My 125 gallon stand build

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kcrandall758

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 30, 2011
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Brandon, FL
So, yesterday I started building the stand for my 125. Got most of it done yesterday, will finish the rest next Saturday. Here's some pictures of the build so far.

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total cost of supplies ran me 130, and that includes 44 feet of molding, 3 sheets of 1/2 inch OSB, 6 - 2x4's (should have gotten 10, luckily I had some extras), 3 - 2x6's, and 2 - 4x4 posts. screws and nails I had. the only thing I haven't bought yet are the hinges, handles, and paint, and I'm guessing all that will bring my total to 150 roughly. all-in-all, about 10 hours of construction time. I'll post the finished shots next Saturday when its complete, including tank shot and plumbing shots for the overflows/sump.
 
also should add that in between the top, 5 - 2x4 studs were added before the top went on (forgot to grab pictures of that)
 
My only concern would be screwing the tank supports into the 4x4's in the corners. I try to never have fasteners holding weight when I build a tank stand. I fully understand that they are rated for the load. Here's the issue, when we build a tank stand we are trying to gain zero deflection when it is filled. No fastener will have zero deflection, so the corners of the stand will sag against the fasteners a tiny amount. You probably won't be able to see it.

Will it be a problem? I don't know... good news it is an easy fix.

Add 2x4 "posts" like the other 2x4 verticals that you have in the corners. After that addition you'll have a tank stand that is Extremely strong.
 
suds1421 said:
Add 2x4 "posts" like the other 2x4 verticals that you have in the corners. After that addition you'll have a tank stand that is Extremely strong.
Click to expand...

what do you mean 'Add 2x4 "posts" like the other 2x4 verticals that you have in the corners.'? are you talking about in between the top frame going across between the front and back of the stand? if so, I've already done (see above: 'also should add that in between the top, 5 - 2x4 studs were added before the top went on (forgot to grab pictures of that)'). this is a rough idea of what I'm talking about (forgive the crudeness of the picture, I used paint lol)

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I did my own paint drawing :)

I would add 2x4's to the "face" of the 4x4's, one on each side of the corner. That way the 2x4's that were added were in compression and your fasteners in the corners wouldn't be holding weight.

The stand as built will never fail, but the corners could sag and sag can mean tank failure. It's unlikely but it's a cheap easy fix now.

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I contemplated that, but opted not to do it for a few reasons: 1) the load baring area of the stand is the frame, not solely the 4x4 posts, and 2) there's nowhere for it to 'sag' to...the 4x4's are sitting flush with the concrete floor in my house. the OSB also prevents any sagging, as that is also a primary source of stability for the stand (similar to a house).

Don't take this as me being rude or anything like that... Believe me, I appreciate the input. If I didn't I wouldn't be here on this forum.
 
Here's an updated pic, sans paint and molding...coming this week.

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