DIY 55 gal stand. Center supports needed? - Aquarium Advice

FMJnaX · 07-02-2005, 08:22 PM

So I've got a standard 55 gallon glass aquarium. Using the garf.org wizard, it appears that neither my top frame of bottom frame need an extra support in the middle, yet it calls for an upright support on the front middle and rear middle. I'm hesitant about not adding them in. On my [acronym:c4fa2bf599="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:c4fa2bf599] 29 [acronym:c4fa2bf599="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:c4fa2bf599], I put a top frame support in the middle.

So, my question to those of you with experience: Should I frame top supports? I've heard that you should have one every 15-18" (which would be 2 or 3 for a 55 [acronym:c4fa2bf599="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:c4fa2bf599]). Framing will be done with standard stud 2x4. Top will be 3/4" ply. Finishing will be 1/4" finishing ply.

I want to use the bare minimum materials. I'm at 5 8' 2x4's. Adding even one frame support will push me to 6. What do you all recommend?

FMJnaX · 07-02-2005, 08:32 PM

Ok, nevermind. I can't read right. lol. It seems that it will require two top frame braces. I think I'm ok now, but I'll still take opinions and suggestions.

JProx · 07-02-2005, 09:15 PM

i built a stand for a 55gal, using the garf plans, and i threw caution to the wind, and didn't use them, i have had the stand in use for 2yrs, going on 3 with out any problems, its sold as rock.

just wish my furniture making skills were better back then because i am not happy with it at all (it was my first actual carpentary project since 8th grade shop class) and i am thinking about building a new one, and swapping stands. but it will do just fine without middle supports. i just used the 4 at the corners, and glued and screwed it together.

FMJnaX · 07-03-2005, 12:31 AM

My 29 [acronym:3ba361153c="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:3ba361153c] stand took the same approach and it's rock solid. Of course, it's shorter and only uses 1 brace (in the top frame center). It's highly over-engineered I believe. Both myself (240 lbs) and my brother in-law (260 lbs) say on it with a 5 gallon bucket of water (~40 lbs). At the 500+ lbs we were putting on, it was rock solid.

What about L-brackets? I've seen more than one stand that used them for extra strength? I haven't seen the need in this type of frame. I use 2 #8 3" screws per contact, with wood glue. No rocking in any way I push it. Of course, I'm a perfectionist when it comes to woodworking so everything is squared out nicely and I'd like to think that helps a lot.

JProx · 07-03-2005, 02:07 AM

well if something is perfectly square then wight is evenly distributed to the entire beam/2x4. i did use 2 L brackets, but simply to add a smaller 2x4 [it doesn't quite reach the bottom framing.] so i would have something to securely mount the door hinges too.

i didn't find them necessary at all for anything else. i guess some people would rather be safe than sorry even though it makes little sense to use them in an aquarium stand, if all the joints are built correctly.

07-02-2005, 08:22 PM	#1
FMJnaX Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Rockwall, Texas Posts: 538 Images: 2	DIY 55 gal stand. Center supports needed? So I've got a standard 55 gallon glass aquarium. Using the garf.org wizard, it appears that neither my top frame of bottom frame need an extra support in the middle, yet it calls for an upright support on the front middle and rear middle. I'm hesitant about not adding them in. On my [acronym:c4fa2bf599="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:c4fa2bf599] 29 [acronym:c4fa2bf599="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:c4fa2bf599], I put a top frame support in the middle. So, my question to those of you with experience: Should I frame top supports? I've heard that you should have one every 15-18" (which would be 2 or 3 for a 55 [acronym:c4fa2bf599="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:c4fa2bf599]). Framing will be done with standard stud 2x4. Top will be 3/4" ply. Finishing will be 1/4" finishing ply. I want to use the bare minimum materials. I'm at 5 8' 2x4's. Adding even one frame support will push me to 6. What do you all recommend? __________________ 75 Gallon High-Tech Planted Community 3.5 WPG using T8's Fluorite w/sand mix Rena Filstar XP2 Pressurized CO2 w/SMS122 29 Gallon Goldfish 4" Red/White Ryunkin 4" Orange Fantail Penguin 100 AquaClear 20

07-02-2005, 08:32 PM	#2
FMJnaX Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Rockwall, Texas Posts: 538 Images: 2	Ok, nevermind. I can't read right. lol. It seems that it will require two top frame braces. I think I'm ok now, but I'll still take opinions and suggestions. __________________ 75 Gallon High-Tech Planted Community 3.5 WPG using T8's Fluorite w/sand mix Rena Filstar XP2 Pressurized CO2 w/SMS122 29 Gallon Goldfish 4" Red/White Ryunkin 4" Orange Fantail Penguin 100 AquaClear 20

07-03-2005, 12:31 AM	#4
FMJnaX Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Rockwall, Texas Posts: 538 Images: 2	My 29 [acronym:3ba361153c="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:3ba361153c] stand took the same approach and it's rock solid. Of course, it's shorter and only uses 1 brace (in the top frame center). It's highly over-engineered I believe. Both myself (240 lbs) and my brother in-law (260 lbs) say on it with a 5 gallon bucket of water (~40 lbs). At the 500+ lbs we were putting on, it was rock solid. What about L-brackets? I've seen more than one stand that used them for extra strength? I haven't seen the need in this type of frame. I use 2 #8 3" screws per contact, with wood glue. No rocking in any way I push it. Of course, I'm a perfectionist when it comes to woodworking so everything is squared out nicely and I'd like to think that helps a lot. __________________ 75 Gallon High-Tech Planted Community 3.5 WPG using T8's Fluorite w/sand mix Rena Filstar XP2 Pressurized CO2 w/SMS122 29 Gallon Goldfish 4" Red/White Ryunkin 4" Orange Fantail Penguin 100 AquaClear 20

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
DIY stand for 360 gal	grimes135	DIY Projects	7	01-26-2007 07:43 PM
My 75 Gal DIY stand frame Need opinion	eddiedellz	DIY Projects	4	06-18-2006 11:39 PM
DIY 75 Gal Oak Stand - Building Log	sharkbait	DIY Projects	40	10-22-2004 06:27 PM
DIY 58 gal. Stand underway	crash519	DIY Projects	5	03-17-2004 05:24 PM
DIY 100 gal stand project	peterp	DIY Projects	8	10-24-2003 01:15 AM

07-02-2005, 09:15 PM	#3
JProx Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Cleveland ohio Posts: 359	i built a stand for a 55gal, using the garf plans, and i threw caution to the wind, and didn't use them, i have had the stand in use for 2yrs, going on 3 with out any problems, its sold as rock. just wish my furniture making skills were better back then because i am not happy with it at all (it was my first actual carpentary project since 8th grade shop class) and i am thinking about building a new one, and swapping stands. but it will do just fine without middle supports. i just used the 4 at the corners, and glued and screwed it together.

07-03-2005, 02:07 AM	#5
JProx Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Cleveland ohio Posts: 359	well if something is perfectly square then wight is evenly distributed to the entire beam/2x4. i did use 2 L brackets, but simply to add a smaller 2x4 [it doesn't quite reach the bottom framing.] so i would have something to securely mount the door hinges too. i didn't find them necessary at all for anything else. i guess some people would rather be safe than sorry even though it makes little sense to use them in an aquarium stand, if all the joints are built correctly.