Largest over / under aquarium setups

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Mudfrog

Mudfrog

Piranha
MFK Member
Oct 3, 2005
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So I'm a fan of over under setups as they save room. I currently have two 50g breeders in an over under.

I'm thinking about getting a couple tanks made in either a 72x24x17 or 60x24x17 dimensions. Would this be too much weight assuming I use 4x4's instead of 2x4's. For the posts I could use larger if necessary. Would possibly use a taller tank on top, maybe a 20" tall tank as opposed to 17". I'm in no way an engineer which is why I'm asking you guys..

Tanks would be roughly 100-125g.
 
I've seen a 180 over top of a 265. But really, you could stack whatever sized you have room for.
 
Provided the stand was built to suit... there no true limit to what size tanks you could set up in an over/under situation...

Getting an engineer invovled will likely be an impractical step. I say that having worked for a couple of engineering firms...

Instead talk to a well experienced carpenter...

Finding untreated 4x4's may not be nearly as simple as you think... and once you find them, finding them without twists/bends may be even harder...

Someone with carpentry experience would likely suggest doubling up 2x4s as opposed to using 4x4s. As this method will be much cheaper, comparably as strong, much more readily available and much easier to find in flat/square lumber...

An experienced carpenter will also make design suggestions the put the load on the lumber, not on the nails/screws... They will also make suggestions such as using screws as opposed to nails... and using wood glue... etc, etc...
 
I'm leaning towards the 72x24x17 tank, I'm also thinking about going with a wider tank on the bottom, something like a 72x30x21. This would allow for a greater range of fish if I can ever get my mala to accept tankmates.

I also think the extra 6" width would make some things like water changes a little easier as it would stick out from the top of the stand a little. My current setup is difficult to reach under.

Who else makes aquariums for a decent price, glasscages is who I've been primarily looking into but I wouldn't mind shopping around.
 
i have twin 4x2x2 tanks stacked. you can stack what ever you want really. If a stand will hold a large tank on its own, theres no reason you can put another one under it...
 
Well the pic below is my current setup with my two 50g breeders. I'm thinking I could actually buy a used 180g and 125g for cheaper than I can buy my previously mentioned tanks from a builder. Might go with the 180g on bottom and the 125g on top.

wolf-tanks.jpg
 
"I use 4x4's instead of 2x4's"

AFAIK there is no real advantage to using 4*4s over2*4s. Think metal 'I beams'.

The strength to hold weight is in the depth of the beam not the width.
 
I recenty built a stand for an over under sytem. 180 on top of a 4 footer, the longest open span is only 3 foot in the middle tho, using 42mm*19mm (about 1 3/4 by 3/4 inch).

Tested fine at 3/4 full. As stated above, the wood is generally stronger than the design...
 
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