DIY Tank Stand

[LoneRegister]

This will be holding a 90 gallon tank on the cross braces. Eventually, I will upgrade to a larger tank to fit the whole space.

The top of the stand will be plywood - and then granite.

Can the experts on the forum comment on the stand and any issues?

 

[stylolvr]

If it is drilled with an overflow, make sure to make the appropriate holes in the right places before the tank is set on it. Speaking from personal experience, it is no fun doing this after the tank is sitting on it.

 

[LoneRegister]

What does everyone think about moving the height of the base up to 44-46".

This would put the center of the tank at about 56 or 58" or about eye level for an adult.

Also - With the build the way that it is - with the 90 gallon on it- the 90 gallon will be supported by the plywood - and then the two center 2x4's.

I would be depending on the plywood to distribute the load across the framing outside of those two center 2x4's.

Thoughts? Comments? Loading factors?

Thanks!

 

[iamwrasseman]

that will work fine overflow as was stated is an issue and electrical also . i use deck screws to assemble and predrill the first 1/2 of the hole . also if you want it extremly strong use some gorrilia glue on all wood assembled , read the directions on the glue and use accordingly good luck

 

[LoneRegister]

Does anyone have issues with wood screws/drywall screws failing due to salt water corrosion?

What wood screws will resist salt water corrosion the best?

 

[mgranato]

My advice would be to build the stand to support the 90 as if it were the only tank going on it. Then if you plan on adding the bigger tank, build onto the 90 stand while incorporating the structural soundness of what already there. Your width is fine, but I would not set the tank's (90g) on the cross braces the way you have them in the drawing. The tank's load needs to be supported with corner/end support in addition.

Poly glue (gorilla type glues) are great in the right app, but I don't recommend glueing lumber. Dimensional lumber from the box stores, and anywhere else for that matter, needs to be able to "move" as it dries. Proper joints/fasteners will supply all the strength you need, as well as, allow the piece to settle safely as it dries out.

Granite will be a great look. Just keep in mind that she isn't a very forgiving material. Your surface will need to be dead flat without any high or low spots, or crack An alternative could be to "trim" the bottom of the tank after it's down. That way you take the cracking element out, and you wind up NOT covering up a VERY LARGE section of expensive granite with the bottom of your tank - only pay for what you see

 

[Esquare]

I don't have a very good picture of how the 90 will sit on the stand. My first thought is similar to mgranato that the cross braces don't appear to be sufficient to support the tank (more specifically, the joint of the cross brace to the frame as it appears to be a simple butt joint). However, after further thought, I wonder what the load bearing capacity of the granite will be with the major support being around its perimeter. If the granite will provide adequate strength just being supported around the perimeter, you may be all right.

Either way, looks like an interesting build.

 

[Esquare]

Oh, as far as the screws, unless they will be damp from the sw, you should be fine with regular screws, IMO.

Stand height, I've found, is a personal thing. Mine is 34" but that's because it puts it at a good viewing height from my desk chair.

 

[LoneRegister]

I have modified the stand a bit - as follows.
You can see now that I have direct support for the 2x4's across their ends which should improve the strength.

 

[LoneRegister]

Update to the stand build

 

[LoneRegister]

Update to the stand build

 

[LoneRegister]

Since this build is based upon a 90 gallon set onto a stand built for a 200 gallon or more - the important part/question is the support of the 900 gallon tank (1200 lbs perhaps?) on the middle 2x4 studs of the top of the stand.

The 2x4 studs are supported by a 2x4 support rail, which then is butted to 2x4 columns, which then land on the base of the stand proper - which will distribute the weight load onto the stand base itself. (which is on a tile floor, on a concrete foundation)

The left side of the stand will be a storage cabinet for stuff that needs easy access.

The central opening (with 4x6 headers on the top "table" part) will be cabinet doors.

Thanks all.

 

[mgranato]

Now you're cookin' with gas - good improvements

 

[LoneRegister]

I feel the reef inferno building within me...

Burn baby! Burn!!

 

[LoneRegister]

Any links on the site for building the electrical side of the stand? Timer switches, outlets, etc?