Wood for tank stand

[diadema]

Been to B&Q tonight to get all the sizes and costing for my stand tonight and just wanted some advice on how sound my plans are.

I'm look at having 96x44mm (approx 3 3/4" x 1 3/4") legs in each corner of a 36x15x18" tank. That's about 34 gallons or ~340Ibs , so is this going to be strong enough? Personally I'd prefer 3x3"'s but my local B&Q doesn't seem to stock that size. However looking at commercially available stands I seem to think that this will be more than sufficient. Afterall, exactly how strong is 18mm chip board?

Also, I saw a tank hood design this afternoon that used extruded aluminium to produce sliding lighting units within it. Now I know Ali doesn't rust as such but will salt water have any serious detrimental effects on it and vice versa?

Thanks for the help peeps... it's all getting a bit close now, hopefully the new year will see me back in the hobby at last! http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif


TIA

D.

[EnglishReefer]

IME that size should be fine for uprights (assuming a sensible stand design http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif ).

Knowing the quality of the timber http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif I would say spend sometime going through the lengths and find the straightest you can, will make the build easier and stronger.

FWIW

[RichUK]

When I built my stand I looked at wood from B&Q, Homebase etc and decided to buy from a local timber merchant instead. They were not only cheaper, but the wood was a much better quality. They also cut it all to the exact sizes for me for free, plus the cuts were perfect, so all I had to do was assemble it.

It took a while to find a good timber merchant, but is was worth the delay.

Hope this helps
Richard

[Suffolk Reefer]

Im with Richard on this one, wood quality of B&Q aint the best. Wood aint just wood, different grades make a huge difference.

Find yourself a timber merchants, who will cut the wood exactly to the size that you require. You know it make sense http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

regards
Paul

[Glenn'n'Emm]

I agree with you in respect of the qulaity or not of woods from the large DIY chains, a local stockist is likley to have striaghter shake free timber.

With regards the compressive strenght of wood cant remember the fugres but joinery grade timber is excellent, 3"x3" would definitley be overkill for a tank of this size.

My 6x2x2 tank is built on timbet the same size as yours, using 8 legs and whilst i have shoved in loads of braces this is more to compensate for my lack of carpentry skills rather than the strength of the wood.


The tank hasd been on the stand full of water for several months now and so far its not moved, the day it does I hope im out and the insurance company picks up the tab!!

[diadema]

Thanks for all the help.

I picked up the wood I needed (going for 4x2 legs now) from a local merchant. Also, given that I have a LOT of headroom in these legs I'm mitering all the corner joints so everything is nice and flush.

Photo's will be uploaded when It's done.

Anybody got any ideas about aluminium + saltwater?

TA!

D.

[Glenn'n'Emm]

If you mean will it corrode the answer is yes.

If you mean will the corrosion harm the fish the answer is I dont know. Someone else might, althouygh aluminium in drinking water and cooking water was linked to alzhiemers in humans.

If you see a fish swimming round, dribbling and without any bowel or bladder control, maybe it does the same for them!!

[AndyH]

when i built my stand, (only about a month ago)

i used the B&Q planed wood, seemed good quality. nice smooth finish

I have a 48 x 15 x 18 tank, so exactly 12 inches longer than urs, and i used the 44x44 wood, with corners supported, and extra 2 legs in the front middle,

the tank is full and stand it untouchable, doesnt wabble or anything http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif very pleased


notes when cutting, DONT get B&Q trade centre to cut the lengths..they might well get it wrong like they did with my mdf top, luckly for them it was to big, buy about 5.5 cms, so we were able to trim it back to size @ dads work.

the rest of the wood i also cut there on a very quick circular saw, and all nice and square....for each joint i used screws as well as the additional fixning blocks for extra strength....

all held up nicely....

ALSO if u plan ahead, u can get nice cabinet doors from b&q for about £10 each, i got 3 for the front of mine, just have toget them stained and hinged on to the legs, but for £10 they are smart looking doors....

email me if u want a pic of them.

[Jangala]

B & Q cutting service can be very good as you get a beautiful smooth cut. Just keep an eye on them and check dimensions before you pay!