DIY Stand Question

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
L

llamabob

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 28, 2007
28
0
0
New York
I am planning on starting a stand very soon and making a materials/price list.

It is going to be a 90g tank, 49x19x30, these are the plans I am debating.

http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/75g_stand/index.shtml
-Probly the strongest option but could be a bit more money wise. My main concern though is difficulty and/or overkill. I would have the back up of my father who is extremely skilled, however I would enjoy doing it myself(although he will be inspecting before I fill the tank!:) ). But I don't wanna go beyond overkill if it is unnecessary.

-The other option would be the standard 2x4 screwed framed pieces such as those found on gar.org. My obvious concern here is strength and stability. I've seen DIY 125 built in this fashion but I want to be safe and reassure my parents whom will be housing this tank until I finish community college and move out.

Any preferences or opinions you can offer will be appreciated.

Thanks.
 
I think a bit of overkill is a good thing. I just butilt a stand for my 100gal. I used 2x6 on the four corners, and 2x4 for the remaining support except for 1 2x6 in the front center(where the doors meet). It is more than sufficient. GL with your project and keep us updated with pics.
 
i used that same exact plan on the link for my 75 stand, looks and works great. you could say overkill but id rather be safe than sorry. and it didnt cost a lot and was easy to build.
 
soggysandwich;1090922; said:
i used that same exact plan on the link for my 75 stand, looks and works great. you could say overkill but id rather be safe than sorry. and it didnt cost a lot and was easy to build.
Click to expand...

How hard was it to do the notches for the 4x4's? The guy who made the link says he used a circular saw, but I have a table saw that should be able to cut that deep without having to chisle.

Also, did you just use one piece of plywood for the top? He mentions using a 3/4 then a 1/4 finished plywood.

Thanks to everyone for the reassurance. I'd feel safer as you guys said so I will go with the linked plans.

I will post pictures of progress when I start for anyone interested.
 
Is it necessary to have a plywood top to the stand? I see some that have it and some don't. I've read that if the tank wobbles ever so slightly, the plywood can cure that. Any truth or necessity behind the plywood top?
 
if you look at the stands at the petshops, the tanks are only supported around the edges. seeing as how whether you have a plywood top or not will still only touch your tank around the edges, i don't see a reason for it. as for a material that will slightly give a bit to accomodate any tank wobble, i think people use styrofoam.
 
here are some picts of a stand for my 125 gal tank I built

the weight is carried by 2x4's and i added a cabinet face frame on the front.

IMG_0345.jpg


IMG_0348.jpg


The tank is in the lobby of my office, I wanted a ledge around it so the support frame sits back from the front and sides.

the top is 3/4" birch plywood with Formica.

IMG_0346.jpg


IMG_0361.jpg


here it is after everything was done

IMG_0610.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom