Wood v Steel Stand - Feedback Please

[tidus10]

Hello Hello!

Its that time again, its been almost 2 years since my last build and its time to upgrade from my 40B to a 93 Cube.

My question is though, with a tank like the 93 its 30x30x26 and I want to use a 40B for a sump 36x18x17.

With this configuration, what would you recommend, steel or wood? How much of an issue will this create with the tank being in the center?

No matter what way I go, I want 40-42" in the sump area and probably and about 24" in height.

Can a 42" x 30" x 24"(or 30")x stand hold a 90 gallon tank in the center made from wood?

Sorry if im babbling just making sure my point comes across correctly

 

[Cdodge1]

If the aquarium isn't going to cover the entire stand, I'd go with wood.

 

[sleepydoc]

Either one is perfectly capable of holding your stand. It all depends on what you want it to look like, what you want to pay, and what your skills are if you plan on making it yourself.

You can also put a wood shell on a metal frame, just to mix things up

 

[tidus10]

Either one is perfectly capable of holding your stand. It all depends on what you want it to look like, what you want to pay, and what your skills are if you plan on making it yourself.

You can also put a wood shell on a metal frame, just to mix things up

I plan on skinning in wood either way,

Would that same diagram work for the stand im thinking? Think I can do 2x4 and possibly double up or you think single 2x4 is ok?

 

[RocketEngineer]

There are a several options if you use the 30" X 30" footprint of the display and want the 36"X18" sump under it.

Using the diagram you posted is one option. To make that work I would have the stand be 40" X 30" X whatever height you want (36" is my minimum recommended). The reason I chose those dimensions is that it would result in the footprint of the display being directly over the legs while still having enough space on the side to slide the 40B sump in from one end of the stand. 40" -(1.5*2)-(3.5*2) = 30" between the front legs, exactly matching the display. The minimum stand width would be 37" to have enough room for the sump so 37" X 30" x36" is about as small as I would go. If you go this route, 2X4 more than sufficient.

 

[tidus10]

There are a several options if you use the 30" X 30" footprint of the display and want the 36"X18" sump under it.

Using the diagram you posted is one option. To make that work I would have the stand be 40" X 30" X whatever height you want (36" is my minimum recommended). The reason I chose those dimensions is that it would result in the footprint of the display being directly over the legs while still having enough space on the side to slide the 40B sump in from one end of the stand. 40" -(1.5*2)-(3.5*2) = 30" between the front legs, exactly matching the display. The minimum stand width would be 37" to have enough room for the sump so 37" X 30" x36" is about as small as I would go. If you go this route, 2X4 more than sufficient.

My only concern is, with a 40" wide stand, you think I will have enough room to have my reactors and possibly dosing equipment under there comfortably?

Im just trying to plan ahead so I have free space to play with in there for the future. I built my current sump a little snug on the sides and doesnt give me a lot to play with. Plus the height is because my Fiance and I LOVE the look down aspect of tanks and going over 4.5' (4.6') would eliminate her from being able to do anything with the tank.. shes a wee little person.

If i go with 2x6 would that be overkill for the top rim?

 

[RocketEngineer]

If you know the size of all the pieces, draw it out on paper even if you have to tape sheets together. You would be amazed how good that technique works. Getting everything to fit is never easy.

"Shall I describe it for you or would you like me to get you a box?" - Lagolas

2X4 is plenty.

 

[ca1ore]

I always build wooden stands because I have a woodworking shop in my house. A steel stand I'd have to outsource to somebody else - and where's the fun in that.

 

[tidus10]

So wooden 40" instead of wooden 42"?

Would that 2" really create that much more stress that is not needed?

And with the 2x4 just one will do right? I dont need to double anything up?

 

[RocketEngineer]

So wooden 40" instead of wooden 42"?

Would that 2" really create that much more stress that is not needed?

And with the 2x4 just one will do right? I dont need to double anything up?

The 2" isn't that much of an issue as its 1" per side. I prefer to keep the load over the legs and that's why 40" is about as wide as I would go.

Wood is a lot stronger than most folks give it credit for. 2X4 is plenty.

 

[tidus10]

The 2" isn't that much of an issue as its 1" per side. I prefer to keep the load over the legs and that's why 40" is about as wide as I would go.

Wood is a lot stronger than most folks give it credit for. 2X4 is plenty.

Please dont take it as disrespect, I just want to make sure i cover all my bases and ask the questions that im not 10000% sure about

I honestly would like the little extra space and I like the easy number of 42.. I think that in the end it will make reactors and stuff easier..

 

[woodnaquanut]

Wood is a lot stronger than most folks give it credit for.

It's been known to hold up trees! Big ones!!

:bounce1:

 

[tidus10]

The 2" isn't that much of an issue as its 1" per side. I prefer to keep the load over the legs and that's why 40" is about as wide as I would go.

Wood is a lot stronger than most folks give it credit for. 2X4 is plenty.

1) I didnt know that was your drawing i was using as a reference, thats funny well done I love it and it worked well for me once before. Thank you.

2) If i put plywood across the top and bottom to hold my sump and tank, will i need any bracing across the top or bottom? im assuming yes?

 

[sleepydoc]

If you want to use Rocket Engineer's design, I would probably do something like this. Your tank is wide enough that the 40 breeder will fit between the supports without a problem. You can simply extend the length as long as necessary to accommodate the length of the sump and your equipment.

I don't know what your plans are for the overflow or other components, but you could even put a cabinet on top to hide the overflow and hold dosing equipment. If you want it symmetric, extend the orange members equally on both sides.