DIY Stands Template and Calculator

I can't answer yes or no. The problem (if it exists) is that the top tank is now supported (assume no screw for a minute) by the 2x4s that run front to back. Nothing keeps those from bending at the back of the tank. How much room do you need for the sump can you get another 2x4 where the corner sits?

I have a similiar issue. I want a 75 center on a 6 foot span. I haven't gotten answer if I can do this with a 2x6 with supports only at the end. I was going to post pictures when I get it built since I am not sure if Rocket understands my question (or mabe I was not clear). Or maybe he will this time. Rocket I am not critizing! I know how hard it is to answer all the questions and I really appreciate the help. Every time you have pointed out an important fact - just not the one I really need answered. Thanks again

[EDIT]
I take it all back. He did answer I just needed to reread it. No I am not taking it all back! I am not taking back all the nice things I said about his help. Thaks again
 
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I am not sure if it has been asked yet or not, but do most people get typical white wood (or pine) from HD or Lowe's? I went the other day and I would say 4/5 of all the wood they had was splintered, cracked, schredded or just way to many knots (just generally crappy condition). Should I just expect to purchase more boards than I need and cut the good usable sections?

Also, since I do not have a table or chop saw what would be the most recommend way to cut straight edges? Just go rent a chop saw? I could use a circular saw but not sure how exact I would get it.
 
I bought a miter saw (not chop saw) from harbor frieght for $49.00 while it was on sale. It won't last long becuase of the brand but it works just great for now, perfectly square, clean, quick, cuts.

Table saws are pretty cheap on craigs list too.
 

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Originally Posted by Logzor
Has anyone built a tank stand from only plywood? I am trying to design an ELOS style tank but i'm no engineer! Based on some of the AGA standard tank, which are a bunch of 1x4's, it doesn't seem like I should be too worried. Of course I can't take any risk, I'm not in an apartment anymore

I plan on going with a 2x4 plan unless I can find some good plans that have shown to be successful.

A few notes. I should be able to build an enclosed box, for the most part. The plumbing will be routed to the room behind the tank, I will have doors on the front, though (storage). Does a solid plywood back make a big difference in the structural integrity of the stand? I am plannning on using 3/4" plywood.
Click to expand...

Tigé21v said:
How large is the tank? I built one for a 75 gallon, using 3/4 birch, the stand was 36" tall (if I remember right.) Solid as a rock.
Click to expand...

It would be around 120-125g.
 
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I made all the cuts for the framing on my stand this weekend just using my skilsaw. Came out pretty even because I was diligent and consistent.

I do like mitre saws though!
 
Hello, i'm building my first tank ever, 250 gallon plywood tank with 1/2" front pain of glass. tanks size is LxDxH 96"x27"x24" (actually closer to 240 gallons) witha refuge underneath (55 gallons). I read several pages to find what i needed but am still uncertain as to how beefy i should make the stand. What i had planned (because i already had the wood) was to have 8 2x6 legs then cover it probably plywood sheets to help prevent the stand from possibly twisting.

I estimated that with the weight of the tanka nd water i would be supporting close to 2600lbs!! The tank woudl sit on a 2x6 frame as well with a few 2x4 braces across to suppurt the wood bottom (double layered 3/4" thick plywood) from potentially bowing over time. There is also 2x4 bracing on the floor for sport of the 55 gallon tank.

The way the 2x6's for the legs will be aranged is 1 2x6 on the ends in the center, 1 2x6 in the center of the front and back, and 2 2x6's in each corner to form a L shape. Am i going overboard or am i not giving it enough support? I'm just really worried about coming home one day with dead fish and 240+ gallons all over the floor.

I'll post pictures of my tank (of what i have done) later today if you would like to see it. I'm currently at work right now.

Forgot to mention that the stand will be 38" tall if that matters any.
 
Tank Specs: 36L x 24W x 16H - 60 Gallons

Would I be able to use 1x4's or should I go with 2x4's? I'd like to make the stand 32" tall. I already have a stockpile of Oak 1x4's I'd like to use up.
 
