Building stands for multiple tanks???

[Hybridfish7]

And we're back. As per dad's request, It turns out I will not be drilling into the wall or floor. However, to compensate, I will be making the whole thing a solid 9" wider at the base, and probably using bolts in the top rack. I've added "tanks" to show how everything is sitting. Ignore the middle 60 on the top, I didn't exactly go for precision when putting them in, but all the models are the exact dimensions of each tank.

Need some quick advice on what to do about the back of the thing, does the back look sturdy enough to hold 3 60s some 50" off the ground? I'd think so, with the added vertical supports and presence of bolts. Will it... balance I guess? Construction begins within the next 12 days.

 

[twentyleagues]

Do you need/plan to get to the back at all?
If not you could cover it in plywood which would cause it to be more solid.

 

[twentyleagues]

Do you need/plan to get to the back at all?
If not you could cover it in plywood which would cause it to be more solid.

Same things on the sides.

 

[Hybridfish7]

Same things on the sides.

I'll probably cover the sides with plywood, but the back I'll probably leave open. Maybe even make a little access door in the side. I plan on hiding electrical stuff back there.

 

[Disturbed.)]

On the back where you have the tall verticals I'd swap the position of the 2X2 and 2x4s for added load bearing. If you reposition those columns to be between the 60s on top it actually more evenly spreads the loading of the top row, on the back side at least. Because the load on the front of the 60s is still off center of the supports I'd still recommend doubling that header so it won't bow and twist your center tank.
It still wouldn't hurt to have a couple diagonal braces on the back. The columns in the back are carrying less weight but they are taller and have less lateral support than your other design so they are more likely to compress out of square than before.
It does look a ton sturdier as far as toppling forward without being bolted down. And if you plan on covering the sides with plywood the extra 2x4 layer on the outside is overkill. 3/4 ply is stronger anyway. And even 1/2 would do way more to stiffen it up than that extra layer of 2X

 

[Hybridfish7]

It begins...
(pictures were supposed to be in order of progress but didn't upload correctly so you just get to see a jumbled compilation of stuff)

 

[Disturbed.)]

Oh wow, it's a finished wall! 6 tiny holes in the drywall verses weeks of extra planning and boatloads of extra lumber at today's prices. I realize it wasn't your call but most people have to patch more than that just from hanging pictures. It makes me feel fortunate to be able to do whatever I want with my house even though it's a rental. Please keep us up to date. I know how easy it is to plug along and forget to snap pictures along the way. Before it gets too far along I'd suggest using painters tape and some clear plastic to protect the ceiling and back wall from evaporation and splash damage. Doing it later on will be awkward with rack this size.

 

[jjohnwm]

Oh wow, it's a finished wall! 6 tiny holes in the drywall verses weeks of extra planning and boatloads of extra lumber at today's prices. I realize it wasn't your call but most people have to patch more than that just from hanging pictures.

I couldn't agree more; I really think this obsession with avoiding a few tiny, easily-patched holes in a finished wall is being carried to an unreasonable and silly degree here.

Now, I've started to get a little google-eyed from staring at pages and pages of computer-generated paint-by-number diagrams...but they all seem to show that you are taking to heart the idea of supporting the weight of tanks on solid "columns" of wood, rather than relying upon the shear strength of fasteners to do this heavy lifting for you. That's excellent to see...but...

...in looking at the pics of those assorted smaller stands you have actually assembled...I'm not sure that I see a single instance where that principle was executed properly. Now, granted, those are small stands for small tanks, so the danger is much less. But, nevertheless, every tank on those stands has its weight supported by a few fasteners (and hopefully some glue) attaching the wood piece upon which the tank sits to another piece running vertically. I don't see one that has solid vertical columns taking the weight.

If you build the monster stand that has been the focal point of this thread...and don't intend to fasten it to the wall...and don't intend to bother with diagonal braces, at least according to the latest pretty coloured pictures...please, please, at least pay attention to the difference between the supports in the pictures and the supports you have actually built. They are not the same at all.

Edited to add: Oops, sorry...I didn't realize you were taking these stands apart when I posted this ^. Just noticed the post following this one in which you explain that. Well done, carry on!

 

[Hybridfish7]

Day 2, got the last tanks down and their stands scrapped. The rest of today will be spent marking, cutting, and spray painting wood. A little behind schedule for what I had in mind this weekend, but at least it's happening.

 

[Hybridfish7]

I couldn't agree more; I really think this obsession with avoiding a few tiny, easily-patched holes in a finished wall is being carried to an unreasonable and silly degree here.

Now, I've started to get a little google-eyed from staring at pages and pages of computer-generated paint-by-number diagrams...but they all seem to show that you are taking to heart the idea of supporting the weight of tanks on solid "columns" of wood, rather than relying upon the shear strength of fasteners to do this heavy lifting for you. That's excellent to see...but...

...in looking at the pics of those assorted smaller stands you have actually assembled...I'm not sure that I see a single instance where that principle was executed properly. Now, granted, those are small stands for small tanks, so the danger is much less. But, nevertheless, every tank on those stands has its weight supported by a few fasteners (and hopefully some glue) attaching the wood piece upon which the tank sits to another piece running vertically. I don't see one that has solid vertical columns taking the weight.

If you build the monster stand that has been the focal point of this thread...and don't intend to fasten it to the wall...and don't intend to bother with diagonal braces, at least according to the latest pretty coloured pictures...please, please, at least pay attention to the difference between the supports in the pictures and the supports you have actually built. They are not the same at all.

Of course, there's a reason why I'm taking those down. Nice having all the tanks, but a little unsightly seeing all the poorly thrown together stands that reflect my "woodworking" skills at the time of building each. My more recent ones reflect proper building "etiquette" with regard to vertical supports. Ignore the quality of the tanks, most of my recent energy has gone towards this project among other things.
I'll also be selling the ones in the last two pictures.










Quick edit on this message because the edit time limit ran out on the other one:
It appears I have enough screws, I managed to get a whopping (and satisfying) 333 (used to be 334 but one fell behind a shelf) screws out of all my stands, so it looks like I won't need to buy any more. I should also have an extra 50 or so in the garage just in case.