DIY Stand ? - Can this work?

[Matt S.]

You basically want to build a rough opening around 7', with a ton of weight on top. A pair of LVL's that rest on notched 4x4's should work fine.

There is well over 2,000 lbs in that setup, but it's evenly distributed around all the sides. In your case the front weight will be distributed to the sides of your reptile opening.

I'd build it like typical house framing. Stud walls, plywood sheathing thats glued and nailed, then to make it look good cover it in a finish grade plywood. Then where your tank sits I would use 2x6 joists and a 2x6 rim joist. Plywood on top of those then a finish grade plywood again.

 

[Dr Joe]

LVL is wide (or tall) tho...I was going for the minimalist view.

Your right RS2000 you just have to look & shop around a little.

 

[CTU2fan]

Thanks guys. It's gonna be awhile, but if/when I get it up I'll post some pix.

 

[Matt S.]

Another option is a Filtch plate. Basically it's a flat piece of steel sammiched between two 2x's.

Then you could go with smaller lumber for a minimal look. A steel supplier shoud be able to size one for you as well as drill the holes.