Stand needed: 18x18 cube

[InsideJoke]

My cube aquarium has shown up and I'm now on the hunt for a stand for it. I've seen some commercial stands that it will fit on but they are pretty expensive.
I know the Nano Cube 24 gallon is for 18x18 but it has the rounded top and I have no idea if that sits beyond the 18x18 cube.
So I'm looking here to see if anyone has the ability to build me a pretty simple stand for it or has a stand that will work for my aquarium.

Thanks

 

[happysak]

Friend of mine just made this stand for me. LMK

 

[txbonds]

My cube aquarium has shown up and I'm now on the hunt for a stand for it. I've seen some commercial stands that it will fit on but they are pretty expensive.
I know the Nano Cube 24 gallon is for 18x18 but it has the rounded top and I have no idea if that sits beyond the 18x18 cube.
So I'm looking here to see if anyone has the ability to build me a pretty simple stand for it or has a stand that will work for my aquarium.

Thanks

It should fit on one of the Solana 34 stands. That tank is 20x20.

 

[InsideJoke]

Friend of mine just made this stand for me. LMK

I'm looking for something with an enclosed bottom for a sump. Sorry.

It should fit on one of the Solana 34 stands. That tank is 20x20.

My problem with that, is the stand runs about 200 bucks not including any shipping or taxes. I have a problem paying that much when I know I could get one made for less.


What I'm really wanting is something like an ELOS style stand.

 

[txbonds]

Gottcha.

Sounds like your best bet would be to build something.

The other alternative, and I don't know prices on them, might be to go to a petsmart of petco and see if one of the marineland cube aquarium stands would fit. However, they might be pricey too.

 

[InsideJoke]

Gottcha.

Sounds like your best bet would be to build something.

The other alternative, and I don't know prices on them, might be to go to a petsmart of petco and see if one of the marineland cube aquarium stands would fit. However, they might be pricey too.

Thats probably going to be the case. I just lack the tools to build one.

I've been looking into that. Theres a few stands that look like they would work I just need to see if I can get just the stand.

 

[txbonds]

Thats probably going to be the case. I just lack the tools to build one.

I've been looking into that. Theres a few stands that look like they would work I just need to see if I can get just the stand.

I hear ya. I stopped at pet smart at lunch and looked and they sell a 27 gallon marineland cube that measures 20x18, so if you can get that stand by itself it should fit.

Good luck.

 

[InsideJoke]

I hear ya. I stopped at pet smart at lunch and looked and they sell a 27 gallon marineland cube that measures 20x18, so if you can get that stand by itself it should fit.

Good luck.

Petsmart doesnt sell the stands individually unfortunately. But Petco has a very similar stand for 140 bucks which I may end up picking up.

 

[txbonds]

Petsmart doesnt sell the stands individually unfortunately. But Petco has a very similar stand for 140 bucks which I may end up picking up.

Cool. With a chain store like that you might be able to find a discount coupon in the paper or online also. Worth a look.

 

[InsideJoke]

Go figure. I go to pick it up and its sold.
So if anyone can build a simple ELOS style stand PM me and we can work out a price if its better than the 140 stand from Petco. If not I'll just wait til they get another one in.

 

[rcpauff]

DIY Stands Template and Calculator The reason for starting this thread is to provide a template for a relatively simple DIY stand design. This design is a compilation of several designs into one place and includes the calculations needed to generate a cut list for any custom design.



The basic principle of the design is two box frames connected by four legs. The upper one supports the tank and transfers the load to the legs. The legs are made of several pieces of 2X4 to assist in construction and sheathing the stand in plywood for strength and cosmetics. The bottom frame transmits the load of the tank into the floor.

Design notes:
*The plan for this stand consists of 21 pieces. Like color pieces are the same length and of the same board size.
*The box frames are screwed together first, then the legs are built off the bottom frame, the top frame is then placed on top and secured to the legs.
*The green pieces are screw strips. These provide limited load strength but serve to make assembly easier and help keep the stand square.
*The blue piece between the upper rails (red) works to keep the upper rails from twisting.

Ok, now to the cut list:

First off: The calculations below are based off of a stand that is "W" inches wide X "D" inches front-to-back X "H" inches high.

(2) Red - Upper Rails: Length = W
These will be sized according to length: 2X4 for 48" or less for smaller tanks (Rule of thumb is 75g-90g); 2X6 up to 72" with 125g-150g being acceptable; For longer spans and larger tanks 2X8s are recommended.

(2) Yellow - Upper Ends: Length = D-3"
Theses will be made of the same material as the upper rails.

(4) Green - Screw Strips: Length = H-2" These 2X4s are shorter then the tank is tall.

(8) Purple - Uprights: Length varies:
- 2X4 Upper Rails: Length = H -7"
- 2X6 Upper Rails: Length = H-9"
- 2X8 Upper Rails: Length = H-10.75"
These 2X4s support the weight of the tank. The ones on the short sides of the stand provide a flat surface for attaching a plywood facing and while they do provide some strength, they are optional.

(2) Orange - Bottom Rails: Length = W
These 2X4s act to spread the weight of the tank over a larger area.

(3) Blue - Bottom Ends: Length = D-3"

Covering the sides of the stand with plywood will help to stiffen the stand against twisting and shifting. Doors can be mounted to the legs as desired.

So there it is. 21 pieces in 6 lengths equals a tank stand that should fit the bill for most people. There are other plans out there but this is a simple design using simple tools and common wood sizes. It may not suit everyone's application but it should fit the bill for most common size tanks. Should someone wish to have me calculate beam strengths for a specific application, PM me with the tank dimensions and I will be happy to run the numbers.

Happy building.

 

[rcpauff]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1567110&highlight=stand

 

[rcpauff]

sorry the pic didn't work in the first post. i just picked up the 2x4's for a 30x18 stand and it was lesss than $15 and they cut it for me at lowes, no extra charge.

 

[InsideJoke]

I'll look into that. I'm thinking a 2x4 stand might be waay overkill for an aquarium this size though. I'm wondering if 3/4 oak plywood would be more than sufficient or not.

 

[rcpauff]

you could try a 2x2 frame covered in ply. I'm using this pattern because it's easy.

 

[InsideJoke]

Well, looks like I wont be making the stand myself. The fiance is completely against it. So once again I'm stuck unless another one of those stands comes in stock or I can get someone to build me something.

 

[harleybmw73]

I am using a walmart canapy brand stand for my ap24. I have had it for about a year very nice stand. It is considered a night stand.

 

[InsideJoke]

I've seen a night stand there thats really nice and looks to be pretty damn solid. Its a lot cheaper than the 150 dollar marineland stand that I'll be ordering soon. I'm just worried about it breaking and doing tons of damage to my house.