Building Stand for 30gal. INPUT NEEDED

[TipStylez]

Theres alot of writeups out there but alot of them are really complicated due to being built for larger tanks. Ran across a few smaller designs but i didnt like how they were put together, remember simplicity is what im going for.

Since this is going to be for a 30gal, i would guess the design could be alot more simple.

The tank is about 24" x 15".

Being introduced to Google SktechUp, i came up with these blue prints.

I have alot of 2x4s to put to use, so im aiming to use nothing but 2x4s.

Tell me what you think. Remember, this is my FIRST time building anything like this, so i dont know the tips and tricks or how to position each 2x4 for maximum strength. So please look over them and tell me the dos and donts.

After the frame is built, im going to cover them over ADA style.

Thanks
-Q

 

[joedodge]

looks good accept i would place the 2x4 used for the top and bottom frames not laying down but facing up. and i think i would use 2 2x4 in the shape of an L like a 90 for more support on the legs i will be building a 40 gallon breeder stand soon the will look similar

 

[bob965]

I know it's better to be safe than sorry, and it never hurts to ask questions. But for such a small tank, unless you're building it out of cardboard and toothpicks, it's pretty hard to screw up. Anything you build that's even vaguely rectangular should be fine.

 

[TipStylez]

looks good accept i would place the 2x4 used for the top and bottom frames not laying down but facing up. and i think i would use 2 2x4 in the shape of an L like a 90 for more support on the legs i will be building a 40 gallon breeder stand soon the will look similar

Can you show me a pic of what your talking about? I think i know what your talking about but i want to make sure. haha

Thanks

 

[TipStylez]

Ok, posted this on 3 different forums. And with all the tips i got this is what i came up with.

Also, this would make it alot stronger, but im not sure if they even make a brace like this. Got any ideas if theres anything like this? Circled in red.

Thanks

P.S. Can anyone tell me how to make a jpeg/png pic through Google SketchUp? I havent figured it out and been doing screen shots and cropping it in photoshop...

 

[Noto]

That stand is massive...I don't think you'll need to worry about braces, just glue and screw thoroughly. I would suggest a plywood or hardboard top, just to keep everything square. As for making a JPG/PNG/whatever, go to File>Export>2D Graphic, which will open a browser window and a drop-down menu of image file types.

 

[1better]

agreed, the braces are a little overkill. a 30 gallon tank is approximately 250lbs and ur substrate and decorations, etc would top it out at 300 lbs max. your stand can take that much and then some.

 

[cassharper]

That stand is massive...I don't think you'll need to worry about braces, just glue and screw thoroughly. I would suggest a plywood or hardboard top, just to keep everything square. As for making a JPG/PNG/whatever, go to File>Export>2D Graphic, which will open a browser window and a drop-down menu of image file types.

Ditto, if you want to be super paranoid just use some 4-6" lag bolts to fasten it.

 

[Burko]

"That stand is massive..."

You can say that again.

You should cut a 2*2 square out of each end of the top 4 planks, so the top would sit inside and atop of the legs.

Be better than bracing.