I am picking up a 180 tomorrow and I will need to build my own stand. It's cool I have some ideas in my head, but my main concern is the height I want it to have. Is 36 inches too much? It's my first time so this is probably a noon question. I was planning on using 4x4 s for the 4 corners and 2x4 s for the rest of it. This would put the tank at 60 inches. Then build a canopy about 8-10 inches high. Would this be stable. Just because of being top heavy. ? Thanks guys!
Too high? Or not too high?
- Thread starter DMasker
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Well, I think the stability is in how you make the stand, but in all reality, the 4x4s are the wrong way to go. This is a better design:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=338502
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=338502
I used 4x4's. My father and I built it together, notching the outsides to make a corner wrap with 2x4's. The design you posted is essentially the same as mine, but instead of two pieces on the corner, it's one. Works like a charm. And I do love the way my 4x4's look. So cabin-man-ish.
the plans clay linked work well.thats roughly the way i built mine for my 210gal and the stands height is 36 1/2 inches.only problem i have with it is when i need to clean it or do something in the tank i need a ladder so i can reach down in it and im 6'1.
As suggested above, stability should not be a concern in a well built stand. I prefer doubled up 2X4s to 4X4s for the verticals since they're more likely to resist twisting/warping, but I've seen 4X4s used successfully many times.
The height is really a matter of personal preference. Two big issues to consider are how tall you are and whether you are more likely to view the tank standing up or sitting down.
The height is really a matter of personal preference. Two big issues to consider are how tall you are and whether you are more likely to view the tank standing up or sitting down.
I built one out of 4x4's ( 6 of them at 36" ) and 2x4's. It's only holding a 75 gallon, but could easily support the weight of a 200 gallon tank.
i built one for my 75 that was 3 feet like what you want got my 75 up there and filled and absolutely hated the height of it so i took the bottom supports out and used a jugsaw to cut down the two by fours to 28" and it liked it a whole whole lot better
High and deep makes for a challenge even if you are pretty tall. Lowering the stand height would make upkeep/access easier.
the_deeb made a good point, how you are going to be viewing the tank? sitting, standing? In any case that tank is looking primo. Well done : )
the_deeb made a good point, how you are going to be viewing the tank? sitting, standing? In any case that tank is looking primo. Well done : )