DIY Stands Template and Calculator
- Thread starter JohnL
- Start date
Electrobes
Montipora type guy
So my wife is on board and actually likes the idea of a 48"L x 48"W x 30"H Acrylic tank. Would using the tank stand template work? I am really liking the idea of building a custom stand for this tank, especially as this will be the center piece for my new home in Fort Myers.
I'd like the stand to be about 2.5' high. This would allow for me to make a small ledge on the stand and stools for people to sit and view the tank on all sides.
I'd like the stand to be about 2.5' high. This would allow for me to make a small ledge on the stand and stools for people to sit and view the tank on all sides.
Electrobes
Montipora type guy
I did the measurements using 2x8's given my tank will be 300G. All the parts are 2x8 except for the green beams right?
I am getting ready to start building a stand for my 300g tank. It is 96"L x 24"W. If I use a single 2x8 cross member, is a single middle support sufficient? What size lumber would I need to use for the long cross member if I didn't want any middle supports? My tank is a glass Leemar with the plastic trim for a base, but on the larger tanks they also fill the center part with a sheet of PVC. Any problem supporting the tank with styrofoam on a plywood top?
And thanks for the thread. Lots of great information.
And thanks for the thread. Lots of great information.
moondoggy4
Team RC
RicoJ the little square trim can be bought at a good lumber store that sells trim, moulding, casing etc. I believe it is called dental but that is a bad guess.
RocketEngineer
Space is big.
For a 48X48" tank, I would make the top frame (red and yellow parts) 2X6 and the rest will be 2X4.
A single support is necessary for a 96" long stand. If the leg was exactly centered, you could get away with a 2x6 top frame. Personally, for a tank that big I would go 2X8 for the top frame to ensure proper support.
With regards to styrofoam, consult the manufacturer.
RocketEngineer
SNAKEMANVET
PREMIUM MEMBER
I just got through building my stand,it is 48''L x 20''W x 36''T.I thought all my 2x4 were straight,one on the bottom is causeing one corner to be about 1/4'' off the floor.I will have a 3/4'' plywood top.I am thinking that it should straightin out once I apply weight and secure the 1/2'' plywood skin.
a.browning
New member
Hello everyone! Great thread, so much information. I am building a stand for my 75 gallon aquarium. I wanted to make the stand 6" deeper in order to accomodate a larger sump/equipment. How does this plan look for the top and bottom frames of the stand? Just wanted to make sure it looks good.
RocketEngineer
Space is big.
Same concept but pay attention to where the legs are located. They should be directly under the rails supporting the tank.
RocketEngineer
TheFishTeen
New member
Hi Rocket engineer,
I just started my build thread here on RC, my tank is a eurobraced 60"x30"x24H".
Here is my stand design make up:
Here is my tank:
Ideas, suggestions, comments? I will put 3/4" plywood on top, but I'm not sure if i need use foam atop that.
I just started my build thread here on RC, my tank is a eurobraced 60"x30"x24H".
Here is my stand design make up:
Here is my tank:
Ideas, suggestions, comments? I will put 3/4" plywood on top, but I'm not sure if i need use foam atop that.
saltydog69
New member
new 240 build - hex tank
new 240 build - hex tank
I am starting a new build (my first) with a 240 gallon ******* acrylic hex tank. As pictured, the back is flat and the front has the bevels; center overflow with two 2" drains drilled in the bottom. Dimensions of the tank are 72 x 24 x 36.
I am posting here about the stand build first to get the design down. I will be incorporating a 40"x20" acrylic sump for the Octopus reef protein skimmer and calcium reactor and a separate fuge most likely plumbed outside the tank/stand in an adjacent room. All of the my plumbing questions are for a different thread but thats the background on this tank build.
My questions start with supporting the shape of this hex tank since the front has the two bevels. What modifications are needed to support this tank properly if I were using the typical stand build as noted throughout this thread (2x4's, 2x8s, plywood top and skin, foam layer, etc. For example should I make a rectangular stand and support the hex shape underneath? Or should I make a stand that follows the actual shape of the tank? also, this is my first Acrylic tank so any info related to this type of tank and/or building a stand for this plumbing set up is greatly appreciated !
new 240 build - hex tank
I am starting a new build (my first) with a 240 gallon ******* acrylic hex tank. As pictured, the back is flat and the front has the bevels; center overflow with two 2" drains drilled in the bottom. Dimensions of the tank are 72 x 24 x 36.
I am posting here about the stand build first to get the design down. I will be incorporating a 40"x20" acrylic sump for the Octopus reef protein skimmer and calcium reactor and a separate fuge most likely plumbed outside the tank/stand in an adjacent room. All of the my plumbing questions are for a different thread but thats the background on this tank build.
My questions start with supporting the shape of this hex tank since the front has the two bevels. What modifications are needed to support this tank properly if I were using the typical stand build as noted throughout this thread (2x4's, 2x8s, plywood top and skin, foam layer, etc. For example should I make a rectangular stand and support the hex shape underneath? Or should I make a stand that follows the actual shape of the tank? also, this is my first Acrylic tank so any info related to this type of tank and/or building a stand for this plumbing set up is greatly appreciated !
Attachments
Saltwatercoral2
New member
Alright, So I made my stand based on the design here, for my 36 x 24 x 20 tall tank. I made the stand, 40 x 25 x 36 tall. I made it all out of 2 x 4s. Looking at the original stand from rocketengineer, I didn't put the blue 2 x 4 in there that is at the top. Will this be a a problem? I did however put a 2 x 4 close to the end to help support the tank since the stand is 40 inches long and my tank is only 36. WIll my stand hold ?
Saltwatercoral2
New member
I placed a piece of 1/2 oak plywood on top and skinned the rest in 1/4 inch
SNAKEMANVET
PREMIUM MEMBER
For a 75 gallon tank, 48x18x21,would the stand need a center support on the front,I will have a 1'' plywood for the top. TIA
RocketEngineer
Space is big.
Saltwatercoral2, that should be fine.
SNAKEMANVET, no the original design was for building stands without needing additional support.
RocketEngineer
SNAKEMANVET, no the original design was for building stands without needing additional support.
RocketEngineer
SNAKEMANVET
PREMIUM MEMBER
Thanks Rocket.
Nice stand Scubaj813
Nice stand Scubaj813
moondoggy4
Team RC
Nice stand ScubaJ813 like you said you don't have to have a lot of tools to make a nice stand. When I built my first stand 30 years ago I had a electric drill, screw driver and a bar of soap ( so the screws would go in easier) I had the local hardware store pre HD cut all of my pieces to length. When I told them I was building a fish tank they were very helpful. It just takes a little more planning.
