TheFishMan65
New member
Looks like the legs are 2x6? You can use them, but you really only need 2x4s for the legs. Also if it does not mess up plumbing plans I would add a few more cross braces (blue).
DIY Stands Template and Calculator
- Thread starter JohnL
- Start date
reefstricken
New member
thank you; updated:
any reason to have bottom cross braces other than keeping it square?
any reason to have bottom cross braces other than keeping it square?
TheFishMan65
New member
I don't think so. If I did another I would consider plywood on the bottom and then some good heavy painting to catch spills.
So when I got my new 180, it had a stand already. Want to know if it's as stable as it seems. It's all 2x6's, 72"Lx24.5"Wx30"H (I think on the height, positive on other two measurements)
It's basically made per-spec to your original plan, but you mentioned somewhere that you suggest a 2x8 top. This is only 2x6, but it does have a center brace front and back.
Also curious, do the two center supports under the tank need to be supported or just the plastic rim?
I can just build a new one, but if this one will be fine, then why bother.
here's a quick shot of 1/2 of stand. it does have a 2x4 in top frame in the center, and a box 2x4 frame underneath the plywood.
It's basically made per-spec to your original plan, but you mentioned somewhere that you suggest a 2x8 top. This is only 2x6, but it does have a center brace front and back.
Also curious, do the two center supports under the tank need to be supported or just the plastic rim?
I can just build a new one, but if this one will be fine, then why bother.
here's a quick shot of 1/2 of stand. it does have a 2x4 in top frame in the center, and a box 2x4 frame underneath the plywood.
Last edited:
TheFishMan65
New member
With the center legs you should be good with that stand.
?? Also curious, do the two center supports under the tank need to be supported or just the plastic rim? ?? tank picture might help I don't understand
?? Also curious, do the two center supports under the tank need to be supported or just the plastic rim? ?? tank picture might help I don't understand
TheFishMan65
New member
With the center legs you should be good with that stand.
?? Also curious, do the two center supports under the tank need to be supported or just the plastic rim? ?? tank picture might help I don't understand
?? Also curious, do the two center supports under the tank need to be supported or just the plastic rim? ?? tank picture might help I don't understand
I used a nice crisp white boat paint on the inside of both my stand and canopy. I let the paint cure for about 3-6 weeks and then buffed/polished and waxed it to a nice shine. Yes you can use other tpyes of paint such as any oil based and maybe even latex based paints, but IMO they probably may not last as long as paint that is meant to be used in harsh saltwater enviroments.
Cheers,
Alex
reefnut2012
New member
That canopy looks to be first class!!!
AFRobert568
New member
I'm building the stand to the guide listed on page 1, but I have ran into a problem. I have a gap on the upper side rail. When I hold a framing square over the front and back for my 75 gal tank I can see light where the side beam is. It's too small to measure, but it's not flush. Is this expected and I will have to sand the top of the stand to make it all flush, or can I get away with some foam or a sheet of ¾ plywood.
Thanks, Rob
Thanks, Rob
AFRobert568
New member
You’re right; I’m just worried when I take some down on one side I will have to take some down on the other. Tomorrow I will get the sander and take it slow. I will post pics of the before and after. Thanks for the fast response.
i dont comment on much because there are so many that have more experience in certain areas then i do. i know wood working and plumbing fairly well so i am comfortable in trying to assist. i have asked my fair share of questions here too and always got a fast reliable answer from those that know what i didnt. it feels good to be able to give back at least a little here and there.
AFRobert568
New member
Ok, I may have been more optimistic then I thought, but here is the pic. I did the stand an extra 8 inches long on either side. My idea was to place a panel on one, so I can have the electronics separate from the humidity and water splash of the main sump area. The other side will likely house a canister for the ATO. Mainly the second area was to provide some balance on the stand when you look at it.
kass03
New member
Hi, Thanks for this great thread!
I have a question about a stand I'm having my hubby build.
Its for a standard 75g but we want it 24 inches wide.
I saw the post and picture where you worked this out but that was if you put the tank in the front of the stand. I want mine on the back of the stand so I have the extra width in front of the tank.
I decided to buy a 2'x4' (its actually 25 4/16 but has a waterfall edge in the front) laminate countertop for the top (didnt know the tank was actually 48 1/2 inches). The countertop is 48 1/4 inches so its only 1/4 inch to small and thats just the plastic rim.
The countertop also has a 1 inch backsplash so the tank would sit as close to the backsplash as I can get it and the backsplash will be in back.
The stand has to fit inside the countertop which has a 1 inch edge under it.
The actual measurement inside is 46 1/2 but I need room to fit the stand inside so am figuring 45 1/2 inches long by 23 1/2-24 wide.
My big question is how do I build the frame? The tank is going to sit around 4 inches from the front and an inch and a half from the back.
It will have doors but I dont really plan on having a sump. Im actually transferring my 55g thats been set up as a reef for almost 30 years. I have an old mini reef hob filter that works the same as a sump for me.
Were using 2x6s for the frame cuz we have some laying around. 1x8 and 1x6 maple boards for the front and 1/2 inch maple plywood for the sides and bottom of inside.
I bought some 2 1/2 coated deck screws but wonder if I should get 3 inch?
Hope you understand this thanks for your help!
kass
I have a question about a stand I'm having my hubby build.
Its for a standard 75g but we want it 24 inches wide.
I saw the post and picture where you worked this out but that was if you put the tank in the front of the stand. I want mine on the back of the stand so I have the extra width in front of the tank.
I decided to buy a 2'x4' (its actually 25 4/16 but has a waterfall edge in the front) laminate countertop for the top (didnt know the tank was actually 48 1/2 inches). The countertop is 48 1/4 inches so its only 1/4 inch to small and thats just the plastic rim.
The countertop also has a 1 inch backsplash so the tank would sit as close to the backsplash as I can get it and the backsplash will be in back.
The stand has to fit inside the countertop which has a 1 inch edge under it.
The actual measurement inside is 46 1/2 but I need room to fit the stand inside so am figuring 45 1/2 inches long by 23 1/2-24 wide.
My big question is how do I build the frame? The tank is going to sit around 4 inches from the front and an inch and a half from the back.
It will have doors but I dont really plan on having a sump. Im actually transferring my 55g thats been set up as a reef for almost 30 years. I have an old mini reef hob filter that works the same as a sump for me.
Were using 2x6s for the frame cuz we have some laying around. 1x8 and 1x6 maple boards for the front and 1/2 inch maple plywood for the sides and bottom of inside.
I bought some 2 1/2 coated deck screws but wonder if I should get 3 inch?
Hope you understand this thanks for your help!
kass
so your building the stand to the tank dimensions and then attaching a counter top to it.
get the back as close as you can to where the back of the tank will sit. if i remember correctly the last counter top i got from lowes had a piece in the front that hung down to where you couldent go right to the front edge of the bull nose. it kept you back about 1 to 2 inches
get the back as close as you can to where the back of the tank will sit. if i remember correctly the last counter top i got from lowes had a piece in the front that hung down to where you couldent go right to the front edge of the bull nose. it kept you back about 1 to 2 inches
