DIY Stands Template and Calculator

[TheFishMan65]

Don't know since I haven't done it. I really don't think they are needed. However if you are worried add a support and nail/screw/glue to the side brace and the fronr/back supports. You could also use some sort of deck hanger, but they are metal so ...

Realize the that the 2x4 frame is only supported at the corners. I admit 2x4s don't bend much, but the center is probably supporting very little weight. Then again 2x4 are usually warped so maybe the center is supporting all the weight I think I read years ago (so don't quote and verify) that a tank could be supported by just the 4 corners.

[EDIT]
Glass tanks acrylic are a different story

 

[scott26]

I have about 200 in my stand right now and still have to get the side panels and the stain and paint for the inside. So I should end up somewhere around 275 and I had alot of parts/ peices of wood to use already so it would have cost more if I didn't

 

[egos4life]

this is what was my end result... It is my first ever wood working project I really am proud of myself ha ha... The canopy is almost done I will post a pic of that when It is done... Thanks for all the help guys

 

[wirick181]

my 35 cube stand

 

[josh holt]

here is a pic of the frame for my 125gal turtle tank. the tank is 18" front to back and i made the stand 26" front to back so ill be able to hide all the plumbing when its finished.

 

[Crazy4Tangs]

I am getting ready to build a stand for a 280gal acrylic and I have just a couple of questions. This thread has provided most of the answers I'm looking for, however I was wondering since the footprint of this tank is 72x30, how many cross braces on the top frame would people here recommend? Obviously I will be putting plywood on top of these, but I was thinking of 3. Also, for vertical supports, in addition to the 2x6 corners, I was thinking of one 2x6 in the middle in the front and 2 in the back. Any thoughts on that?

 

[pcannone]

First of all, thanks for all the valuable information available in this thread.

I had a question regarding my stand that I built from this thread. I used the design that RocketEngineer created on post #1 for my 120 gallon (60" long 18" wide). The top brace is 2x6s and the rest of the stand is 2x4s. The back brace is supported by (4) 2x4s and the front brace is support by one 2x4, due to the double door on the left side and a single door on the right side. Question: I upgraded my skimmer and had to cut a portion of the front 2x6, becuase I couldn't get the collection cup into the skimmer. The cut was approx 1 inch by 8 inches. Will this have an impact on support of the brace? Should I put a 2x4 next to the cutout? Any thoughts and advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.

 

[RRaider]

Personally I think you will be fine.

First of all, thanks for all the valuable information available in this thread.

I had a question regarding my stand that I built from this thread. I used the design that RocketEngineer created on post #1 for my 120 gallon (60" long 18" wide). The top brace is 2x6s and the rest of the stand is 2x4s. The back brace is supported by (4) 2x4s and the front brace is support by one 2x4, due to the double door on the left side and a single door on the right side. Question: I upgraded my skimmer and had to cut a portion of the front 2x6, becuase I couldn't get the collection cup into the skimmer. The cut was approx 1 inch by 8 inches. Will this have an impact on support of the brace? Should I put a 2x4 next to the cutout? Any thoughts and advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.

 

[dram537]

Here is mine! It has close to 300 little defects but I had to work a lot on it and I'm really proud of it. It is for a 90g, 72x16x18, but I wanted to make it wider for equipment storage in the bottom, as I'm limited to the space under the tank for that.

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Thanks

 

[scott26]

Looks good! How do you have that SCWD set up? different pump alone?

 

[dram537]

Thanks! Yes, it is the Little Giant in the pics. It is connected in a closed loop. Intake from the tank, to the pump, to the chiller, SCWD. Output back in the tank alternates between 4 nozzles, 2 and 2. 2 from the back top center to the front mid corners, and the other 2 from the back top corners to the front mid center.

 

[InsideJoke]

I'm in need of a new stand and I dont have any wood working skills or tools. I have a few local people inquire about helping me but nothing concrete and I'm starting to get really worried about my current stand as its slowly coming apart in a few spots(Wood glue separating I believe).

If I cant get any solid help soon I'm going to resort to using cinder blocks and skinning it later. I have a standard 75 gallon tank and I was wondering if the 8x8x16 blocks on each side with 2x4s and a piece of plywood on the surface would be strong enough.

Thanks

 

[Rhodophyta]

If you use the "cinder" blocks, you can face them with tile and never have to skin them with wood. You could even use a granite or synthetic stone counter top instead of the plywood and dispense with any need for the slightest bit of woodworking skills altogether.

 

[loyalrogue]

I have a standard 75 gallon tank and I was wondering if the 8x8x16 blocks on each side with 2x4s and a piece of plywood on the surface would be strong enough.

Absolutely strong enough.
Some of the LFS around here just build a 2x4 box frame and sit it on top of 4 cinderblock pillars at the corners for the big coral tanks and those are 6' long 220-280g tanks.

Although Rhodo's suggestion is far more attractive and unique than any commercial cookie-cutter stand you can buy.
I've actually been planning a stand exactly as he described for a 180g that's been sitting empty in my fish/junk storeroom.

 

[InsideJoke]

If you use the "cinder" blocks, you can face them with tile and never have to skin them with wood. You could even use a granite or synthetic stone counter top instead of the plywood and dispense with any need for the slightest bit of woodworking skills altogether.

I actually really like this idea. I think I'm gonna do this. Thanks

I'll be sure to post pictures when I get it done.

 

[egos4life]

complete and happy ha ha

 

[David - Miami]

Looks great ego!

 

[bob21115]

Here is my second stand using Scott Morell plans

Here is my second stand using Scott Morell plans

Here is my second stand using Scott Morell plans.

I love the Facade because not matter how hard I try I cant make doors.

Just like my last stand, I've placed a piece of Marble on the top. I will be place a 48Lx24Wx24H rimless glass tank on the top. This will allow for a 4" border of marble around the tank. This tank won't be ordered for a few weeks.

The bottom tank is a 100 Wide 36Lx30Wx22H with built in over flow.

I'll be running 6 T-5's on the bottom tank, just need 1 more ballast and the bulbs. they should be here Thursday and then I can get water in it.

I had some blue spray paint left over. Not 100% satisfied with the paint job but its only painted to protect the wood.

 

[moondoggy4]

Hey Ego are you going to put some trim around the tank encase of a earthquake.

 

[Rhodophyta]

Hey Ego are you going to put some trim around the tank encase of a earthquake.

Some of the apartment dwellers around here have to put their whole tank inside a pond shell in case something goes wrong. Most people did not even feel the largest earthquake ever recorded around here, but landlords can't be too safe.