Mad's 120 build

[MadReefer]

I plan to start the stand build tomorrow. I will be using this as a model along with this video.

Any tips so I don't mess it up to much.

It will be a slow process as we decided to get new carpeting after the Holidays.
I want everything ready so the move will hopefully go as smooth as possible.


http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...ooCYCQ&usg=AFQjCNH-nSHg4jk0K5fb3sNol-oxjAuRzA

 

[Hawkeye]

nice looking forward to following.

 

[jose7878]

Good luck on the build and that is gonna be one of the strongest stands you will ever build.
PS : don't get the cheap wood from HD or L go to a reputable lumber yard and get quality wood.

 

[MadReefer]

To late Jose. Already have the 2x4's from Lowes.

 

[jgraz]

That's pretty much the same layout I did when I made mine. I'd def recommend building a bit higher. I went 36" high on the stand and love it. Having the tank at viewing height is great. Only problem is I need a chair to work in the tank. Small price IMO. I built 1" bigger all around and love it on the sides but I should have gone bigger on the width. I have a 90 and the tank is 18"w. I built for 19". But with an all 2x4 frame it only left me with 16" inside on the ends of the stand. I regret not going wider. The inside of the stand got real small real quick. Keep that in mind when planning. Other then that the construction was really a breeze. Good luck.

 

[MadReefer]

Just curious why you went an inch wider. Wouldn't that jeopardize the weight of the tank on the stand?

 

[jgraz]

That way the tank frame sat in the middle of the 2x4 vs the edge. Not the best pic.

This gave me a 1/2" lip all around. So I place moulding to cover this and the bottom frame to give me a cleaner look.

 

[shipwrecked]

Gd luck on yr build Mark,and I agree with Jgraz I did the same thing if you remember on my tank along with building it at viewing height.If ya need to you can always hit me up for help or advise.

 

[MadReefer]

A 2x4 is really 1.5 by 3.5. If you build it the same exact size of the tank the tank edge is resting on full 1.5. If its built an inch longer and resting tank edge on half of the 1.5 are jeopardizing the structure ingerity?

 

[jgraz]

A 2x4 is really 1.5 by 3.5. If you build it the same exact size of the tank the tank edge is resting on full 1.5. If its built an inch longer and resting tank edge on half of the 1.5 are jeopardizing the structure ingerity?

Actually is resting on the outer edge of the 1.5" as opposed to more or less dead center. At no point is it ever jeopardized. It's still sitting on a level stand capable of holding a tank. Either way is fine and will work. I did it that way for two reasons one I wanted to trim around the tank. And two if my measurement was off by even a hair, then the tank would not rest fully on the 1.5". And I would not have been able to trim.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Load distribution....it's not a problem where the tank rests. Better yet, top the stand with a piece of 3/4 ply and it doesn't even have to be directly over the dimensional stuff.

 

[MadReefer]

Jgraz and Paul,
Thanks for the replies. I don't plan on using plywood for the top. I just need someone to double check my measurements before I cut,Tank is 48 x 24. I will use a half inch margin for error.

Height - 36"
Length - 48.5"
Width - 21.5" and other cross supports
Height corner supports - 29"

 

[jgraz]

My height is 36" and my corner supports are 29". So those are good. Width is fine also. Only question I have is the width. Did you mean to type 24.5"? Cause 21.5" ain't gonna cut it.

 

[MadReefer]

The 21.5 would be inside/between the length pieces. So both of those would account for 3" if each is 1.5" wide.
so if the total width should be 24.5, minus 3 would leave 21.5.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Mark, your numbers look good. I have a 12 inch chop saw sitting in my driveway if you want to stop by.

 

[MadReefer]

Paul,
Thanks, that would be great PM your number.

 

[jgraz]

The 21.5 would be inside/between the length pieces. So both of those would account for 3" if each is 1.5" wide.
so if the total width should be 24.5, minus 3 would leave 21.5.

Yeah i realized it afterwards and it was to late to modify. Good luck with the build. I don't regret for one min building my own stand. Good luck, and don't forget the pics.

 

[MadReefer]

Thanks Paul for cutting the wood.
Ran out of time so will have to start assembly tomorrow.

 

[MadReefer]

Finally have the frame together. Thanks to Roy who came over tonight ans assembled it. My drill with the screw driver adapter just didn't have the power.

Here are some pics of the frame. I hope to get the paneling and molding done in a few weeks.

 

[jgraz]

Looks good. If you painting the inside of the stand I highly suggest doing it now before you skin it. It was a PIA when I did mine. Would have been much easier to do in stages as the stand went up.