WILL IT BEND?

[Wet Whiskers]

We are building a stand for our 180 gal. and 100 gal. glass tanks. The 180 will be on top and the 100 will be on the lower part. I would like to leave the front open, but have concerns that it will bend/sag under the weight. We know 4x4's will sag under enough weight, but we weren't sure if the rigid tank would put enough pressure in the center to cause that. Any experience, thoughts, poking fun at, etc. is welcome.

 

[STXman]

you should put the hundred on top cause that is more less weight than the 180 cause then the 100 would be under alot of pressure and it might crack...

 

[Wet Whiskers]

you should put the hundred on top cause that is more less weight than the 180 cause then the 100 would be under alot of pressure and it might crack...

I'm sorry.... What?

The 180 is going on the top. So, what I need to know, is do I need a center brace in the front?

 

[john73738]

My first question it how tall is the 100? how much space below is it gonna take?

A LFS here sells stands that are build out of 2x4 and 2x6 ( No center brace) for 150s.

So my advice is if you can take out the front 4x4 and replace with 1 or 2 2x6s and leave the back alone I think it will be more than fine. or just add one behind the front 4x4.

 

[Burko]

"So, what I need to know, is do I need a center brace in the front?"

Might be best to place a slightly loose fitting false brace (unsecured) and after a few weeks see if you can still remove it...

 

[redman88]

i think if you replaced the top 4x4 with a doubled 2x6 you would have no problems with it sagging under the weight. but i could be wrong.

 

[RedDwarf]

Doubled up 2x6 with the crown facing up should be more than enough to support the span on the front of your stand.

 

[TheFishJunky]

will it sag? Of course.the question is how much? That is something you will need to watch happen and make judgements as it goes.I was personally gonna suggest a 4 x6 but 2-2x6 as red dwarf said would do the job.

 

[TheFishJunky]

for some reason 4x4's always twist and that is normally in a vertical position also such as a fence post etc

 

[matthewbrian316]

aint the weight of the aquariums are mainly supported in the 4 corners? so by looking at his stand he should be ok with that right?