Need Help: Building a stand

[xdragonxb0i]

Im getting a 55 gallon sump for 35 bucks , gonna use it for a 125 tank i have.

well i want to replace the crappy compressed board stand and build me one for a 72x18x24 inch.

I seen stands built with three 4x4 wood supporting it on the front and 3 for back of the tank.

Could i use 2x4s with the same design?
So one 2x4 on each end a center support. also what are the normal measurements for a 55 gallons? i want to make sure it fit cleanly inside the stand. A simple stand with 2 doors for easy access. or do u guys have any ideas, so i be able to take out the center support.
I was thinking something like this, just the front view of it.

What is a good waterproof paint that i can use? its for the living room so it gotta look nice.

 

[xdragonxb0i]

help me anyone? I know 2x4 are strong just wondering on how much support i will need

 

[shelbyzman]

2x4's are strong enough if the stand is designed correctly. I would double up on the 2x4's on the four corners. The standard size 55 is 48" x 12".
About the center brace.....I don't see anyway around it. I would want to use at least 2 maybe 3 braces myself. Good luck with your project...remember is it is better to overbuild a stand than to have a tank crash to the floor.

 

[KYeasting]

I just built a stand for a 55 out of 2x4's. I used 1 at each corner and put 1 in the center front and rear. Just keep in mind bracing is the big issue. The 2x4 can hold a lot more weight than you'd think, but the instant you give it a little bump, it'll all come crashing down!

 

[Pharaoh]

I wouldn't build a 55G stand out of anything more than 2x4s. Heck, lets change that to a 125. 2x4s are a LOT stronger than people think. check the INDY DIY GUYS thread. I have built a few of them.