Need wood stand engineering consult

[nemosworld]

That's already overbuilt for that tank size. plywood on top if it's a rimless is all that's needed along with foam board for padding the glass.

if the tank has a rim, then you can leave the top open, unless you are going bare bottom and don't want to see inside of the stand from the bottom of the tank.

 

[davocean]

Actually the fact that it is rimless/trimless means you absolutely do need to support the entire bottom of tank.
If it were a trimmed tank then you only need support at 4 corners.
It's much more critical that a trimless tank is supported where the vertical panes hit and entire bottom as well.

 

[woodnaquanut]

Remove the two front to back pieces (post 10, pic 1).

Add a 2x4 from side to side under the back of the tank. It should be supported by posts (best) or hangers. 2x2 posts should be fine. I'd worry about the hangers in the SW environment. If you use them - paint well.

Put one or two cross pieces (front to back) between the front and new 'back' piece.

Add a nice 3/4 ply planar top and you'll be good to go.

 

[M_Jaco]

what is the footprint of the tank? What is the footprint of the top of the "frame"?

is the bottom of the tank rimless, or just the top?

 

[Mbelanger]

Tank is 36x18x20. Top is rimless, bottom has "bracing" all around

 

[davocean]

Tank is 36x18x20. Top is rimless, bottom has "bracing" all around

Those do deal w/ deviations better.
You should check manufacturer, some need full bottom support, some don't.

 

[M_Jaco]

ok now what are the dimensions on the stand?

if the side 2x4's are 36" apart then you're fine. that would make the 4 corners of the tank supported

 

[Mbelanger]

So here is what I've rigged up... brings back edge support in by a little more than 5" without sacrificing too much inside stand room.

 

[davocean]

It needs a 2x vertical support under each end to be effective.

 

[Mbelanger]

So should I just slide the two vertical
Support I have in the middle to each end and cal it a day?

 

[davocean]

So should I just slide the two vertical
Support I have in the middle to each end and cal it a day?

That should work

 

[woodnaquanut]

Wow, that's a lot of wood!

I'd take all the unpainted wood out except the top back piece. Support it at the ends with a 2x2 going to the bottom and you'll have a bullet proof stand with a bit more space that 'woodie'!

For a tank that small you really don't need any middle vertical supports.

 

[Mbelanger]

Alright. Been off the grid a bit but figure I'd drop by and give a little update as to where I'm at with this project.. I know it's a lot of wood and probably over built but this was my first wood working project, and considering it's gotta hold a good amount of weight I'd rather be safe.
So everything has been lacquered and I sealed the floor seams so if I get a leak in there it can hold up to about 8-10 gallons.. In the process of making some shelves atm... And for the holes I have some stuff I will cover the ends with.. Still in progress.