looking for advice on DIY stand for 180g

[reefkeeperrut]

I originally thought I would use 2x4's only. Now I'm thinking 2x6's. Do I really need plywood and styrafoam for the tank to sit on? It's an All Glass so only the perimeter of the tank will come in contact with the stand. This will be an in wall so stand cosmetics are not important. Should I use treated lumber?

Anyone have any suggestions for a website that details a DIY stand?

 

[kerusso316]

Start at the end of your build and work your way back.So start with your return and work back.microbubbles then fuge then skimmer then mecanial filter if any.Then reactors. Then overflows into the sump. Then chiller.Then lighting inc. moon lighting.Then air flow.THEN disign your stand.Paying close attition to hight.The higher the better for viewing but no one likes Metal halides in the eye.........Now to your ? If you look at LFS stands thet are made of 1/2 inch plywood.Your stand will be much better.2x4's are ok if you use them right.The 2x4's need to hold up the 3/4 treated plywood that your tank sits on.If you need a long span under your tank then use a 2x6 longwise.This will allow you to not use as many uprights thru the middle of the tank. Garf.org has some basic plans that will get you started.Those plans are not rules just guidlines.Change then if need be.

 

[Doubledown]

I built 2 of them from 2x4s and 3/4 plywood. You are welcome to come by and take a look, I'll gladly describe their design.

Basically I built 2 squares for the top and bottom and supported them with 2x4s put back to back. The stands have no finished cabinetry around them so the construction is clear and easy to see.

 

[Sullyman]

I agree with Chris. Here's a pic of a stand I saw, I think it was a 180 gallon tank.

 

[reefkeeperrut]

great pic thanks Sullyman. And thank you Doubledown...I may take you up on that.

What is the point of the 3/4" plywood? The tank is supported by the perimeter so why the plywood? If I do use plywood should I also use a Styrafoam sheet between plywood and tank?

 

[Doubledown]

True, glass tanks are supported by the perimeter. Mine are acrylic and need to be supported across the bottom. I did not use any styrofoam - tank sits right on the plywood.

Regardless of glass or acrylic, the playwood top just seems to add to the stability. I tend to overbuild things, but with 2000 lbs of water sitting in by finished basement I was not taking any chances.

 

[rxinc]

I am putting the final touches on the stand for my 215 gal Oceanic tank.

I used 2x6's b/c I have my tank in my family room and felt it would be sturdier, plus there is no big difference in cost b/w 2x4's ( $2.25 ea.) and 2x6 ($3.25 ) when you use about ten or so total. I used stainless steel screws from HD ( cost as much as the wood - 45.00 for 5# of 3 in.)

I am confident I've overbuilt mine, as I have reinforced all the supports, and it weighs a ton.

I searched around the big tank forum for pics and specs, and it is different than the pic above

I am using a plywood top but still debating about the foam.

 

[adamjr]

Hey Sully, when were you at ShoTank? I saw that tank there and I beleive you are correct that it is a 180.

reefkeeperrut, do not use the styrofoam under the tank. Over time it will compress and if it gets wet will deteriorate in places which will stress the tank unevenly. Whoosh is a sound none of wants to be awakened by in the middle of the night.

Adam

 

[Sullyman]

I go to Sho Tank a few times a month, I've known Matt a long time. I think that tank is still there, but it shows 2x4's can do the trick.

 

[AuroraDave]

I built another one last weekend that looks similar to Sullymans picture.

The two differences are:
1) Instead of just using screws to connect the vertical supports to the top & bottom box frames, I drilled two 1/4" holes and used stainless bolts with washers on each side.
You can still start off by screwing to align them if that makes it easier for you to drill.
Bolts were 17 cents each for 1/4" x 5". 4 bolts per leg.

2) I used two 2x4's for each leg and cut one leg 3-1/2" shorter than the other so that one leg is under the top brace (which is a 2x4).
One leg may be enough, but I tend to overbuild and it wasnt much harder to do.

Another advantage to the bolts is that my stands can all be disassembled and put back together. Helped a lot with my recent move, but more importantly I can build in my garage and assemble in the basement.

I agree that the plywood top helps stabilize the stand. Make sure you connect the legs on the bottom in some way, like the box design in Sullymans pic, that is important too.