Advice on stand construction

[Danger_Chicken]

I want to build an 8ft double level stand. I want it 24" wide. Here's the kicker, I don't want a vertical support in the front. I want the option of putting a 6' or 8' on the bottom at a later date. Both levels will have 1/2" plywood tops. I do this for horizonal support and the ability to add tanks of various sizes (55,90,120). There can be vertical supports in the back.

I'm thinking about doubling 2x8,10 or 12 to give enough strength to span the 8'. Has anyone done this, seen it done, or have an educated opinion?

Thanks

 

[Danger_Chicken]

bump

 

[RBE17]

Someone asked this question not long ago. I think it was the user Deep South. I'll do a search.

Edit: Here you go: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=183525

 

[Danger_Chicken]

thanks

 

[nuggets]

you can go to home depot and get a micro lamb to span any length you want and you wont have to double it i would not double it and lag bolt it like the guy did in the pic from that link very unsafe needs a vertical support under the double 2x6 ive been a carpenter for 18 years spend a little bit and get a micro

 

[Danger_Chicken]

Thanks! that's the kind of input I was looking for. Is there another name for a micro lamb? I'll I find when googling is stuff like Micro lamb Fleece Topper Hat.

 

[ghengis]

Your idea of 8, 10 or 12 x 2 is on the right track. 24" is a long distance to span... Could you incorporate some steel box section (say 4x2 or 6x2) into the build, maybe bolted in place and trimmed with thin skirting board to hide it, or even run it straight down the middle lengthwise?

 

[Danger_Chicken]

Not sure I'm following you. The span will be around 88". I was looking at doubled up 2x10's tonight but now I'm wondering again, couldn't locate any microlam locally. It's just going to be used for stock tanks in a back room so the whole thing could be steal if I knew were to get it.

 

[RBE17]

HD or Lowe's will probably not have the microlam. You'll have to check w/ a supply house. I think you should be able to find industrial shelving at HD or Lowe's, though.

 

[Danger_Chicken]

I needed up building this with 3 rows of doubled up 2x10. After 2 weeks with the tanks full the level on the stand hasn't changed and the measurement I took on the height in the middle hasn't changed. 75 and 90 up top and 55 on the buttom