stand problem / question

[lilbuddy]

I have my stand frammed with top and bottom for my 180. Now I have to wrap it with plywood and doors etc.

Now, Im looking for any ideas on how i can attach the sides so I will be able to take them on and off. The sump/fuge is going to be 60" long. Another reefer is going to build this for me. Here is the sump idea he drew up. The first chamber is going to hold top off water. The water from the tank is going to come in near the fuge and run threw lr rubble.

I have not finalized a plan with him yet but this was a quick drawing he came up with last night

I want to be able to take the sides of the stand off in order to slide the sump into the stand.

[lilbuddy]

One thing I was thinking would be some kind of screw or even a flap or hinge to open the sides.

To give you an idea. Im at my witts end with this thing and I hate to throw away all my hard work up to this point.

mike

[capescuba]

Would magnets work for you? On the stand I just had custom built, the door hinges are the internal ones that use magnets and a contact on the inside of the door.

You could possibly use 4 or more of these for each side of the panel(s) and it should hold it in place and remove quite easily ...

[lilbuddy]

capescube do you have a pic or more details about these magnets?
I was also thinking of some kind of industrial velcro.

[capescuba]

Here is a picture of them. Basically they are just regular door catches, I'm sure you can pick them up at hardware stores.

Each of the cylinders has a magnet on the top, and pushes in to the body on a spring. There is a catch inside that keeps it in either of the two positions shown.

You could probably use any types of magnet though - Algae scrapers would probably work??

[lilbuddy]

ok basically the kind of magenet used on a stearo cabnet?

[Casino]

Originally posted by lilbuddy
ok basically the kind of magenet used on a stearo cabnet? Yes

[lilbuddy]

sounds good, any more ideas maybe some pics? the front part of the stand will be screwed in and will have 2 doors.

[SPC]

I want to be able to take the sides of the stand off in order to slide the sump into the stand.

Why not just have your friend leave one side off and then you can fasten it like he did the front (screws).
Steve

[easttn]

I have used this method for heavy hanging objects (mirrors), but would work great here.Key slot bits (http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_keyhl.html)

Good luck.

[Glass World]

I would recommend screwing in at least one side of the stand, and maybe even both. The sides add considerably to the strength of the stand and it's ability to withstand warping. If you do decide not to screw the sides in make absolutely certain the stand is structurally sound without them before putting 180 gallons of water on top of it.

[lilbuddy]

Why not just have your friend leave one side off and then you can fasten it like he did the front (screws).
I may do this but I want to be able to take the sides off in case I ever need to pull the sump out.

I would recommend screwing in at least one side of the stand, and maybe even both. The sides add considerably to the strength of the stand and it's ability to withstand warping. If you do decide not to screw the sides in make absolutely certain the stand is structurally sound without them before putting 180 gallons of water on top of it. This stand is way over built. Im not worried about it holding a 180. The sides and front are just for looks they have nothing to do with the strength of the stand.

I may go with the magnets, that was a pretty good idea.

[lilbuddy]

Originally posted by easttn
I have used this method for heavy hanging objects (mirrors), but would work great here.Key slot bits (http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_keyhl.html)

Good luck.

thanks for this idea. I guess Im not sure how this works. Do you have a pic you could share?
Thanks
Mike

[JazzMan]

Look at JBNY's tank and stand. He used Industrial strength velcro to attach plywood shell.

[lilbuddy]

Originally posted by JazzMan
Look at JBNY's tank and stand. He used Industrial strength velcro to attach plywood shell.

lol my stand is an exact dup of his.....well the stand is.... I used his site to build my stand. I pm'd with jb alot before I started to build my stand. I love his stand and canopy and to think that was the first one he ever made! really nice work

I think I have this coverd now.....but Im still open to ideas and any pics you guys have..:D

[clutchcargo]

How about Bed Rail (http://www.vandykes.com/product/02007080/) hardware. That's what I was thinking when it comes time to build the stand.

[easttn]

Key Hole Picture (http://www.mikestools.com/cmt/cmt_router_bits_keyhole_bits.asp)

The bit is plunged into the back face of the panel and does not go all the way through. The key "hole" accepts the screw head (on the stand legs) and the slot that is formed in the wood (by the bit) is where the screw supports the panel via gravity. The slot is usually about 3/4" long. Very solid and very accurate.

[Old Crab]

I am currently building a tankstand. I only have a 48" width but I am ushin end panels built like doors and screwed in place. then two large doors 24" wide will be hinged off the two ends. This opens the whole front when you open doors. I have made the middle front support removiable. Notice the 2x6 on the front I concure that you must have strength. I will have some 950 lbs on this when finished. With your length you might have to go with three doors on the front. BTW I am puting a 3" baseboard around the bottom. Hope this helps sound like you are allready set.

[Reef-o-potamus]

180 gallon tank is very heavy...be sure you are loosing the strength of your stand...

[lilbuddy]

Originally posted by Reef-o-potamus
180 gallon tank is very heavy...be sure you are loosing the strength of your stand...

I had a 300 its no where near as heavy as that thing and the stand on that was sub par at best and held the tank.

I also assume you mean "be sure you ARENT loosing the strength"

Thanks for everyones info!
mike

[lilbuddy]

here is a pic what i have so far. Please excuse the mess on the top and saw dust.;)

[Reef-o-potamus]

yes I did mean arent....guess thats why I am not a secretary...anyway looking at your pic it looks like the sides are just for looks and your frame is all your support...I would use the key slot bits. I used them for a set of stand doors once and they work great

[Old Crab]

Gotcha! Pix's do wonders! Good job. I see you will slip the sump in from the side. I hope you have room where you are setting it up to do that. I would use the triditional pannel & door method on the front it will add a lot of strength in the long direction of the stand. Good luck with the rest.

[lilbuddy]

updated pic of diy stand, I was very lucky to find someone that was a pretty good wood worker and was able to help me out. For the side I decided Im gong to do a door on each side. I will attach a pic of the front of the stand and try to load one of the side.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/21592Copy_of_1standfront2-7-04.jpg

[lilbuddy]

side
...I will put the doors on tomorrow.
Mike

[Bluecheese]

looking good lilbuddy. Nice looking frame
Looks like you are in great shape.

Will look great in your home

:rollface:

[lilbuddy]

well a few days latter the stand is done! Im pretty happy with this considering its my first attempt at diy'ing a stand Here is the side pic where I put the door on.

[lilbuddy]

pic of door