Tobit said:
Tank Specs: 36L x 24W x 16H - 60 Gallons

Would I be able to use 1x4's or should I go with 2x4's? I'd like to make the stand 32" tall. I already have a stockpile of Oak 1x4's I'd like to use up.
Click to expand...

Oak is hardwood and much stronger and stiffer than pine. Biscuited together as corners, it should support more than a 2 by 4.
 
gmr7494 said:
Hello all.

Thanks for this extremely helpful thread. I was going to have someone build my stand, but now I'm just going to do it myself and save money. Here are my plans and items list:

Tank size: 60 gallon, 36" x 24" x 16", rimless, acrylic
Sump size: 32" x 16" x 16"
Stand size: 36" x 24" x 36"

(2) Red 2 x 4s = 36" length for upper rails
(2) Yellow 2 x 4s = 21" length for upper ends
(4) Green 2 x 4s = 34" length for screw strips
(8) Purple 2 x 4s = 29" length for uprights
(2) Orange 2 x 4s = 36" length for bottom rails
(3) Blue 2 x 4s = 21" length for bottom ends

For the sump, I will use (2) 2 x 4s = 21" length for bracing the bottom of the stand

I will be using wood glue and deck screws (2.5") to piece it together. I will also be using blue or pink foam board for the top of the stand for my acrylic tank.

Please let me know if this plan will work. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Alright. Here's my first crack at a stand. Took me a while, as I am not a carpenter or woodworker by any means. I know it's not as fancy as some of these other stands, but it'll do for me. Used 2 x 4 white wood and 3/4" plywood from Home Depot. I stained it at first, but I screwed that up so I just decided to use paint with a satin finish.

Cost me around $100 for everything. One big lesson I learned from this project is that your measurements have to be SPOT ON and your 2 x 4s have to be straight.
IMG_0296.jpg

IMG_0298.jpg
 
gmr7494 said:
Alright. Here's my first crack at a stand. Took me a while, as I am not a carpenter or woodworker by any means. I know it's not as fancy as some of these other stands, but it'll do for me.
Click to expand...

Looks awesome, especially for a first-timer! Looks better than most of what u see in your LFS. Guarantee it's a heck of a lot stronger too.
gmr7494 said:
... One big lesson I learned from this project is that your measurements have to be SPOT ON and your 2 x 4s have to be straight.
Click to expand...

Old carpenter's saying, "Measure twice, cut once"
 
badwrasse said:
what did you guys paint the inside of your stands with
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I use a three step method for painting the inside of my stand.

1. Seal the wood from moisture
2. Prime
3. Paint

The paint I used is a marine boat and yacht paint. It has some good shine to it after 3 thinned coats.

I choose to use this type of paint for ease of wiping anything off such as salt spray and the fact that it is meant to be used around saltwater.

IMG_0020.jpg


IMG_0025.jpg
 
Tigé21v said:
Looks awesome, especially for a first-timer! Looks better than most of what u see in your LFS. Guarantee it's a heck of a lot stronger too.


Old carpenter's saying, "Measure twice, cut once"
Click to expand...

Couldn't agree more. Of course I'd say I measure at least 3-4 times before I cut. :0)

Cheers,
Alex
 
spllbnd2 said:
I use a three step method for painting the inside of my stand.

1. Seal the wood from moisture
2. Prime
3. Paint

The paint I used is a marine boat and yacht paint. It has some good shine to it after 3 thinned coats.

I choose to use this type of paint for ease of wiping anything off such as salt spray and the fact that it is meant to be used around saltwater.

IMG_0020.jpg

Where did you get this paint and how much was it?
This seems like a great idea .
I just primed mine tonight and wasn't sure if I was gonna paint or just leave it primmed.
Thanks
IMG_0025.jpg
Click to expand...
 
aquaman05 said:
For some reason my post split your pics, have to read between them, sorry
Click to expand...

You can pick up the marine paint at any boat parts place or you can find the Rustoleum marine paint at HomeDepot.com they don't carry it in the stores though.

Also if you want it to shine like mine is, you'll have to do the prep work between coats.

Go from 400 grit after the first coat and work your way up to 1500 grit for the final coat. I plan on having a good 6 coats on the inside when finished. That along with a few coats of polish. :0)

Cheers,
Alex
 
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