TheFishMan65
New member
Check with the manufacturer, I think that unsupported back wall will be a problem. There should be room (if my math is right) to add 2x4 at the side and add a cross brace for the back.
DIY Stands Template and Calculator
- Thread starter JohnL
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lewisjl481
New member
The perspective for this picture is from the front left corner, the lip will be in front of the tank. The back will be supported by a vertical 2x4 and two horizontal 2x4s at the corners. The front pane will not have support across the front wall besides the added 2x4s at the front corners. I can screw in a 2x4 cross brace, but glue and screws will be carrying the weight. I'm assuming that a 3/4" plywood top will mitigate some of the risk to this setup, but I want to be sure before I put the effort into building this.
TheFishMan65
New member
Just a note either you have vertical (up/down) and horizontal (left/right front/back) backwards or I am completely confused.
36 inches left to right. 28.5 inch sump. This leaves 7.5 inches. A 2x4 is really 1.5x3.5 so 2 will fit in 7.5 inches. Turn the middle supports 90 degrees and slap a cross brace on top.
36 inches left to right. 28.5 inch sump. This leaves 7.5 inches. A 2x4 is really 1.5x3.5 so 2 will fit in 7.5 inches. Turn the middle supports 90 degrees and slap a cross brace on top.
110galreef
New member
lewisjl481
New member
You're right. I meant to say horizontal 2x4 and two verticals, no idea how I got them backward. I was trying to avoid using up the "floor" space of the stand with 2x4s and unless I'm confused there will only be 33" of left to right floor space, because I plan to put the plywood bottom under the frame. If there is no way around adding that cross brace I can figure a way to do it....
110galreef
New member
You probably would be safe simply using hangers. I used them on cross braces for my tank..... and figure I have about 500# at most on these hangers. I have acrylic tank & used these for the tank's bottom support....
Get two galvanized hangers for 2x4's and just attach the hanger to the top frame under the open edge of the tank. Use Galvanized 10d nails & then also use 2 SS screws into the sides of the 2x4. That should easily hold the weight & short span. Heck they hold up houses!
The previous option would be best, but hangers are another option. Also if you do the 3/4 top deck that will spread the load quite a bit.
Hard to see in pics as I ended up painting them white as well for additional corrosion protection.....
Get two galvanized hangers for 2x4's and just attach the hanger to the top frame under the open edge of the tank. Use Galvanized 10d nails & then also use 2 SS screws into the sides of the 2x4. That should easily hold the weight & short span. Heck they hold up houses!
The previous option would be best, but hangers are another option. Also if you do the 3/4 top deck that will spread the load quite a bit.
Hard to see in pics as I ended up painting them white as well for additional corrosion protection.....
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TheFishMan65
New member
The 2x4 already overlap the side by 1.5 inches, turn so the long side parallels the front, but the narrow edge is still even with the outside of the bottom and top frame. Each side will protrude 2 inches further in. So 33 - 4 (2 for each side) leaves 29.
I have a quick question. I will be following the plans for the stand my 120 will sit on but I am trying to figure out what I should do for the two 20 gallon stands. I am making 3 stands which will be pushed together. I was thinking I could get away with just using 3/4 plywood was considering buying 2x2 furring strips to make the base. I would love your input.
The plan:
The plan:
TheFishMan65
New member
Plywood would work for the 20 from what I have read. Don't know enough to answer about the 120. Sorry I am not more help.
Thanks. Using 2x6 and 2x4 for the 120.
I have a quick question. I will be following the plans for the stand my 120 will sit on but I am trying to figure out what I should do for the two 20 gallon stands. I am making 3 stands which will be pushed together. I was thinking I could get away with just using 3/4 plywood was considering buying 2x2 furring strips to make the base. I would love your input.
The plan:
I have built stands from 3/4" oak plywood for 120, 125 and 180 gallon tanks with no trouble. With some basic cabinet building skills I'd say your fine. :reading:
iceh
New member
Planning on building a stand for my new 120 and I want the stand to be a bit taller, I'm 6'4" so I have to be sitting or laying on the couch to enjoy my tank. I would like to be able to walk up to it and look into it. I was thinking a stand like 35" tall or so...
The top rails will be 2x6's, the rest 2x4's and skinned in either pine boards or plywood. The tank is 4'x2'x2'.
My question is, will a stand this tall be sturdy or will it be flimsy/easily tipped?
The top rails will be 2x6's, the rest 2x4's and skinned in either pine boards or plywood. The tank is 4'x2'x2'.
My question is, will a stand this tall be sturdy or will it be flimsy/easily tipped?
TheFishMan65
New member
Mine is 35 inches and no problem to report. I would think that is a rather common height.
canesfan44
New member
A lot of the stands that people on this thread have built are about 36". The key is to just add some bracing to keep it from racking, twisting, or bending.
TheFishMan65
New member
According to what I have read I htink you will be fine.
vthondaboi
Premium Member
Will morrows design for his 210 be fine for a 250g? 72x30x28
TheFishMan65
New member
According to what I have read you should be fine also. I made the assumption both were glass tanks.
Yes it is glass...i thought from what i read it should be fine,but second opinions are good!
psykokid
New member
I'm planning out a new stand for the 40B i picked up recently. I figure i'd post here to see if there is anything horrendously flawed with what i'm planning. Here's a quick sketchup drawing of what i'm thinking:
The reason the standard template wouldn't work is the sump has about the same footprint as the main tank and would make the stand too narrow internally to fit the sump. I will be using 2x4's for the uprights and 2x2 for the rest of the framework. If it would need more lateral support i could put plywood triangles in the corners to reinforce it or just skin the entire back and sides with thin ply. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
The reason the standard template wouldn't work is the sump has about the same footprint as the main tank and would make the stand too narrow internally to fit the sump. I will be using 2x4's for the uprights and 2x2 for the rest of the framework. If it would need more lateral support i could put plywood triangles in the corners to reinforce it or just skin the entire back and sides with thin ply. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
