Arizonah13
New member
Does anyone have a tried and true DIY 40B stand build/instructions that they LOVE? Easy, yet super sturdy, can be dressed up & will fit a 20L sump?
40B DIY Stand?
- Thread starter Arizonah13
- Start date
AZBigJohn
Usually confused...
This thread has a fairly well-used, tried and true stand made of 4x4s. It can be skinned in anything you want.
Fairly heavy, but fairly inexpensive. Designed by a member called Rocket Engineer, it has been duplicated probably 100s of times.
I should note, I've never made my own, but when I do, will probably use this plan.
Fairly heavy, but fairly inexpensive. Designed by a member called Rocket Engineer, it has been duplicated probably 100s of times.
I should note, I've never made my own, but when I do, will probably use this plan.
Stitchaholic
Member
This was the exact thread that i was going to suggest. I am currently in the process of building my own using this same design.
I'd only make a few suggestions to that thread.
1) making every piece a 2x4 is unnecessary. You'd be able to put a car on top of that stand (built properly). I made mine completely from 1x3s and its very sturdy and has been holding the weight of a 40b for around 1.5 years. If building again, i'd probably go 1x4s for the upper support section. Also, the stand will be quite heavy if you make it out of 2x4s. Thats usually not a huge issue if you're not planning on moving it much, but it may be a consideration. Someone did the math on that stand and it can hold something like 4500 lbs extremely safely. I've haven't checked the math but it seems in the ballpark.
2) at the base, I would stagger the joints or seams of the 'uprights' and the 'bottom rails'/'bottom ends'. That way if there is an imbalance of weight due to not even flooring or not perfectly built you'll be able to avoid having a shear force on the seams, which are the weakest part of the stand. You'll also be more likely to notice gaps during construction and make appropriate fixes.
1) making every piece a 2x4 is unnecessary. You'd be able to put a car on top of that stand (built properly). I made mine completely from 1x3s and its very sturdy and has been holding the weight of a 40b for around 1.5 years. If building again, i'd probably go 1x4s for the upper support section. Also, the stand will be quite heavy if you make it out of 2x4s. Thats usually not a huge issue if you're not planning on moving it much, but it may be a consideration. Someone did the math on that stand and it can hold something like 4500 lbs extremely safely. I've haven't checked the math but it seems in the ballpark.
2) at the base, I would stagger the joints or seams of the 'uprights' and the 'bottom rails'/'bottom ends'. That way if there is an imbalance of weight due to not even flooring or not perfectly built you'll be able to avoid having a shear force on the seams, which are the weakest part of the stand. You'll also be more likely to notice gaps during construction and make appropriate fixes.
TangingOut
New member
80/20 is starting to catch on, might want to look into that if you'd like a more modern or industrial look.
Arizonah13
New member
Thank you everyone! I'll show that link to my husband - he is a novice at wood working, but does enjoy it. 
what's 80/20?
what's 80/20?
Stolireef
Active member
I used these plans on my current setup. Some things to keep in mind.
1. Make sure you have a good chop saw with a sharp blade.
2. If possible, build the stand a little taller. You'll really appreciate the additional room underneath.
3. Think about how you want your electrical setup to enter the stand. I set up an external false side for all of the electrical.
4. Use really hard plywood for the top of the stand, countersink your screws holding it down.
5. Use galvinized steel brackets to help square the stand.
1. Make sure you have a good chop saw with a sharp blade.
2. If possible, build the stand a little taller. You'll really appreciate the additional room underneath.
3. Think about how you want your electrical setup to enter the stand. I set up an external false side for all of the electrical.
4. Use really hard plywood for the top of the stand, countersink your screws holding it down.
5. Use galvinized steel brackets to help square the stand.
TangingOut
New member
Google "80/20 t slot aquarium stand"
