Stand design for 72"x18"x20" tank. Will it work?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

cypher1024

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 4, 2009
447
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Australia
Hey guys,
I was just wondering if you can see any problems with the design for my new stand (or anything that could be done better).

The majority of the wood used will be 2x4s (35mm x 70mm), with a 1/2" (12mm) plywood sheet on top and one inside for the sump to sit on. I'm also putting doors on the front, but they're not shown becuase they're decorative and not structural.

It should look something like this:

6glasstankstand.jpg


And without the plywood:

6glasstankstandframe.jpg


Corner construction:

6glasstankstandcorner.jpg


And the middle supports:

6glasstankstandmiddle.jpg




Will the middle bracing be adequate, or should I have more vertical supports? I've heard a number of people say that glass tanks only require support at the four corners, so I thought the middle supports would be adequate.
 
Bullet proof!
 
I just made almost the exact same stand for my 72x18x24. It is very solid. I dont have the money right now to close it in, its just open. One suggestion I would make, cut the dimmension of your stand so it is 1/2" to 1" bigger on the sides. this is my first stand and I wish I would have done this:screwy:.There is nothing wrong with making it exact but having a little leeway all around the tank would make me feel a little better. Im just going to build a new one down the road and finish it all around. Here is a pic of the stand I built before I added plywood for the floor and top. I also dont think you need that many braces across the top I just used two.


1246280318.jpg
 
Cypher1024, check out a thread called DIY stand and canopy for 220 by joefish last posted on 6/25. This is where I got my design for my frame. Very Very solid frame.

Hope this helps:D
 
Dont forget a layer of styrofoam or something over the top to accomodate for any crappy craftsmanship. Dont want any stress points anywhere.

Will you be cladding this or will it be open? If you are cladding, you could remove some of the vertical supports.
 
Thanks for the advice mannyhappy. I'll definitely be using some styrofoam.

I've decided not to add any cladding. I wanted to leave some openings so that moisture doesn't build up inside due to the wet/dry sump I want to put in there. Or am I just being paranoid? :nilly:
 
You have nothing to worry about with this stand design, and when you start putting it together you will realize how sturdy its gonna be. Just do it.
 
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