Stand Design

[chriscobb]

I'm looking for ideas on stand designs for a new setup I'm working on....The new tank will either be 48"x48"x30" or 60"x48"x30.

I want to build a wood stand, but curious if it would be possible to build the stand where there would be no support in the middle of the stand to allow for easy access to the sump and other equipment? The tank will be an inwall setup. Any suggestions on lumber dimensions? I've thought about doubled up 2x8's or 2x10's laminated??? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[LoneRanger]

Someone in the big tank section built a stand like your wanting they used 2x6's with a laminated pice of ply inbetween (laminated with fiberglass) looked really good when completed and strong as can be! it is the method I am going to use on my 309 gallon stand.


L.R.

 

[Theron]

I am in the slow process of building an in-wall tank of almost the same size. I am building the stand out of 2x6 and 4x4. Below are some images of the stand design. The tank is an Envision Acrylic 54x48x30.

Cad drawings:

Front

Bottom

Back

Build progress

If you notice I have not placed the support leg in the middle of the stand. I am trying to decide if I need it. I would like to have the bottom as open as possible. Hope this helps.

Theron

 

[chriscobb]

Thanks Theron!!!! That is actually my dilema as we speak.....I know I can get away with using 2x6's, and feel to make it totally solid is should be laminated IMO.....I'm wanting to accomplish the exact same thing by keeping the front totally open and also trying to avoid a leg in the middle of the tank as well. I'm going to have Envision build my tank as well, but still alot of planning on the tank as well.....I still haven't totally committed to size yet. Tossing around going 60"x48"x30" or a 48"x48"x30" cube.....I really like the 60"L. The tank will have an external overflow box like your sketched up as well, but on the left sidewill have (2) external wave boxes added........

 

[chriscobb]

Hey LoneRanger.....any link to that thread with the stand? Thanks.

 

[Untamed12]

FWIW, here's how I built mine. The stand you are looking at is 6' W x 4' D. You can see that it has no central supports.

It is just 2x4 wall construction, with a 2x6 floor on top. You can see that I've used 7 2x6's over the 6 foot width. Covered all around with 3/4 plywood it has been solid enough.

 

[chriscobb]

Ahhhh yeah!!!!! I do remember reading your thread......Thanks!!!!!!

 

[Untamed12]

I should mention...If you were to kick the stand as it looked in the photo, it wobbled. It is only when you apply the 3/4 plywood that you get the structural rigidity. If you are going to build like this, the plywood skin is a critical component of the stand.

 

[chriscobb]

Thanks.....the stand would be skinned like you had mentioned....I'll have to go back and look through your thread again......