holding up a 180 with 4x4's?

[dmopar74]

anybody think i would have a problem holding up a 6' 180g with 2 4x4's(one front,one back) spanning 7' with no vertical center support? i need to make a stand that will hold the 180 above another 6' tank.

 

[rancherlee]

anybody think i would have a problem holding up a 6' 180g with 2 4x4's(one front,one back) spanning 7' with no vertical center support? i need to make a stand that will hold the 180 above another 6' tank.

that seems like quite the load for a 4x4, a single 2x6 would be just as strong if not stronger than a 4x4. You could always sandwich some 3x1/8 steel strap between 2 2x4's to make really strong headers, just drill a hole about every 6" and cross bolt them. Steel on edge is VERY strong and flex resistant and the 2x4's keep it from deforming the sides. This method works very well if you have the need for a strong header in a tight spot.

 

[Bderick67]

Not sure, that is a pretty good span so I would go with three. If you build make sure the grain of the wood is vertical. Could be possible to add center support on just the back 4x4?

 

[dmopar74]

Not sure, that is a pretty good span so I would go with three. If you build make sure the grain of the wood is vertical. Could be possible to add center support on just the back 4x4?

oh yeah the back is no problem, just dont want to obstruct the view of the bottom tank in front.
im still debating if i might do steel stands, but cost is a worry, i gotta do 2 of these stands.

i can also buy used 7' metal pallet rack beams for $20 a piece, perhaps that is the way to go for the front beam.

 

[ITHURTZ]

I wouldnt, but thats me. A 4x4 isnt that strong. Why not double/triple up on some 2x6 beams?

 

[JoelB]

Pine? I would say no. Main concern is that they'd flex. Unless you want to pre-stress them and build a curved base

Hardwood may be a different story. I've used heavy hardwood 4 x 2s (over a smaller span but with not a hint of flex).

i can also buy used 7' metal pallet rack beams for $20 a piece, perhaps that is the way to go for the front beam.

Also better, I would think.

 

[Deepsouth]

How did you make out on this?

 

[andres]

I wouldnt, but thats me. A 4x4 isnt that strong. Why not double/triple up on some 2x6 beams?

If thousands of pounds isnt that strong.. I guess

A 2x6 would be MORE than strong enough to hold this span up. Double / tripling them would be ridiculous.

If your stand is going to be significantly taller than the tank under it, you could try horizontal supports in the front, that do not cross infront of the tank.

 

[Slim2634]

I think you should be fine. But 2x6's would be ideal.

 

[DB junkie]

I built one with 2 by 6s for a double stack of 125s. To replace the old stand that double stacked them, that was made just from 2 by 4s and that worked for years. If I was to do a 180 on top I would double up the 2 by 6s and there would be absolutly ZERO doubt of whether or not it's strong enough.