Need help with stand

[alcohologist]

i used to have foam under my tank. the only reason i know for having it is it helps keeps the tank level. i just have two layers of ply now.
you should definitely have plywood under the tank though. help distribute the weight. throw some foam on top of the wood, wont hurt.

 

[Ransom]

if it was me seting that one up i would put a section of ply wood down then the foam ontop of that just to have peace of mind, and plus its really really cheap to sort

 

[Lil_Stinker]

thanks. i might, but was thinking of styrofoam instead of plywood. would it work?

The center 2 towers of block.. Will they even touch the tank? If the tank has a frame, then they wont.. Imagine a dog (got one?) running under & tipping the unladen towers whereas the top blocks 'poke' the bottom of the tank (splash).

I know my cats would sit in the blocks & rub against them..

My opinion... If someone/something gave it a serious nudge, it could go over.

My last block stand had 2 sets of block then plywood (shelf), then 2 sets of blocks then plywood then tanks. The center plywood gave me the feeling at least that there was lateral support.

 

[xander]

center 2 towers? what are you refering to? and what's block?

this will not be in an area many people access.

i did 2 drafts. i suppose the second would be more stable? but is the first stable enough?

 

[Lil_Stinker]

center 2 towers? what are you refering to? and what's block?

Whats block? Cinder Block

Your new sketches are what I was thinking...

As far as the center 2 towers, this image may help you understand, I removed the center 2 towers..

 

[TwistedPenguin]

thanks. i might, but was thinking of styrofoam instead of plywood. would it work?

I had a 125 g on cinder blocks for about 6 months awhile back, I used 3/4" plywood plus 1/2" styrofoam between the tank and blocks. I "shimmed" it with a strip of cardboard under the plywood at one end. Yea, I know-overkill. But I couldn't stand the thought of it not being exactly level. Cinder blocks may not be pretty, but they're sure solid.

 

[Dracor]

Myself I don't get the styrofoam. Here's why. The styrofoam under that amount of pressure is going to be compressed down evenly on all sides that the pressure is pushing down on. Now if it was a more lighter weight aquarium then the pressure of the styro itself maybe able to force the object giving it a more level and uniform precision. I just would just assume take the time and level the stand than to worry about spending the money on the styro anyways. Might as well save the cash for something a little more usefull! Just my opinion!

As for your blocks I would adhear them together then you could get some paint or frame it after its up. It would have a unique look, or you could vary it and plaster or stucco the blocks. Just keep us up on it when you start it.

 

[Full Metal Gundam]

is it glass or acrylic? if it's glass than you won't need the center brace but if it's acrylic you should put a piece of plywood under the tank to support the acrylic bottom as it will bend under the weight.

 

[zennzzo]

Interlock the cinder blocks, around the perimeter 3/4" plywood on top and you'll be fine...
look at any block wall or brick work...that's interlocking.

 

[xander]

hi i just realised i have to put the 5' sump under, it's 5x1.5x1.5. would this design work?there isnt much space for planks and the tank is made of glass