Help with DIY stand

[JJ70]

The is for a 75 gal. and is my first attempt at a stand. The design is exactly like several I have seen (thanks sambo and others!). My question is do I need a center support? I would rather not have one so I have better access underneath.

Here is a picture so far:

and

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!!

 

[jay24k]

I'm not an engineer but I seriously doubt you will need a center support. That thing is a tank. Could always put one in the back if your worried.

 

[JJ70]

Thanks jay24k! Anyone else build stands?

 

[johnpoole]

no you shouldn't need a center support, because of the fact that your tank is not flexible.. being a semi rigid object the center cannot bow.. the downward pressure will rest on the vert post. a single 4x4 would support the 800+ pounds with a steel bottom on the tank...

 

[saltwaterdummy]

Hey JJ70 I too are in the process of a DIY stand for my 75gal tank. I have no clue in what to do and where to start. I would really,really appreciated any help for you or anyone else. What I need is the lay out pland of the project. What size wood, what lenght to cut. Or a site that have the a lay out....Thanks

 

[JJ70]

Saltwater,

I am far from an expert but I used 2x4's (actual measurements of a 2 x 4 are 1.5 x 3.5 very important when planning the size). My tank is an AGA 75gal RR with measurements including the plastic trim of 48.5 x 18.5 (l x w). I wanted the stand to be slighting larger than the tank so the top is 48.75 x 18.75 with an overall height of 35". Here is a list of the cuts:

A. 4 - 48.75" (long horizontal's)
B. 6 - 15.75" (cross members)
C. 8 - 29" (vertical)
D. 4 - 35" (vertical)

build your top and bottom frame first using A and B. Make sure the B fits inside A. Then attach the larger verticals in each corner with the shorter verticals resting on the frame (the first picture). After attaching all the verticals place the other frame in place.

I used 2 1/2" deck screws and glue. Just be sure and make accurate cuts measuring frequently before cutting.

 

[saltwaterdummy]

Thanks JJ70, I just finish the frame from the measurements you gave me and it can out great. It was a little to high for me, so I mod it a bit. I cut it down 4 inch. Thanks agian for the help.

 

[JJ70]

No problem. I just finished priming/sealing the frame and will be painting the inside white. I hope to have the skin on the stand this weekend and will post some more pictures. Using oak ply.

 

[sambo]

Lookin' good. I throw my vote in with the rest, no center support needed.

 

[Gmang]

hi ive been building a stand the sam for 65 gallon how did everyone else get there legs square to the frame. i built 29 inch supports in L then screwed 36 inch overlapping legs then put together i have the top and bottom square cannot get legs to square up

 

[jeffbrig]

The easiest way to stay square is to start with straight wood and square cuts. I built my stand with premium quality 2x4s and made all my cuts on a miter saw. When I assembled it, everything came out square just like it was supposed to.

I don't quite understand your description of what isn't square on your stand. Can you elaborate, or better yet post some pics, then we can help you fix it. It sounds like you built rectangles for the top and bottom and are now trying to add the legs but they don't line up correctly?

 

[JJ70]

I also was very picky with the wood I selected and made sure it was not warped and used a miter saw as well. Building a stand and canopy was a good reason for me to buy more tools.

 

[The Shrimp X]

so how close are you to being done with the stand? I would love to see some pics of it fully done. I will be upgrading to a 75 gallon and will need to Make a DIY stand, i have a few questions though.


The tank i am getting is going to be pre drilled with a megaflow overflow, so i will need to drill throught the top part of the stand, the part the tank rests on. Did you/ are you going to add a top part? And my last question is what is the inside measurements of the stand?

 

[JJ70]

Shrimp X,

I will hopefully finish it up this weekend and will post some more pics. I do have a solid top cut that will have holes for the megaflow.

 

[jay24k]

I didn't do a solid piece on top. I personally like to look under a tank and see all the tunnels and critters in the sand. If your tank is built correct, there is no need for a top piece unless it is glass with no trim or acrylic.

 

[JJ70]

I know I'll miss out on the critter tunnels but the solid top will help with a some very slight imperfections in the wood. I also got a little to happy with the sander and have a support that is 1/32 of a inch too short.

 

[jay24k]

It really won't help out imo on the slight imperfection. Imperfection is an imperfection. It will appear to but it actually won't. If you really want to do that, get yourself some foam and put it only under the plastic trim and then you can still see under your tank. From what I've read, the trim on the glass tanks help with the slight imperfections so there is nothing to worry about.

 

[The Shrimp X]

well i will be going starboard on my reef tank so the top will not matter, though i will end up have a top on just for the extra security, and since with it being starboard its not like i will be able to see any tunnles you know what i mean?

 

[JJ70]

Here is an update from today. Made a few mistakes but I think I can cover them with the trim. I'm fairly happy so far.

 

[johnpoole]

looking good, gorilla glue and a dewalt, norm eat your heart out.. are you going to use a raised panel door? they are eaiser then they 1st appear..