Tank Stand Wuestions

[Caribbean_Shark]

Hi I'm new to this forum but wanted to reach out since it looks like you have slot of experience with tank stands. I'm currently setting up a 180 gallon glass rimless tank. I had an stand builder make me one out of wood. I noticed some odd things. There are 8 vertical 2x4s 4 front and back but only #2 and #4 have horizontal supports. There also is t any horizontal 2x4s top or bottom. I'm concerned this will not hold my 180 tank. If I can figure out how to send pics I will.

 

[mcgyvr]

From what I see that looks strong enough to support the tank without issue..

 

[Caribbean_Shark]

Thanks for the response. I am concerned since there aren't any lateral supports at all top or bottom in way of 2/4 or the like, just basically the 3/4" plywood. I have had some tell me there is no way this stand will support an 180 glass Aquarium.

 

[mcgyvr]

I have had some tell me there is no way this stand will support an 180 glass Aquarium.

Well.. In this world there are those that are right and those that are wrong

 

[Caribbean_Shark]

LOL. Some of the comments really freaked me out. Any ideas on what I could do to help reinforce it? I am concerned especially that I don't really have any horizontal support on the top or bottom.

 

[mcgyvr]

If you are concerned then just throw a couple 2x4s at it..horizontally along the top/bottom of the back.. Front already has the plywood horizontally...
Nothing is needed though

 

[Caribbean_Shark]

Got it, thanks for the input

 

[ReefingHavoc]

I would be more concerned with racking than anything else. Not much lateral support in the back. As mcgyvr mentioned, a few 2x4s horizontally in the back should shore it up. Has your stand builder built many stands? If you know of anyone else that used him check out how their stands are holding up.

 

[Caribbean_Shark]

Another interesting twist the length and width of the current stand are longer and wider than the actual tank dimensions.. my tank actually measures 70 7/8 by 23 3/4

 

[mcgyvr]

Another interesting twist the length and width of the current stand are longer and wider than the actual tank dimensions.. my tank actually measures 70 7/8 by 23 3/4

And the stands dimensions are................?

The stand as is is more than capable of supporting the weight..
The front plywood skin is sufficient to prevent racking as is..
Heck throw a 1x6 on the top/bottom of the back if it will help you sleep at night.. But again its fine as is..

 

[Caribbean_Shark]

stand dimensions are a 72 3/4" by 24 /12" I guess my concern now is the perimeter of the tank is not sitting on the edges on the side walls of the tank and front and back either

 

[Caribbean_Shark]

24 1/2". Maybe longer both directions, I just remember checking last night and seeing the perimeter of the tank is not resting on the plywood vertical supports

 

[Caribbean_Shark]

I've been told he has built stands for a while now but the only guy I know who got one from him for a 30 gallon and I believe its holding up ok

 

[Akram]

Just make sure it’s level, and like they said before; add a few 2 x4. Or tell the guy to do it
You don’t want to be in the wrong side of this one

 

[mcgyvr]

my tank actually measures 70 7/8 by 23 3/4

stand dimensions are a 72 3/4" by 24 /12" I guess my concern now is the perimeter of the tank is not sitting on the edges on the side walls of the tank and front and back either

Not an issue either..

 

[Caribbean_Shark]

Thanks again for all of your input

 

[Caribbean_Shark]

Guys another question, so the builder has been dragging his feet with the modification. I opted for rocket engineers frame design and reuse the panels from the existing stand. I just found out he's going to insert the frame into the original stand. So the bottom of the frame will not sit directly on the floor it will be sitting on the plywood on the bottom of the original stand. He'll then add another piece of plywood for the top piece of the interior sump area. Will this be ok with the frame sitting on top of the plywood of the stand instead of directly onto the floor?

 

[Caribbean_Shark]

 

[Caribbean_Shark]

 

[davocean]

It will hold the weight, yes, but it's not a great design in preventing it from racking, and it's relying on face frame screws that can snap easy if it ever does get racked.

It would not fly here in CA where we have quakes and ground movement.

Leaning on it hard could even be an issue, like if you were cleaning inside and leaning against it.

It could be corrected by securing the ply to help keep it from racking, and perhaps some bracing.