DIY QUESTION

[cichlid savage]

My mom has an old dresser she is going to throw away. It's 6' long perfect for my soon to be aquired 180. My question is this. If I reenforce the framing would it support the tank?

I am thinking I will use 2x4's. Then open the back and just redo the front for doors instead of the drawers. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[AnDr3w]

For a 180 double up on 2x4 or got 4x4s.

 

[cichlid savage]

ok 4x4's

 

[CHOMPERS]

I have a 75g on a dresser without support. I wouldn't try it unsupported with your 180g but you can use 2x2's to beef it up if 2x4's won't fit. 4x4's are an overkill and you probably won't be able to fit them in the dresser's frame work.

 

[Derpeder]

ok 4x4's

I have a 75g on a dresser without support. I wouldn't try it unsupported with your 180g but you can use 2x2's to beef it up if 2x4's won't fit. 4x4's are an overkill and you probably won't be able to fit them in the dresser's frame work.

Chompers is right 4x4 is probably over kill, but if you can fit them in... I'd 'over kill' with 180 gallons of water sitting on that dresser.

Make sure you take some picks I'd like to see how it turns out. I have some old dressers I've thought about doing this with. It'll be cool to see yours.

 

[AnDr3w]

180g is a lot of water and pressure. Are you sure 4x4's arent necissary?

 

[me_wee_todded]

like said before if you can fit the 4X4s use them.
I think you could get away with using 2X4s but its always better to do more then not neccisary.(unless its drugs) LOL

 

[CHOMPERS]

180g is a lot of water and pressure. Are you sure 4x4's arent necissary?

Yes, wood has incredible compressive properties. Be sure to evaluate the dressers ability to handle side to side forces (jiggling & collapsing).

I am assuming that the dresser is not made using particle board, is solid wood, and pretty beefy to start with. If it is made with particle board, haul it to the curb.

 

[cichlid savage]

The dresser is an older one and real wood, she has had it a very long time (not an antique though), I think with some cross bracing and re-framing it will be just fine. I will take the back off and the drawers out. I just dont want to find out its not with 180 gal of water on the floor.

 

[Hartzell]

2"x4"'s will work just fine; just make at least 8 additional vertical braces (legs) using it and position them on four equidistant points in the front (and back), with sufficient horizontal bracing too.