Will this stand hold?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Great topic, considering building a stand myself, still contemplating wether I should go wood or metal.
I double the 2x4s, use minimal screws to hold plywoods on the sides for ease of access.
Over kill on the stand is a good thing, keep in mind it's 8 pounds per gallon. :)
 
Definately double up the 2x4s dont even try it without. Or use 4x4s. 2x4s are cheaper though. I have an old thread from a 300g that I built. There are pics of the stand somewhere. There were no diagonals It was made with 2x6s and 4x4 legs. It was solid and the new owner still has it running. Its been fine for 7 years
 
friend of mine got a tank and asked me to build a stand (150 gal.) - i did 6 legs from pine 4x4's then the frame was all 2x4's - everything was glued and screwed i topped it with marine grade ply wood - then the sides were T-111 siding i cut the front out and framed in doors tall enough to slide in anything under the tank then i ran 3 electrical gfi outlets in it and one on a switch - you could have put a full size car on this when i was done - over kill yes - chance of breaking or tweaking no - my motto go big or go home - wish i had pictures to show it was realy nice and cost maybe 150 or less to build
once i get my tank still looking for a 125 gal selling the 55 i have to build a stand i'll do a step by step with lots of pics maybe it will help others
 
your bracing is way to spread out. put bracing 12"-16" apart on the back and sides. for the front u can do something different if u want more room kinda like what u already have or a little more room and put in some diagonal braces if u can to strengthen it. also for the top (where the tank will sit) don't build it like framing a wall. run your 2x4's on side instead of on edge and have them over lap the 2x4's that run the length of the stand. that way all the down ward forces are being transferred through the stand but by only relying on the wood to wood contact the screws or nails hold the stand together but should never support the weight (if that makes sense).
 
Thank you for the help. I should be able to start this project in 4-5 months, When I get out of Basic Military Training and Technical Training. =D
 
Just FYI, I used a design much like your first one for my 300G, 8x2x2.5 and it held like a champ. 2x4s are a lot stronger than you think. Of course, it would never hurt to give it some additional horizontal support.

IMG00069-20110123-1652.jpg
 
I think I'll try to find a healthy medium to cut down the cost a little bit without sacrificing much support. It doesn't need to hold the weight of a truck just the weight of a small car lol.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom