question about a stand

[Saltwatercoral2]

I am making my own stand for my 105 gallon tank. Top of it out of 2 x 6, the rest out of 2 x 4s'. Whats im wondering is, What thickness is a good one for the plywood to skin my stand?

 

[Saltwatercoral2]

Im just going with 1/2 inch.

 

[fishgate]

Are you going to make the top frame out of 2x6s? It won't hurt to be overbuilt but I don't think this will add anything to the stand's strength. Maybe put the 2x6s as the corner posts and build the rest out of 2x4s.

 

[jerpa]

Are you going to make the top frame out of 2x6s? It won't hurt to be overbuilt but I don't think this will add anything to the stand's strength. Maybe put the 2x6s as the corner posts and build the rest out of 2x4s.

The 2x6 will allow him to build the stand without a center brace. It minimizes the deflection across the long span between the legs. Makes getting a sump in or out a lot easier. The thickness of the plywood is not very important. Any thickness will strengthen the stand against lateral movement. Do take into account how much weight the plywood will add to the stand if you are not building it in place.