DIY tank rack stands?

[loyalrogue]

Does anybody here have any advice, links, or experience in building homemade tank racks out of 2x4 lumber?

I'm looking to build some tank racks to hold a few 2'x4' frag tanks, 3 or 4 tanks high, and am looking for some specs/load calculations to make sure that they are completely supported and don't shift or collapse when fully loaded and filled.

I've already sketched out a basic plan for the racks that looks acceptable to the wife for the different rooms that they are going in, but I need to know/compare them against some funtional plans that take into account the 800-1,000lbs per tank load that's going to bear down on the frame/supports/legs and my tile floor.
Any advice or links would be appreciated.

 

[jeffbrig]

I don't think you're going to find any easy specs/calculations. A single 2x4' as a leg has significant compression strength, I believe something like 5000lbs on end before failure. The trick is supporting it in such a way that there's no flex, and that fasteners won't tear out.

In general, never depend on a fastener to support the weight. Have a full height 2x4 post at each corner, and double it up with another piece that each shelf rests on. That ensures that downward forces are transferred to the floor, instead of shearing off the fasteners.

To prevent racking/twisting and fastener tearout, you'll probably want to skin it everything in plywood, then cutout the openings you'll need to access the tanks.

Think beyond the weight of the tanks. Think of the potential for spills and water damage to reduce the strength of the wood, and add in some extra margin of safety.

If you want to see some of the ideas that went into my stand's construction (yes, I designed and build it myself), click on my little red house, and read the first couple of pages of my tank thread.