building a stand????

mysslyss06 · May 5, 2012

ok so we might be building a stand for one of the tanks would it be ok to use 2X4's or shold we use something bigger?

Edit: or could i get away with useimg 2X3's? its going to be a 40b or a 55 gallon?

eagle9252 · May 5, 2012

Have you searched for threads on how to build a stand? 

There are many different ways to accomplish what you want. 

2x4’s, plywood, 2x6’s and 4x4’s but the 4x4’s tend to twist in time. 

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[B]DIY Stands Template and Calculator[/B] 

[IMG]http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm289/RocketEngineer/StandTemplate.jpg alt="" />

snip

The basic principle of the design is two box frames connected by four legs. The upper one supports the tank and transfers the load to the legs. The legs are made of several pieces of 2X4 to assist in construction and sheathing the stand in plywood for strength and cosmetics. The bottom frame transmits the load of the tank into the floor. 

Design notes: 

*The plan for this stand consists of 21 pieces. Like color pieces are the same length and of the same board size. 

*The box frames are screwed together first, then the legs are built off the bottom frame, the top frame is then placed on top and secured to the legs. 

*The green pieces are screw strips. These provide limited load strength but serve to make assembly easier and help keep the stand square. 

*The blue piece between the upper rails (red) works to keep the upper rails from twisting. 

Ok, now to the cut list: 

First off: The calculations below are based off of a stand that is "W" inches wide X "D" inches front-to-back X "H" inches high. 

(2) Red - Upper Rails: Length = W 

These will be sized according to length: 2X4 for 48" or less for smaller tanks (Rule of thumb is 75g-90g); 2X6 up to 72" with 125g-150g being acceptable; For longer spans and larger tanks 2X8s are recommended. 

(2) Yellow - Upper Ends: Length = D-3" 

Theses will be made of the same material as the upper rails. 

(4) Green - Screw Strips: Length = H-2" These 2X4s are shorter then the tank is tall. 

(8) Purple - Uprights: Length varies: 

- 2X4 Upper Rails: Length = H -7" 

- 2X6 Upper Rails: Length = H-9" 

- 2X8 Upper Rails: Length = H-10.75" 

These 2X4s support the weight of the tank. The ones on the short sides of the stand provide a flat surface for attaching a plywood facing and while they do provide some strength, they are optional. 

(2) Orange - Bottom Rails: Length = W 

These 2X4s act to spread the weight of the tank over a larger area. 

(3) Blue - Bottom Ends: Length = D-3" 

Covering the sides of the stand with plywood will help to stiffen the stand against twisting and shifting. Doors can be mounted to the legs as desired. 

So there it is. 21 pieces in 6 lengths equals a tankstand that should fit the bill for most people. There are other plans out there but this is a simple design using simple tools and common wood sizes. It may not suit everyone's application but it should fit the bill for most common size tanks.

/snip

mysslyss06 · May 5, 2012

im sure my boyfriend knows how to do it im jst asking if theres any reason we should use 2x6's or will 2x4's be fine?

porpoiseaquatics · May 5, 2012

mysslyss06;764190 wrote: im sure my boyfriend knows how to do it im jst asking if theres any reason we should use 2x6's or will 2x4's be fine?

The answer depends on size of tank and total weight. Think in terms of your house floor.....it could've had 2x4's but give the span and weight, I would eventually sag. Put in 2x6's, less chance of sag. Put in 2x8's and no sag. There's a chart somewhere that provides that info.

eagle9252 · May 5, 2012

If u read the above post it told you that. Depends on how much weight and how much span you have.

mysslyss06 · May 5, 2012

porpoiseaquatics;764191 wrote: The answer depends on size of tank and total weight. Think in terms of your house floor.....it could've had 2x4's but give the span and weight, I would eventually sag. Put in 2x6's, less chance of sag. Put in 2x8's and no sag. There's a chart somewhere that provides that info.

so our tanks will be 4 foot long and 3 foot log so 2x4's will work..????

eagle9252 · May 5, 2012

(2) Red - Upper Rails: Length = W

These will be sized according to length: 2X4 for 48" or less for smaller tanks (Rule of thumb is 75g-90g);

sounds like it will work

jbdreefs · May 5, 2012

I built a 2x4 stand for a 75 gallon many years ago. Just sold it earlier this year (6,years later) and it was still solid as a rock.

Good luck! If the 2x4,s make you nervous just go with 2x6's for the red boards and call it a day.

mysslyss06 · May 5, 2012

JBDreefs;764281 wrote: I built a 2x4 stand for a 75 gallon many years ago. Just sold it earlier this year (6,years later) and it was still solid as a rock.

Good luck! If the 2x4,s make you nervous just go with 2x6's for the red boards and call it a day.

any pics of your stand? i mean you did it 6 years ago so im sure you have pics of it right?

eagle9252 · May 5, 2012

you can always over build it.

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jbdreefs · May 5, 2012

No pics

If you buy the materials, I'll help you build it in my basement.

building a stand????

mysslyss06

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