. This is going to be set up for about 6 months, and then I am moving into a house with hard wood floors where I won't need an ugly piece of plywood underneath.

 

[grouper therapy]

Be very careful putting screw in the side og that fiber core material as it has a tendency to split when screws are placed in the ends. I am down in my back right now but should be able to help you toward the end of the week. I would donate my time and you pay for any materials which may be scraps I have here. I hate to see this go south for you.

 

[atlweb]

grouper therapy;690422 wrote: Be very careful putting screw in the side og that fiber core material as it has a tendency to split when screws are placed in the ends. I am down in my back right now but should be able to help you toward the end of the week. I would donate my time and you pay for any materials which may be scraps I have here. I hate to see this go south for you.

I really appreciate your offer! Out of curiosity, what would you do to give it extra support if I brought it down to Dallas?

My girlfriend's dad is a good wood worker, so I may be able to have him enforce it (so I don't mess it up) if you have any good ideas to help support it? That may save you time and me a trip.

 

[grouper therapy]

If I see the photo correctly the sides are sitting on the round feet which transfers the load to the floor(a good thing). I would run a 3/4"x3/4" strip inside the stand along the sides with 1.25" screws every 3" into the sides and and the bottom on a stagger pattern. Make sure to use the proper size pilot bits. My main concern it the cam hardware failing if the fiber core adsorbed too much moisture. The strips would add some security from the sides blowing out.

 

[atlweb]

Thank you so much! I just spoke with him and he suggested doing the same thing. He also suggested taking off the plastic legs, and creating 3x3in wooden legs instead. Do you think this would work well?

ps: For my next tank... I am definitely going to be giving you a call for your services. I really appreciate your help.

 

[atlweb]

I got it set up pretty much exactly how you said Grouper. I am much happier with the support, thanks again. The 1.25 screws were perfect. Now I just got to make sure my plumbing is secure and tomorrow night... the aquascaping begins!

 

[irahmatulla]

Grats!

 

[grouper therapy]

atlweb;690497 wrote: He also suggested taking off the plastic legs, and creating 3x3in wooden legs instead. Do you think this would work well

I got it set up pretty much exactly how you said Grouper. I am much happier with the support, thanks again. The 1.25 screws were perfect. Now I just got to make sure my plumbing is secure and tomorrow night... the aquascaping begins!

Sorry. I did not see your post until today. That was an excellent suggestion on the 3'x3' legs. I'm glad it all worked out:up:. keep some pics coming as you progress..