SamH Posted February 7, 2010 Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 I have a 600mm x 300mm x 300mm aquarium totaling 54ltrs. I'd like to make a stand 600mm-800mm tall purely out of 18mm MDF. Can it be done? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stillnzcookie Posted February 7, 2010 Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 I think the short answer is yes... ...but it would depend on the design of the stand and how well braced it is. A 54L tank would weigh around 50-70kg, I think? (once it is filled with gravel, water etc) and 18mm MDF is reasonably thick, but I'm pretty sure it would have to be braced to keep it stable and prevent the top bowing. Also, how are you planning to coat the MDF? Remember MDF and water don't mix (it swells and splits if it gets wet) If you search on here for stands, people obviously use MDF for bigger tanks than yours, so yes, it can be done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos & Siran Posted February 7, 2010 Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 yes, all modern all in one tank stands are made with MDF. Just paint with good quality acrylic paint and you get plenty of hassle free enjoyment out of it. Use aliphatic glue and1 1/2" or even 2" screws (always use pilot hole into end grain MDF) use a solid back to ensure the stand doesn't slew sideways' I made a coffee table type design, that worked very well, let me know and I'll send you a rough plan if you're interested, though it's max height would be only 600mm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted February 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 Thanks nzcookie and Carlos & Siran, very helpful Use aliphatic glue and1 1/2" or even 2" screws (always use pilot hole into end grain MDF) Do the guide holes need to be the same size or slightly smaller than the screws? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos & Siran Posted February 7, 2010 Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 3mm if you're using 2"" x 8. You need to ensure that the hole won't split or you'll lose the integrity. Place the bit in front of the screw and you should see the thread on each side but not the shaft. to big and it won't grip. Always use a test piece first. Take your time and don't rush. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos & Siran Posted February 7, 2010 Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 And don't bang the joins with a hammer to adjust, MDF has no give, it'll just split, release the screw slightly then push to adjust and tighten the screw. The best way is to arice(sp?) the over-lapping edge, and then allow that to over hang, it looks a lot better than trying to make the edges flush. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oO SKIPPY Oo Posted February 7, 2010 Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 Hi SamH - ive made both my stands out of 18mm mdf - so one for your 54L should be sweet as - mine are holding over 230KG for the biggest tank and over 150KG for the smaller tank so mdf can deffinately handle it. i use square the drive screws that are about 40 to 45 mm on and the builders glue that they use to holding sheets of wood / mdf / ply to floors / walls / ceilings etc - cant remember the name of it but its light brown in color. because of the size of stands i have a center brace that helps to distribute the weight - every joint has glue and an excessive amount of screws to hold it all together - better to have overkill in my opionion that to not use enough. if you have any questions feel free to ask by no means am i an expert but i will be building a 3rd stand shortly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted February 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 Here's what I'm thinking. 1. Drill guide hole on the face of the board that lines up with the end of another board 2. Do as many as needed for those two pieces 3. Assemble with screws That sound about right? I have some 75mm screws (sorry I'm no good with inches :oops: ) and the jar says 8x3 CSK? I'm guessing 50mm (2"?) screws would be better? So the guide hole needs to be the same diameter as the screw? Sorry about all the questions, just need to get it right. @ oO SKIPPY Oo, what glue do you use? Do you make guide holes? Do you use just MDF or do you use solid timber too? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oO SKIPPY Oo Posted February 7, 2010 Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 i use a small amount of wood - basically a small rectangular frame at the top and bottom of the stand - the glue i use is similar to gorilla glue - http://www.holdfast.co.nz/pages/product_details.aspx?pid=20075&cat=8&psid=20075 the top of the stand that the tank is on sits ontop of the vertical boards and then yeah i drill and screw - i tend to use a 2 or 2.5 mm pilot drill but i a if you want some pictures just let me know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos & Siran Posted February 7, 2010 Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 Think he's talking about No more nails, or liquid nails? you'll need a corking gun. 75mm is 3 inches, insure you drill at least 50mm into the end grain, and 75mm away from each end or it'll split once again. Screw about 200mm apart(that's heaps) counter sink screw heads and over fill with filler(builders bog, DAP) then when dry sand flush (you may need to fill twice) or use screw caps and paint them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oO SKIPPY Oo Posted February 7, 2010 Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 yeah thats the stuff i have used liquid nails - its nice and cheap and has done a full stand - http://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/paint_and_decorating/adhesives_sealants_and_fillers/selleys_liquid_nails_375ml_370719.cfm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted February 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 So let's see if I have this right. 1. Drill pilot holes 2. Glue everything together 3. Wait for glue to dry 4. Put screws in the pilot holes Yes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oO SKIPPY Oo Posted February 7, 2010 Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 if your using liquid nails etc you dont need to wait (i have read that if you glue and then put the 2 bits of wood together then remove and allow to cure for 10 - 15 mins then put back together it will be a stronger bond) but your stand will only have about 60KG on it so it should be ok. i just glue, drill, and screw in one hit. once you start screwing it all together the stand becomes pretty strong - ive had my biggest setup for about 4 months with no issues, and the 128L has been setup for about 9 months with no issues Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diver21 Posted February 7, 2010 Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 but ild do it in this order, drill glue screw saves getting glue allover your nice new drill bit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brennos Posted February 7, 2010 Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 Sam, if your stuck, ill be happy to help. I have the tools, so just bring wood and materials, and a plan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted February 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 Sam, if your stuck, ill be happy to help. I have the tools, so just bring wood and materials, and a plan. Might have to take you up on that offer if Bunnings can't cut the wood 8) I have a power drill so I'm sorted for tools and I can work SketchUp pretty well. Thanks. They do cut MDF to size right? If so, how accurate? I'm also planning a desk too, would be a good practice before a fish tank stand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oO SKIPPY Oo Posted February 7, 2010 Report Share Posted February 7, 2010 our local bunnings tell me when i get wood cut that the saw they used may not be 100% accurate - but generally they cut ok just make sure you have a cutting plan so you know what you need etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos & Siran Posted February 17, 2010 Report Share Posted February 17, 2010 Progress up dates? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted February 18, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2010 Nothing :oops: Well, I'm going to give the desk a try this weekend hopefully 8) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted February 21, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2010 Desk is done. Only took most of the afternoon and up until now :oops: Pretty good seeing as I only got up at 11am 8) It's not as stable as I'd imagined, Bunnings did $1 per cut and the guy who did it was great, he even understood my plan! My pilot holes weren't straight either but it works so I'm stoked. Also, didn't take into account the skirting board so I can't quite slide it fully in, literally mm's in it Can't wait to do a tank stand now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos & Siran Posted February 21, 2010 Report Share Posted February 21, 2010 Pics? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted February 21, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2010 Pics? Yeah, maybe a bit later. It's nothing spectacular or anything :oops: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted February 21, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2010 Don't laugh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oO SKIPPY Oo Posted February 21, 2010 Report Share Posted February 21, 2010 if its wobbling side to side put more wood on the back it should be sturdier Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted February 21, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2010 if its wobbling side to side put more wood on the back it should be sturdier It's actually pretty sturdy, will serve its purpose well. If only it was 1mm less wide Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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