aquarium stand question

[ctreefer]

I'm in the process of building my stand for my 120. the 120 I have is a 5'x18inches footprint, but my stand I'm building will be able to hold a 24 inche depth for future upgrades to an oceanic 178. My question is:

If I only support the tank at the 4 corners, is this acceptable, or do I need to have support along the center. ( since my tank will only be 18 inches, the back of the tank will be resting on just a 3/4 inch plywood surface and only supported on the ends.) just wondering if I need to add extra bracing along the center of the top of the stand

thanks

 

[HotRod68Camaro]

check out my thread and how i built my stand. Its easy and doesnt get in the way of anything.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=936607

 

[salty joe]

That is a nice stand Hotrod, but at 60" long and over 1/2 ton, I would install a double 2x6 joist the length of the tank under the plywood. You could screw and glue the joist to the plywood top and sides, but it would still be neccessary to add a 2x4 at each end to support the joist.

Just my opinion.

Joe

 

[poppin_fresh]

I would brace across the center by dividing the length in 1/3rds. You dont want the plywood to sag and not support the center of the tank. Its not worth messing around with that much weight for a couple $$ of framing timber.

 

[HotRod68Camaro]

Well for my 40 i think it should be more than enough, for a 120 it would definetely need more support but i was just giving an example.

 

[xtrstangx]

Support it along the entire edge!

 

[ctreefer]

Thanks everyone, that's what I thought.

 

[stereomandan]

Yeah, run a support piece the entire length under where the back of the tank will be. 3/4" plywood flexes too much at a 4' span. Glad to hear you are going to take care of it.

Dan

 

[John_Auberry]

Ah yes the old 5 foot 120.......I love those tanks
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/New stand/100_0086.jpg