Stand Dimensions, same as outside of tank?

[simko]

Hi Everyone

I just grabbed a local used tank, the stand it comes with is pretty nice, but there is a lot of wasted space, and currently the only tank i can fit in the bottom as a sump is a 20 gallon long. I also want to make the stand a bit wider, so the footprint will span 5 of my floorjoists instead of just 4.

The Tank I have is by Miracles, its a 5'x18"x24" 112 gallon. When i measure the width (W) and Depth (front to back, D) including the outside of the black trim, the tank is 60.5" wide, x 18.5" Deep.

I would like to build a wood stand following the guide found on this page using 2x6 and 2x4. After the frame is done, I would like to skin the stand with some kind of veneered plywood, and finish off the top with some crown mouling, similarly to what i have seen here:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=805

My question is, When figuring out the Width and depth of the stand, Do i simply match the overall dimensions of my tank, and then add the moulding and plywood so it almost envelopes the bottom 1" of the tank?

 

[Nathan P]

I make my stands about 1/4" wider and longer than the footprint of the tank just to leave some wiggle room and make it possible to lift the tank in or out without removing the trim. You'll see a narrow black line between the trim and the tank, but I think this looks fine (it's similar to the intentional shadowlines that cabinet-makers call "reveals").

You may also want to make the cabinet extra wide (front to back) if you have cords, airlines, etc. behind the tank, just to be sure they don't get pinched between the tank and the wall. You could even make holes in the top of the stand behind the tank's footprint to drop the cords through, if your timer/power strip is inside the cabinet base.

 

[simko]

Thankyou nathan

I was thinking of leaving the back open for plumbing to my sump. I may also add some width to cover more floor joists to carry the weight better

 

[Nathan P]

That should be fine, just be sure there are vertical supports directly beneath the sides and corners of the tank so the weight is being transferred straight down. Hopefully this crude drawing makes it more clear:

 

[simko]

Nathan Thankyou, I am going to try and draw what i ahve in mind, will post up tomorrow