DIY Stands Template and Calculator

[Kalen]

My stand in progress will hold a 90 gal with 40 gal sump 20 gal ato reservoir and a chiller with storage cabinets.
I am using 2 x 6 and exterior deck screws with a 15 year rust guarantee.

 

[themaddhatter]

just finished framing my stand for 72" 125 gallon tank.

 

[themaddhatter]

 

[pdiehm]

Don't have a whole lot of time to work on this but doing a little at a time.

Got the front, sides all skinned, and got the removable braces on. Door on the left, door on the right, and a removable panel in the middle. Finally starting to have a picture of what this thing will look like. Haven't quite figured out how I'll get it in the house, but that's something I need to think about. Thing is heavy.

 

[Jstn]

I am going to have no doors, just removable panels





I am using magents, here the washers are installed



Rear panel

 

[NeptuneHood]

I've searched through both iterations of this thread and I'm still a little bit unsure. I've made 3 of these for 4 foot tanks, but I'm just unsure for the larger one. My four-footers have a center stile that isn't load-bearing.

But, for a 96" x 24" 180 gallon tank,

1. the recommended top pieces are 2x8"
2. I think this leaves the legs as 2x4s?
3. I imagine I'd need a center support (leg), this is a 2x4?
4. Or with this center support, does the top frame go down to a 2x6"?
5. The bottom frame for distributing the weight, is that still 2x4 or does it go up to 2x8 like the top frame?

I'll be skinning with 1/4" ply and have a full top face (1/2), not just the frame.

 

[Kalen]

I finished most of my stand. I did a dry fit. So I figured I would should it off.

Now before I paint the frame of the stand what is the recommended paint to use for it to help protect the wood and the stand.

 

[Kalen]

When painting the inside of the stand with kiltz. Is it required to use any type of sealer.

 

[Ginu]

Well, I jumped the gun and made my stand as well, however I missed one little aspect... I used 2x4 for the top frame..

Does anyone believe this will cause issues down the road?
The stand is for a 120g 4x2x2 however the stand is 30" deep as the tank has a overflow and would like the pipes to go straight down and this way I get more room in the front with the sump pushed all the way inside the 30" mark.

 

[lucas in alaska]

Finally started on my stand. I have a long ways to go but it is started. Stand 48" tall for a Marineland 180. It will be viewable from all 4 sides. Still need to put in 4 cross pieces on the bottom with plywood and 3/4 in on top, then I can start skinning.

 

[pdiehm]

2 coats of stain. Added one more just now. Will drop a coat or 2 of poly on it later tonight.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

when it comes to painting the stand..........how critical is it to use Kilz primer before actually painting? will the paint act as a sealer if I decide to skip the primer step?

 

[RocketEngineer]

when it comes to painting the stand..........how critical is it to use Kilz primer before actually painting? will the paint act as a sealer if I decide to skip the primer step?

While Kilz is a good primer, any number of wood primers could be used. Primer is important because it is formulated to penetrate the wood which is what provides some of the protection you are after. Most paint doesn't adhere as well as a quality wood primer does. Proper surface preparation and a prime coat are key to a good finish coat.

 

[rs1831]

Just wanted to say thank you for all of the advice!

Finished product.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

Thank you rocket

 

[pdiehm]

Very close to the finished stand. Need to do the bottom trim, and the top trim to hide the tank bottom trim. Have to admit that it turned out pretty well!

 

[pdiehm]

Can I put a 5" block of 2x4 under each corner to act as feet? Need opinions on this. I kind of like how it's off the ground a touch, but I'm not sure if from a stability aspect it would cause problems.

Top frame is 2x6. Legs, supports, bottom frame is 2x4. Inside shelf is 3/4" oak ply.

If I can't, not a big deal. If I can, yippee.

 

[Powederblue]

I believe you will run into am issue with proper weight distribution across the bottom frame, therefore possibly sagging in the middle overtime.

 

[pdiehm]

what about adding a 3rd block in the middle. 1 on each corner, and one in the middle (front and back)?

 

[BfishLpond78]

Please review my stand, it's a very excessive. It will be used for a 60x24x24 150 gallon tank. The stand is 72x24x36. The tank will be centered on the stand. Oversized to accommodate more room in the sump area.

4 corners are made with 2x6's
Top frame is made with 2x6 and 2x4 cross members
Bottom frame/ cross members are made of 2x4's.

Everything will be screwed and glued. Legs will be pocket screwed into top and bottom frames.

Would like to not have a center brace in the front as I'm a bigger guy and access is key.