Balz3352's 'Convinced Her' Basement Sump/Fish Room
- Thread starter Balz3352
- Start date
Put down the plywood, and then set something on it that weighs the expected weight. Often, that means one or two people climb on it. 
I have a tendency to overbuild things.
If I'm doing the math right, theres's no way you'll exceed 500 lbs for that tank assuming a full 50 gal tank, which you'll be under by at least 6-10 gal depending on depth.
I would feel comfortable with that on 2x4's and plywood. Jodil brings up a valid point, fill it up and see what the deflection is. I doubt you'll see any. I would bet that 2x4's would be enough on their own. If you have any doubt, you could add some glue or liquid nails between the lumber and ply to solidify the structure (and some screws to hold everything together). That would lock all of the lumber together and help to distribute the load.
In my experience, those tanks are pretty strong to begin with, so I think you'll be safe.
If I'm doing the math right, theres's no way you'll exceed 500 lbs for that tank assuming a full 50 gal tank, which you'll be under by at least 6-10 gal depending on depth.
I would feel comfortable with that on 2x4's and plywood. Jodil brings up a valid point, fill it up and see what the deflection is. I doubt you'll see any. I would bet that 2x4's would be enough on their own. If you have any doubt, you could add some glue or liquid nails between the lumber and ply to solidify the structure (and some screws to hold everything together). That would lock all of the lumber together and help to distribute the load.
In my experience, those tanks are pretty strong to begin with, so I think you'll be safe.
Well made some more progress over the last couple days. Plumbed the sink.
And cut and screwed in the shelves. Just have to put a couple coats of kills on them to make them water resistant.
The middle rack shelves. Have 3 areas. One big one under the frag tank then 2 smaller ones I can take out in case I need to service something in the sump I cannot do from the front.
And cut and screwed in the shelves. Just have to put a couple coats of kills on them to make them water resistant.
The middle rack shelves. Have 3 areas. One big one under the frag tank then 2 smaller ones I can take out in case I need to service something in the sump I cannot do from the front.
Looking good! One thing I might suggest if you didn't already do it regarding the sink plumbing would be to install a trap that has a drain plug at the bottom of the trap. I know when I clean filter media and filter socks etc in my sink I get a lot of carbon, gfo, and sand that settles in the trap and I have to clean it out from time to time. Just a thought.
