SOS Tank Stand Cracking SOS

[Pizazz]

I have a 220 custom acrylic tank and discovered major structural damage to the stand today. I need help quickly ... it seems like there is someone here who builds stands ... or I would also go for temporary reinforcement to current stand until could get better solution.

Help Help Help
Janice
Austin, TX
512-372-9273

[DeletedAccount]

Tell us about the major structural damage. What do you see? Where?

[jaded]

theres nothing like a few clamps and a 2x4 to help brace something up in an emergency!!!

[::pete::]

Left a message ... what is the structural damage?

[Pizazz]

Above message was from me, but didn't take. Redid drawing with dots as spacers, hope this gives a better idea.

220 tank (60x30x30) sits on stand that seems like the base is the support for the tank. It doesn't sit on support boards around the edge of the tank like many tanks/stands seem to.

The tank support surface is braced by 2 boards under the tank. I am drawing a very rough picture below. In the left support, where the big "X" occurs it has completely split through the 2x4 brace. On the right with the smaller "x x x" there is fairly significant spidering (break in the wood) and the right front of the stand is starting to pull away.
Dots are spacers only - since program condensed when I tried to just space.

____________________________________
l....................l....................l....... .............l
l....................l....................l....... .............l
l....................l....................l....... .............l
l...................X...x.x............l.......... ..........l
l....................l....................l....... .............l
l....................l....................l....... .............l
l___________l____________l______x x x_ l

I really appreciate the help.
Janice

[::pete::]

Are we looking down?

[scuba_steveo]

Can you take a picture? Can you draw something and scan it in? I am having a hard time picturing the problem but I sounds bad if supports are breaking. Can you rig some temp. braces until a final fix is made?

[Pizazz]

Yes looking down, well actually up ... I am looking at it from area of sump and this is where you can see the cracked support beam.

Janice

[NaCl_H2O]

Really hard to picture :wacko Steve's suggestion for a hand drawing or pic would be great???

I'm not an Acrylic tank owner, but I think Acrylic's need a full sheet of plywood underneath the tank, not just around the perimiter like glass tanks. If the stand is "moving" it may also be stressing the acrylic joints?

If you are not a "Handy" person, I wouldn't do anything drastic. Even a large clamp put in the wrong place could cause the stress/weight to shift and cause other failures.

[::pete::]

Like this ?

[scuba_steveo]

from her drawing it looks like she has two less supports

[::pete::]

Above the framing you more than likely have a "platform" of plywood or something to support the entire bottom of the acrylic tank. Above that there should be a layer of rigid insulation to absorb the differences in the uneven wood. The plywood is a whole and connected to the rest of the supports which all work as a whole to support the tank. In my opinion one cracked board isnt going to drastically change the stress on the tank. You say sump so there isnt much room under to work with and the easiest fix would be to put a board in (front to back) along side the cracked one and screw the 2 together. You will be replacing it without removing the cracked one. If all is understood correctly it isnt even really needed depending on how far they are spaced and the thickness of the "deck" the tank sits on.

[Pizazz]

The picture is good (thanks Pete) - and yes I have two less supports than in the picture.
Above the framing, I do have a "platform" of plywood or what I am guessing is plywood, which supports the entire bottom of the acrylic tank. Above that there is a thin layer of insulation. So one possibility is getting the broken brace braced? Do I need to be worry about the cracking/ 1/4" pulling away on the right corner of the platform?

Janice

[::pete::]

If the platform is pulling apart Id be concerned and befor cutting and adding a new piece I would try to close that space with straps or clamps. Then replace (or double up) the brocken one and you should be fine in my opinion. What seems to have cracked it? Is it just pine that is dried out?

[TexasTodd]

PAY SOMEONE THAT KNOWS TO COME TO YOUR HOUSE AND SEE IF THEY CAN FIX IT!

That's a lot of water and weight. Plus if your acrylic bows you're not going to be a happy camper.

Do it fast!

TT

[GaryP]

Janice,

Pete is the man when it comes to stands.

Its good to see you on MAAST again. Its been a while. Sorry it was under such bad circumstances.

[Pizazz]

Thank you all.

I have a temporary brace on stand until Pete can get here on Tuesday.

Cross your fingers :-)

Janice

[::pete::]

It'll be fixed tomorrow!!! :)

http://offthereef.org/images/210-1.jpg

http://offthereef.org/images/210-2.jpg

[NaCl_H2O]

WOW, did you pull an all-nighter :w00t :zzz

[::pete::]

No ... that was last Tuesday when I looked at it and tomorrow when I deliver it. ;)

[scuba_steveo]

Awsome work Pete!