2x4 vs 4x4

[fishghost]

Had started building a stand for a 180 over the weekend, while I was saving for the tank. Got a helluva deal on CL for a tank with glass tops . I started building the frame out of 2x4, but moving the tank has made question the strength of 2x4. The tank itself weighs 300lbs, add the weight of water and sand and I'll be close to 1800lbs. Should I switch to 4x4 or continue building with 2x4. I'd really hate to have to clean up that much water and my fiancee wouldn't be to happy about it either?


I'm no engineer so any help/advice would be really appreciated.

 

[Pharaoh]

2x4s will be plenty. I build my 300g stand from 2x4s.

 

[Piscine]

If you are worried about it, build it out of 2x4s sandwiched together. Cheaper(in my area), and less worry about deformation. A good drawing of your intended design would help with answers.

 

[fishghost]

Pharaoh - Thanks for the confidence boost.

Piscine - Don't have a drawing, but I'll be using the design from the "how much can wood stand" sticky w/o the green verticals.

 

[Piscine]

10-4 If you aren't going to be skinning the stand with plywood, I'd definitely leave the green boards in place or add some diagonal braces on the back of the stand. They add a little extra insurance against the stand collapsing when subjected to a sudden shove to one side or the other. Good luck with your project!