New 220g stand

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

remme

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jan 28, 2009
99
7
38
NJ
Id like to build a stand for my 84x24 tank where the front is completely open (no center supports). Can I accomplish this with 2x lumber laminated w/ plywood, a all plywood diy laminated beam, a purchased glulam, etc that will be strong enough to span about 6.5 feet free of support? The rest of the stand will be framed with 2x4s and sheathed in plywood. Thanks for your opinions
 
You might look into a Flitch Beam. Lot of different ways to configure one, but it is basically a steel and wood sandwich. Typical would be something like 1/4 inch steel plate between two 2 X lumber pieces, bolted together. Here's a pic....
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I found this sag calculator helpful when recently doing my build: https://woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator/

Can also have AI do the calculations for you, which is even easier than the calculator and you can have a back and forth. FWIW, I wrestled with a lot of the same questions when building my stand. I have sistered 2x6’s as beams over a 73” run (no center beam) holding a 125g, with minimal deflection achieved, but I wouldn’t trust that on your 220.
 
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