DIY Stands Template and Calculator
- Thread starter JohnL
- Start date
You shouldn't need either. I built this stand for Marineland 220 and just set it directly on the 2x8's. Framed glass tanks only need support around the edges.
kkjjjmccann
New member
need measurements for
need measurements for
rocket,
can you send me the measurements to build a stand for a 84"x24"x30".
i also live in maryland, can you pm me your number? i have a few questions for you. thanks in advance.
i am new to this site and unable to send you a pm without posting 10 post.
thanks kelly
need measurements for
rocket,
can you send me the measurements to build a stand for a 84"x24"x30".
i also live in maryland, can you pm me your number? i have a few questions for you. thanks in advance.
i am new to this site and unable to send you a pm without posting 10 post.
thanks kelly
Kbel1969
New member
Meshmez, 2x6 would be fine without. 2x4 with center is doable, but definitely with a center support, and would tend to go with a 2x4 support as well. 2x2 tends to warp and distort. You can skin the support and make your doors look a little separated which is a better look anyways.
RocketEngineer
Space is big.
You should purchase the tank before building the stand for this exact reason. There are several different types of "reef ready" tanks with different hole locations.
The plywood top isn't required but most folks include it.
For a 84" x 24" tank you are going to need a center brace unless you use a 2X10 which is overly large IMO. If you have further questions, post them here as this is one of the best ways to reach me. Its one way to get to that 10 posts fairly quickly.
Hey RocketEngineer,
Have you had a chance to look at the drawing I uploaded of the design I'm thinking? I realized the pic of it came out a bit stretched so it looks weird.
Hoping to start building this weekend if you think it will work.
Thanks for your commitment to this forum & helping others DIY!
-- Josh
Have you had a chance to look at the drawing I uploaded of the design I'm thinking? I realized the pic of it came out a bit stretched so it looks weird.
Hoping to start building this weekend if you think it will work.
Thanks for your commitment to this forum & helping others DIY!
-- Josh
I replaced my cracked tank and had the new one built with the weir in the corner instead of central and I did not think about the corner vertical post obstructing one of the holes. So I'm left with the dilemma of Covering the hole, or bore out part of the corner post to fit the pipe and elbow then reinforcing the stand with two more vertical posts which would be a lot simpler than building a complete new stand. Any suggestions?
RocketEngineer
Space is big.
As long is there is something keeping the front corners from spreading apart, you should be okay. The closer the piece connecting the sides is to the front of the stand, the better it will be in terms of strength.
Are you talking about the green board If it is the green board, you can use a different joining method (like pocket screws) to do the same job. The greens aren't structural, they just hold the purple boards to the top and bottom frames. You don't need to add more supports if you still have at least one purple leg per corner.
For a 60" 120g tank you don't need a center brace with a 2X6 top frame. With no center brace you have one big opening in the frame so the face can be any design you like.
I think this got hidden in the other posts. anyone have input on this?
kkjjjmccann
New member
Diy stand
Diy stand
i would like to build out of 2x4s'.
so i would do a total four doors-2 on left and 2 on right separated by a 2fr space for shelves, the opening for the bookshelf between the doors would have 2x4s on
either side for additional support.
Diy stand
i would like to build out of 2x4s'.
so i would do a total four doors-2 on left and 2 on right separated by a 2fr space for shelves, the opening for the bookshelf between the doors would have 2x4s on
either side for additional support.
RocketEngineer,
I am trying to design a stand for 240 gal acrylic tank, but can't find info on acceptable deflection under the tank. I remember you quoting 1/8" (I think), but not sure whether that was for acrylic, and it does not sound very conservative. Do you have any specific rules for acrylic, and are there any standards, or references where I can such info.
Thanks,
Andrey
I am trying to design a stand for 240 gal acrylic tank, but can't find info on acceptable deflection under the tank. I remember you quoting 1/8" (I think), but not sure whether that was for acrylic, and it does not sound very conservative. Do you have any specific rules for acrylic, and are there any standards, or references where I can such info.
Thanks,
Andrey
RocketEngineer
Space is big.
I would never use 2X2s as they are normally very warped when I look at them. 2X4s for the uprights is better as you can typiclally find straight ones if you look hard enough. With no center brace 2X6 is fine.
Where is the sump going? What is going on the shelves? I'm just thinking how books and saltwater are not a good combination. Otherwise it sounds fairly reasonable but more details are needed to say for sure.
That 1/8" number is really for any tank, glass or acrylic. I've never found references provided by tank builders because they all want you to buy their stand instead of building your own. Depending on the geometry, the actual deflection is often much less because there are only so many size boards that I pick from. If you go one size larger than my recommendation, the deflection drops significantly. I would need dimensions on your tank to be able to give you more exact numbers.
Thanks. Judging by the size of this thread this number is already a common standard
RocketEngineer
Space is big.
Thanks. Judging by the size of this thread this number is already a common standard
Yeah but did it come about because of this thread (which I started) or was it from somewhere reputable? That I don't know the answer to. Just understand that it doesn't have any data to support it, only the evidence that it's worked so far.
Thanks! ill probably just go with the 2x6 then, maybe put a center brace of some sort for doors, but not structure. if i were to go with a 2x4 top with a off center 2x4 support, say with 2 feet on one side, 3 feet on the other, would that work?
im just in a weird spot with a 5' tank. I don't particularly want 2 2.5' doors, but i also want a large opening to get a sump in and out if need be. my reason for not wanting the 2x6 is internal height clearance, maybe ill just make my stand a couple inches taller...
RocketEngineer
Space is big.
One removable panel would be my choice. Much easier to work around than doors.
Going taller is also a good idea. I wish mine had been about 2" taller as that would have made getting my skimmer cup out of my sump that much easier.
Salty150
New member
How tall is your stand where the tank sits?
In other words, how high is the bottom of your tank from the floor?
kkjjjmccann
New member
Where is the sump going? What is going on the shelves? I'm just thinking how books and saltwater are not a good combination. Otherwise it sounds fairly reasonable but more details are needed to say for sure.
This will be for a cichlid tank, so i will be using 2 fx6 canister filters.
book shelf section would actually be for storage/pictures/whatnots
This will be for a cichlid tank, so i will be using 2 fx6 canister filters.
book shelf section would actually be for storage/pictures/whatnots
