350G Extra deep dimension stand design thoughts.

[brent245]

Hey guys, I'm having a custom Acrylic tank built for me and I should take delivery before Thanksgiving hopefully. Its a very odd size. 64x42x30. The footprint is massive.
I've used the same common stand design everyone uses (the one Joey uses, king of diy) on my other 180g Acrylic which is 60x30x24. I'd like to use the same design, using 2x4's, and avoid 2x6's. I need to fit a 75g sump underneath, and the 2x6 will take up lots of height under the tank unless I make the stand extra tall. The downside is this is a huge weight that is not distributed over 8' like typical 300+ g tanks are, its concentrated in a big fat footprint. I could add extra verticals but then I Couldn't get the sump in and out.

My concern is this;
The 180 weighs roughly 2150lbs.
This 350g will weigh 4200lbs.

Both stands would employ 10 vertical 2x4's. I'd be essentially doubling the load using the same basic stand design. I'm also worried about the 42" depth and the center of the tank sagging. Im thinking I might have no choice but to do 2x6's. I have access to (free) 1" ply for the top but it's cut into 8' x 8" boards. I might use those and then top it with 1/2" ply, making the stand top 1.5" thick. I think that might help distribute the load.

 

[Backfromthedead]

I would definitely consider having a column, maybe just a section of 2x4 or 4x4 supporting the middle. Check the entire top with a straight edge to make sure the entire top is level and flat.

2x4s will be fine as long as there's enough of them. I overbuilt this similar sized 60x36, 170g tank stand. With the added column in the middle I'd have no problem with this same design on your 360g. With the 2x4s, ply, 20" tall sump, and 8" of clearance over the sump you will come in at around 36" tall.


As long as your framing is sturdy I would just go with a single sheet of 1/2" on top.

 

[fishdance]

If you are worried about structural strength or bowing then consider using / building a steel stand. Much stronger and lighter than wood. Need less vertical columns, provide longer spans and better clearance for a sump. Even a screwed steel stand would be sufficient if you can't weld.

Another big advantage of a steel stand is that it's very easy to move tank around - with a car jack and platform wheels. Won't need to remove the tank. Take out 85% of water but leave substrate & fish in when moving.

 

[brent245]

I finally got it !