I need to whip up a stand for an acrylic 240. 2 by 8 footprint. I have a 6 foot sump Ide like to use with it. If I wanted to put it under the stand could I leave a 6 foot window in the front of the stand for sump access? If so would 2 2 by 8s be enough to support the tank or would I need a third in there to compensate for this 6 foot tunnel? Would like your opinions!!
DIY stand. Opinions??
- Thread starter DB junkie
- Start date
Better think about sliding in the 2' by X' end before you put the sheeting on...DB junkie;2245696; said:
hmmm...im cant say for sure, but seems like a 6 foot open space would be too much and i think youll need some support in there...
If the sump isnt that wide, then you should make the opening of 5' and put it in at an angle. I made my 240 with an opening of 42'' and no support other than the 3/4 ply.
A six foot sump seems a bit overkill for the job. You could put a shorter one in and solve you problem.
There is the possiblility that it would work. I, myself, wouldn't be willing to bet my 240G tank on it though. I would definitely lean towards adding in the extra 2x8 for support.
There is the possiblility that it would work. I, myself, wouldn't be willing to bet my 240G tank on it though. I would definitely lean towards adding in the extra 2x8 for support.
If you're that worried, just use a doubled 2x6 rim joist around the whole tank. That would be plenty, and with that you could probably go the full 8' span.
I have a stand that I used for a while for a 125 that was 2 by 4s with legs at all 4 corners. Who here would say a 125 could sit on 2 by 4s running a 6 foot span? NO ONE. Did it work? yup. I agree...... I'll just double up the 2 by 8s. Then maybe run one down the middle.
"Overkill"? Can someone define this O-word? I am unfamiliar with it....... I think it was a band at some point in time........
"Overkill"? Can someone define this O-word? I am unfamiliar with it....... I think it was a band at some point in time........
I always went Overkill on stands untill i seen the cheap junk stores sell ya. Wood is very strong if put together correctly. Never liked steel because of welding failure issues i worry about..