DIY Stands Template and Calculator

[benihana]

Here is a picture of the stand I just finished building. I still need to skin it and trim it, but I had one question before I go too much further.

The stand is 60" wide and 30" deep and meant for a 4'x2' 120g. I have put bracing at the 48" marks where the tank will sit on the left and right side, but nothing in the front. I will be covering the top and all sides with 1/2" maple. My question is this:

Will I need additional bracing beyond what I have done already?

Thanks for the input

 

[loyalrogue]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but from your description of the measurements it sounds like your tank will be entirely supported by not much more than the screws holding the 3 cross members?

Can you clarify where the footprint of your tank is going to land on the top of your stand?

Also, what type of tank is it? Acrylic, glass with plastic trim, etc.

 

[uncleof6]

Not much more than 6 screws at the front to be exact.... this scares me a bit...... this stand caused a commotion in another thread, and I don't want any part of that. You definitely need some support other than the screws in the front. They are in shear, with zero strength..... you need some verticals in front, (the deadmen) not necessarily in the middle, but under the ends of the tank. (the front corners of the tank). Hope that makes sense, and don't draw the argue mongers. (Just FYI, i do advocate minimal construction yes, but I don't advocate turning a tank into a suspension bridge either.) Also, if you want to chance it with just a plywood top, then use 3/4" not half inch. Plywood is not as strong in the direction the tank is going to want to go. FWIW

Jim

 

[loyalrogue]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15139249#post15139249 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by uncleof6
Also, if you want to chance it with just a plywood top, then use 3/4" not half inch.

I was going to wait for clarification in case there was a typo and/or to see where the exact placement was going to be, but you pretty much said what I was thinking.

At minimum, 3/4" plywood to distribute the weight (screwed into the frame and joists every 6-8"), more cross members to support the load across a greater number of fasteners (preferably 16d nails as opposed to screws for greater shear strength), and/or possibly the addition of joist hangers.

It is very possible to support 1200lbs+ on a deck-type structure, but I personally wouldn't attempt it on just the lumber and fasteners it looks like you are using now.

HTH

 

[crvz]

So question;

I've built a couple stands in my day, but I'm in a scenario that's a bit unique. I need to build a holding tank, and it's doing to be about 30" wide (I'm thinking 46"x30"x18" for the tank). Due to the width of the tank, and the height of the stand, it won't fit into the interior doorways that I'm going to be moving it to. It will be set up at a friends house for a number of months, then be moved back to my place when everything is ready, so I can't build it in place. Here's what I expect everything to look like, the stand dimensions would be 60"x30"x34" (w x l x h).

I was thinking of building the pieces independently, the vertical supports and then the top/bottom (as colored in the picture), and then bolting them together. Any tips on this?

Also, the stand will be wider than the tank, should I worry about load distribution? I want some space on the side to place the calcium reactor while the tank is temporarily located.

 

[shikhyung]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14921365#post14921365 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FiReBReTHa

FiReBReTHa, let me borrow the drawing.
If I keep everything the same, but only change the yellow piece from 21" to 27" ( for the tank 30" deep), and replace the front purple to 2x6, will it do the job.
Thanks.

 

[frank40]

I am jumping in on the stand-build band wagon. i am building the stand for my new AO tank, the tank is 82x30x27, 287gals. the stand is not complete, i'm planning to add multiple 2x4's support and a single 2x6 center support then skinning it with 3/4" ply......not sure of type yet. before i proceed any further i am asking for opinions and suggestions, being this is my first build, i rather over build....also i noticed some hairline cracks in the 2x, is this of concern?

http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg209/juiceguy_2008/?action=view&current=DSC_0352.jpg
http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg209/juiceguy_2008/?action=view&current=DSC_0351.jpg
http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg209/juiceguy_2008/?action=view&current=DSC_0353.jpg

 

[tor101898]

Frank, how's it going, its Alex from MR.
Nice build, I'm in the process of building my own also. As for the 3/4" ply, I believe it would be overbuild since you can get away with using 1/2" ply because of the frame. In my build I used 2x6 all around, top and bottom frames and with the legs also. now I'm looking for some 1/2" ply in maple. know of any spots, would like to get 2 sheets of 4x8. for a tank your length you could have gone with 2x8 and used less supports, this would allow you more access to the stand for a larger sump or larger equipment.

