So who here is handy???

[stevenallenbarnard]

I'm looking to get a 6 foot tank and so far I've found plenty of good deals but there is always one problem, most of them don't have a stand.  But I think I have come up w/ a solution.  I have a dresser that I currently have a 55gal on.  It measures about 4'4".  This little bugger is sturdy, it has no legs and sits flat on the floor and it can hold the 55 full along with me standing on top (lets just say that I'm a full figured kinda guy, so this is kind of an impressive feat.)  Anyways, my idea was to build something to go over/around the dresser to ad about a foot on each side.  kind of like a flat surface that goes across the top and then has 2 sides that come down adding about a foot on each side.  does not have to be painted/sanded.  it can even just be the wood braces on the side as I could easily skirt them with cloth.  Now, is there anyone on fishbox handy enough to do something like this for me.  I could gladly pay for time and materials and I would even be willing to throw in the 55gal I have on top for an added bonus.  I really need to get my ca/sa into a new 6 footer because they are extremely cramped in the 55.

[fishboyt]

Re: So who here is handy???

I'll talk to my dad about it. What you want is a piece of plywood going across the top and over laping the dresser by about a foot on each side. Then you want 2x4 legs to hold up the over laping plywood. Is that right?

[stevenallenbarnard]

Re: So who here is handy???

that's exactly what I'm lookin for little dude.    I really appreciate you trying to help out.  And so do my cichlids, lol.

[fishboyt]

Re: So who here is handy???

I'll talk to my dad about doing that for you.  :)

[stevenallenbarnard]

Re: So who here is handy???

maybe something a little stronger than plywood though, but I really don't know crud about building si I'll let the experts handle those decisions

[sxyatsxty1]

Re: So who here is handy???

I don't think it's necessary to use 2x4s to brace the overhang. I have L-brackets I feel sure would do the trick. I would 'bolt' it to the dresser and not chance using 'screws'. If the bolts were short enough, they shouldn't interfere with the drawer workings. Using two brackets on each side should do just fine. Would be more eye-appealing, too, I think.

EC

[stevenallenbarnard]

Re: So who here is handy???

I don't think it's necessary to use 2x4s to brace the overhang. I have L-brackets I feel sure would do the trick. I would 'bolt' it to the dresser and not chance using 'screws'. If the bolts were short enough, they shouldn't interfere with the drawer workings. Using two brackets on each side should do just fine. Would be more eye-appealing, too, I think.

EC

I'm gonna have to take your word on it man, I can't even seperate the chopstix at the chinease restaurant w/o having problems.  Dang splinters

[fishboyt]

Re: So who here is handy???

If I can, would you still like me to make it for you?

[PhishPhreek]

Re: So who here is handy???

You should be able to get a 2'6" x 6'8" hollow core door at any building supply store and lay it on top of the dresser, with no additional support.

[stevenallenbarnard]

Re: So who here is handy???

You should be able to get a 2'6" x 6'8" hollow core door at any building supply store and lay it on top of the dresser, with no additional support.

That might have a little too much hang over going front to back.  The dresser is only about 16-18 inches deep and the tank I'm wanting to buy is only 16" deep

[PhishPhreek]

Re: So who here is handy???

My preference has always been concrete blocks and 4x4 joists

[fshfrk]

Re: So who here is handy???

+1 concrete blocks.

[blacksmith37]

Re: So who here is handy???

Interior doors are pretty flimsy stuff; If you go with solid entry doos you are pretty much stuck with 36" ( good for a shelf for equipment,etc.)
Or, a couple 6' 2X4s with 3/4" plywood cut to width then glue and screw. Because you have only about a foot of overhang 2X4  will be fine ( otherwise I am partial to 2X8 and 2X10 for a free standing stand ).

[SteveCGG]

Re: So who here is handy???

many, many, years ago, before I could afford anything new,  I had a used 180g (6ft) on a used 4 foot long kitchen base cabinet with 6.5 foot long 2x12 boards across top. It didn't look that good, but held up great for a few years until I sold the tank and "stand"...just build yours to scale!

[stevenallenbarnard]

Re: So who here is handy???

I talked it over with one of the engineers at work (i.e. person way smarter than myself) and this is what he recomended.  the dresser I have is 52" so there will only be about 10" of overhang on each side, he said to prop a couple of 4X4's or if possible even 6X6's under each of the corners hanging off.  He said the plywood underneath wasn't really necessary since the weight of the aquarium filled (1 gal. of water is 8lbs plus the weight of the gravel/decor) would be so great that it would cut into any weaker woods or plywood.  the 52" dresser will support  the weight and the two 4X4's on the ends will just prevent the sides from sagging over time and compromising the seals