Diy 2x4 stand
- Thread starter Cham23
- Start date
As long as there’s no lateral movement, should last longer than the tanks.
I personally would have put more bracing to keep everything square and supported. That doesn’t make it right or wrong though.
If there’s any lateral movement, with that weight, I fear it’ll topple like a house of cards. Might anchor it to a wall if you haven’t.
I personally would have put more bracing to keep everything square and supported. That doesn’t make it right or wrong though.
If there’s any lateral movement, with that weight, I fear it’ll topple like a house of cards. Might anchor it to a wall if you haven’t.
So have you noticed on even the cheapest of manufactured stands, they’ll use some sort of sheathing on the stands? Even on the open sides, there’s usually a triangle attached to the corners. That’s to keep it from moving laterally. All your supports are for vertical strength. But if you pushed from one side, I would bet it would move. Even slightly. What happens is all the stress is placed on the screws. They will fail if this pressure is too great. I.e. someone leans on it, you slip on a ladder and put your hand on it to brace yourself, floor sags, foundation becomes unlevel slightly, etc.
I would at very least, put 90degree supports under the tank. That way it’s still hidden and open like it is now, but greatly strengthens the stand from being able to move side to side. Tying it to a wall does a very similar thing because your walls are tied to other walls, rafters, etc that make them not move. I’ll draw up a quick example.
I would at very least, put 90degree supports under the tank. That way it’s still hidden and open like it is now, but greatly strengthens the stand from being able to move side to side. Tying it to a wall does a very similar thing because your walls are tied to other walls, rafters, etc that make them not move. I’ll draw up a quick example.
Put a big X or plywood on the back of it for side to side bracing. I fear any sideways movement will make it all come down.
Yeah the vertical strength is good. Wouldn’t hurt to reinforce at all four corners of tanks, but not sure that’s needed
Keeping the stand square and not able to twist or fold at all is very important. If it’s just up against a wall, I’d put as much plywood across as you canonbthe back More surface area to attach and keep square. I’d also do this on at least one side.
I don't know what wood you're using, but here's a calculator. Six 2x4's (Douglas Fir) should support around 3,816 lbs. dead load.
https://courses.cit.cornell.edu/arch264/calculators/example7.1/index.html
The math of the load is roughly 8.5 - 9.5 pounds per gallon assuming decor. How many total gallons do you think you have?
https://courses.cit.cornell.edu/arch264/calculators/example7.1/index.html
The math of the load is roughly 8.5 - 9.5 pounds per gallon assuming decor. How many total gallons do you think you have?
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