DIY stands

[jworth]

How do you know if a stand is sturdy enough to hold the weight of your specific tank?

 

[FSM]

I suppose you don't...how is it constructed? If it is sturdier than a stand you'd get from the pet store, I'd bet it will be fine.

 

[andres]

Type of wood, type of joints, and type of bracing is key here.

Most people don't really know so they WAYYY over build their stands, which is perfectly fine.

 

[jworth]

I suppose i would mostly use 2x4's and screws. but if i were to build a BIG tank I would be terribly nervous to put it on a homemade stnad

 

[Dan F]

I suppose i would mostly use 2x4's and screws. but if i were to build a BIG tank I would be terribly nervous to put it on a homemade stnad

Just make sure the weight is supported by the vertical 2x4's, not "hanging" on the screws. I always build my stands to hold triple the weight, at least, so I've never had an issue!

 

[andres]

It depends on the size of your tank. Realistically, 2x4s can hold hundreds of gallons if you build it right. Even more realistically, people will use larger boards and double everything instead of stronger design.
Both work just fine.

For anything less than 250 gallons, I would say don't stress about 2x4s.

 

[rallysman]

I'm using 2x4s for my 265 and 300......They're WAY more solid than a fish store stand.

 

[Druu]

I suppose i would mostly use 2x4's and screws. but if i were to build a BIG tank I would be terribly nervous to put it on a homemade stnad

Go with lag screws and aim for at least 1.5" of penetration into the secondary wood. (2"+ is best, but I'd say 1.5" penetration minimum- I've got them going 2" and 2.5" in the stand I made for my 38.)

 

[andres]

Go with lag screws and aim for at least 1.5" of penetration into the secondary wood. (2"+ is best, but I'd say 1.5" penetration minimum- I've got them going 2" and 2.5" in the stand I made for my 38.)

I would say 2.5" lags are WAY overkill for a 38g. Again superior joints and design is far more important than doubling wood and using large lags.

 

[Pharaoh]

I agree. I wouldn't think about using anything larger than 2x4s unless I was building a stand that was probably 500+ gallons. 2x4s are stonger than most give credit for. It is all about design.