Fish breeding stand

aomont · #1 08/27/2007, 02:41 AM

After reading a thread started by RocketEngineer on DIY stands (DIY Stands Template and Calculator) I gave some thought to a breeding stand. There would be two stands side by side each one with three levels for the tanks and the bottom for the sump.

Each level would suport 3 tanks (~20g each) and they would be all plumbed to the sump.

The system would be build in as space is needed, thats why there are two stands. I also think it would be easier than trying to built all together.

Here are the draws (sorry, paint brush images...) The measurements are in centimeters

Front view

Side view

Top view

The top of the stand is matching the top of the room. I know it may have to be changed just don´t know how to do it as I fear it may become unstable.
Do you think it´s that bad ?

Tell me if you think it will fall but specially tell me what to do to avoid it !

Thanks,
Anderson.

jadeguppy · #2 08/27/2007, 06:19 AM

I have a similar design further down the page. Feel free to take a look for ideas.

GrandeGixxer · #3 08/27/2007, 08:11 AM

It looks pretty top heavy to me. Are you going to fasten it to the ceiling or anything?

aomont · #4 08/27/2007, 08:14 AM

Yes GrandeGixxer, I was thinking on reducing the top pieces and adding something (don´t know what for sure) to fasten the stand to the ceiling. Any ideas on how to do this ?
Anderson.

aomont · #5 08/27/2007, 10:55 AM

Does anyone know what I can use on top of the corners against de ceiling so the stand becomes stable ? Something like a car jack...
Anyother comment is really appreciated.
Anderson.

RocketEngineer · #6 08/27/2007, 12:53 PM

Aomont,

I posted a reply in the Calculator thread. As for on top, I would actually consider screwing the stand to the wall if possible. If not, consider a pair of opposing wedges (the point of one above the fat end of the other). As you drive them together, they expand and should hold nicely.

aomont · #7 08/27/2007, 06:59 PM

Bump

Would like to hear more from you all, don´t be shy !

Still trying to figure out what oposing wedges means...

Anderson.

aomont · #8 08/27/2007, 07:15 PM

I think I may have got it !

I was thinking this would be what you said RE

Now I think you were talking about this

I can see they are different but I can´t get why they would work differently. Maybe because a vet in a lab, not a engineer !

Anderson.

RocketEngineer · #9 08/27/2007, 07:36 PM

aomont,
either of those would work. What you need to do is get very thin wedges. Cedar shingles like those used on old houses work good.

jmkarcz · #10 08/27/2007, 11:26 PM

Monkey Wrench....

I once thought about doing the very same thing... but what can you actually do with 20 gallon tanks... I mean really.... if your putting a few small fish in there... but then you want something larger that 1.5 inches... that's cruel.... really.... take a gander at most texts for minimum tank size... and then sit and ponder futuer flexibility...

I had to work with 78" ceiling heights and here's what I did with 40 breeders....

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

hope this helps...

aomont · #11 08/28/2007, 09:10 AM

Thanks for the ideas jmkarcz !
I´m planning the stand so I can put anything from 10 to 60 g tanks as needed, I just have to put fewer larger tanks and that´s it. The general idea will be the same for larvae, broodstock and grow-out.

What are the "metal parts" you used to suport the tanks ? What´s the distance between the top of the tank and the next one ? Do you think it was enough for maintenance ?
Finally, can you show your filtration/sump area ?

Thanks again,
Anderson.

aomont · #12 10/02/2007, 09:54 PM

I´m back !

I was given lots of tanks for free and they are not the size I planned so I changed the stand project so I could use them.

The tanks are now 60x30x40 cm (close to 24x12x16") - 72 liters (~19 gallons). Each level would hold 4 of these tanks and I was thinking on using 2x4 on everything.
Here is the new sketch with the measures,
Front:

Kind of a side view

Questions:
1 - Can 2x4 as "top rails" and "ends" hold that weight (288 liters = 76 gallons) with only corner uprights ? I´ve increased the load but the rails are shorter...
2 - Can 2x4 be used as all the corner uprigths (even the bottom ones) ? I was thiking the bottom ones would be on more pressure and, maybe, should be 2x6.

3 - What kind of wood is recommended for a stand like this ?

Thanks again for stopping by !

Anderson.

nanoDude · #13 10/03/2007, 10:21 AM

2x4's will have plenty of strength. Make sure the ones you use are very well dried out. If not you will have a bunch of warpage and splitting as they try to bend away/against each other. I tend to overbuild all of my stands and would suggest keeping the basic design but replace the vertical pieces with 4x4's and cut slots for your horizontal pieces.

aomont · #14 10/03/2007, 10:20 PM

Thanks nanodude I was trying to avoid 4x4's as I have no experience and don´t the rigth tools to do it properly so using 2x4's would be way easier.
Does anyone think it will fall apart ?
Anderson.

nanoDude · #15 10/04/2007, 01:35 PM

If you use a good quality glue and enough screws I don't think you will have any problem with the 2x4s. Like I said, I tend to overbuild.

Here's something similar that seems to work well. Go here and click on "frame pics" on the left.

aomont · #16 10/04/2007, 10:02 PM

Thanks nanodude ! I´ll go with the glue and screws.
That guys apartment is inspiring, so up is the way to go !
Thank you again,
Anderson.