 

[naprestsleep]

Great thread, got a question for my setup. I will be making a sump/fug stand. It will have three shelves:
bottom: two 32 Gallon cans, 500lbs
middle: one 20 Gallon and one 29 gallon tank, plus a external pump and 5 gallon top off. 700lbs
Top: misc stuff, maybe a RDSB, 100lbs

My questions:
The two cans will be at on the 2x4 at ground level, and I assume as they will be in direct contact with the concrete floor, 2x4s will be ok?
The two tanks will need a center support, should I use a 2x6 or two doubled up, like front and back?
The top shelf will be either 2x4 or 2x6 depends on the cost difference? Any advantages to using a 2x6 to help the overall structure?
Can I use 2x4 for the uprights? Be about 6ft total height.

 

[spllbnd2]

I am in the process of building a stand for a 20 long frag/prop tank. I used Rockets design and skinned it with 1/4" birch ply and today I am adding some molding trim pieces to give it a nicer look. Along with recessed side panels.
Also I decided to add a few outlets (GFI of course) on either end of the stand.

Cheers,
Alex

 

[returnofsid]

Spllbnd2, very nice!! Did you just put "nailers" on the end 2X4s to nail the recessed panels to? Looks great!!

 

[spllbnd2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15203080#post15203080 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by returnofsid
Spllbnd2, very nice!! Did you just put "nailers" on the end 2X4s to nail the recessed panels to? Looks great!!

Thanks Sid.
I used or should I say I made my own 1/8"-1/4" quarter round pieces and those are nailed and glued to the 2x3 frame. Then the panels just rest in place and will have a strip nailed in from the back to hold them in place. Not sure if that is what you meant when you said nailers? *lol* As this is only maybe my 3rd or 4th project out of wood.

You can see the full write up on either RF or the PSAS sites.

Cheers,
Alex

 

[spllbnd2]

Here is another photo from after I finished the trim work this morning.

 

[naprestsleep]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15201797#post15201797 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by naprestsleep
Great thread, got a question for my setup. I will be making a sump/fug stand. It will have three shelves:
bottom: two 32 Gallon cans, 500lbs
middle: one 20 Gallon and one 29 gallon tank, plus a external pump and 5 gallon top off. 700lbs
Top: misc stuff, maybe a RDSB, 100lbs

My questions:
The two cans will be at on the 2x4 at ground level, and I assume as they will be in direct contact with the concrete floor, 2x4s will be ok?
The two tanks will need a center support, should I use a 2x6 or two doubled up, like front and back?
The top shelf will be either 2x4 or 2x6 depends on the cost difference? Any advantages to using a 2x6 to help the overall structure?
Can I use 2x4 for the uprights? Be about 6ft total height.

OK I read the tread some more and here is my plan, please chime in if I am off.
I will build the stand as seen in the diagrams here using 2x6s for shelf(red/yellow). I will then duplicate the uprights(purple) and the shelf(yellow/red) with 2x4 and attach that to the top of the first stand. This will give me my three shelves and be more than strong enough. I will use 3/4 plywood for all shelves.
My question now: Do the tanks need to rest on/above the red/yellow 2x6s or can they be a few inches inside them? Also as I will have two tanks should I use a center 2x6 running parallel to the long 2x6s or just a couple extra blue 2x4s?

Thanks -- Joe

 

[naprestsleep]

Here what I am thinking drawn out. Again I will have two 20-29 Gallon tanks on the middle shelf and two 32 gallon trash cans on the bottom shelf. Top shelf will be supplies for now, maybe a rdsb.

My main concerns are that the tanks will not be directly over the 2x6 supports as I want to build the stand larger than the tanks. The other is if another support is needed down the length of the stand at the center to help support the tanks.
Thanks -- Joe

 

[returnofsid]

You will need support directly under the tank. A better option might be to build the stand the size of the tank, so tank is directly supported, and then add on to the stand, to make it larger.

 

[Chipie]

So i've spent a few hours reading this thread i couldn't find a plan for my tank. I have a 72X24X24 tank. It's a flat back hexagone . Like this

I don't care f the stand would be square even if the tank isn't. Just have to be solid.

So how do i go about making a stand for this tank? Can i just make a square stand and put some angled braces in the top portion where the tank angles and put a thick plywood on top ?

Or do i have to make a stand the same shape has the tank. I'm no carpenter so please help me with this.

Thanks

 

[Chipie]

_^^

 

[returnofsid]

I would recommend shaping the stand to fit the shape of tank. It'll be slightly more difficult, but not much. You'll just have to make some miter cuts on the top and bottom rails, to allow for the angles. You really need the majority of support in the corners, so it'll be important that the stand match the shape of tank. The 4 corners carry the entire load.

 

[Chipie]

Well there's more than 4 corners on this one lol. I'M worried that if the side support beam is made of 2 parts instead of one that it wouldn't be safe. Would it ?

Thanks