960G + 720G Stand (help)

[Plum]

I have built several stands for very large tanks. My first question is what are the measurements of the tank? it makes a difference. People that say use 4x4 or 4x6 2x6 don't understand how strong wood is or isn't also welding up a stand isn't a bad choice...if you can weld. I have built and worked on wooden airplanes so I actually understand how strong wood is...my life and others have depended on it. Recently I built a stand for a 400 gallon that 2 people could carry (it weighed 150 lbs) and it easily carries 4000 lb of tank and water. Don't use liquid nails it sucks as an adhesive. But lets get back to the measurements of your tank, also how tall do you want the stand and what kind of filter you want to put underneath it. Also an important factor is what are willing to spend on the wood. If you want to go cheep then maybe standard 2x6 4x4 4x6 might be the correct choice, if you have some money to spend then some type of hardwood or poplar might be a better choice. Even though I have built some very large stands the last 2 were for a 240 and a 400. The 240 stand is built from 2x4 and 2x3 and cost under $100 to build and that includes the stain and sealer. The 400 stand is built from different hard woods mostly poplar and some maple but it cost about $500 to build.

Size of tanks are
8x4x4
8x4x3h

The stand is behind a wall - thus I don't care how it looks.

Cost is important, but is 2nd to strength.

I don't think that it is possible to have the stand taller than 1 1/2 feet on the 960G. For the 720 I would then make this 2 1/4 feet. If anyone thinks I can fit a sump in that space - please provide suggestions.

 

[Big Daves Rays]

I am a house framer. Also to consider, if it is behind a wall, what kind of concrete slab or floor are you putting it on? If it is concrete, that would be better, but again, you are concentrating 10,000+ pounds on an 8x4 area.

For a filter, perhaps a bead filter with an in line heater would work good for that if you only have 18" for a sump on the big one and 30" for a sump on the smaller one.

 

[Lil_Stinker]

I give wood proper credit, 1x4s for 55g for example.

I am certain combining 2x4s properly will make a bad azz stand, perhaps even properly set 1x4s or 1x6s would be rockin' too

I was just at HD & they had clearance 1x6s 8 foot deck boards for $1.01 each; How do they come up with these prices?

 

[I<3fish]

I'm so lucky my dad manages a lumber yard hehe.

 

[Tigerdat]

With your tanks being 3 and 4 feet tall, do you have a concrete slab underneath them? If not then you will need to reinforce the floor... the 3 foot tall tank isn't too bad but the 4 footer needs to be really thought out. How old is your house? most newer houses have engineered flooring braces which don't hold up very well compared to solid beams. I also forgot to ask if your tanks are glass or acrylic?

 

[SuBXeRo]

wood is an amazing thing, it is hard to actually understand how strong it is, but houses and apartments are made out of it. I just prefer to way overbuild, it makes me feel better lol.

and as the guys above have said, check ur house structure lol