My Plywood Build 250 Gallon

[TheFishGuy]

If you're just going to leave one in the middle make it a little wider... like 3 1/2....

 

[john73738]

If your plan is to have your filtration on top (which is wicked cool by the way) then why not make it a separate piece? Just use some 1x2 as cross bucks across the top that are removeable with stainless screws. All you really need is three, one in the middle and one in the middle between that one and the end. Then if you find that killer piece of drift wood or what have you then you lower the water level 50% and take off one of the cross bucks....

Tanks,

Will remove the top, and use it for the filter, and get some 1x2s and fashon a frame for the top using the cross bucks. After you first mentioned the top I was formulating how to keep the filter and widen the top of the tank.

Bear

 

[TheFishGuy]

that was a typo... I meant 1x3. They're 2 1/2, perfect for two screws on either end...

 

[john73738]

Being that I am gonna rest the filter on the top of the tank I decided to build "C" channels of 1x3 as my top bracing to hold the weight of the filter. Will do 5, 1 on each end, one in the center and 2 in between. May be overkill but it will help me sleep at night.

Bear

 

[TheFishGuy]

I assume the "C" channels will go over the top and sides a bit?

 

[john73738]

Acutally I guess you would call it a "U" rather than "C". HMMM...

Sorry this is in paint.. At work cant use any better..

Hope this makes sense..

All will be attached with stainless screws. I know that it is WAY more than Ii need to brace the tank, but I am concerned about the 70-80# filter on top.

 

[TheFishGuy]

I don't think it's overkill, the ones on the extremes are just blocking to make things level. You're still bracing where I would... Center then center between center and edge...

 

[john73738]

Cool thanks.

Kills me that I only get one day a week to work on it.

 

[TheFishGuy]

That'd be frustrating no doubt. Why only one day though?

 

[john73738]

Just work, Dont get a lot of time in the mornings, and my other day off usually I spend with the Wife. Good trade off, though makes for slow going.