Will this stand hold?

[trizzot]

I dont want to set you up for failure, but take some time and look at some factory stands holding large tanks. My 300 gal factory stand is 1X4 pine and staples. No 2x4's, no 2x6's, nothing but 1x4 pine and staples. Its been holding my aquarium for 6 years without a problem. Overkill isnt a bad thing, but its not really needed either. Just make sure what you build is square and level. 2x4 strength is highly under estimated. Screw and glue everything and you should be fine. The way i see it, Anything I build out of 2x4 has got to be ten times stronger then my 1x4 pine stapled together stand.

 

[ChiPerf]

I dont want to set you up for failure, but take some time and look at some factory stands holding large tanks. My 300 gal factory stand is 1X4 pine and staples. No 2x4's, no 2x6's, nothing but 1x4 pine and staples. Its been holding my aquarium for 6 years without a problem. Overkill isnt a bad thing, but its not really needed either. Just make sure what you build is square and level. 2x4 strength is highly under estimated. Screw and glue everything and you should be fine. The way i see it, Anything I build out of 2x4 has got to be ten times stronger then my 1x4 pine stapled together stand.

Totally agree. The stand that came with my 400 gallon I wouldn't put my worst enemy underneath, but it has held for over 10 years with no issues. Looks flimsy as hell out of 1x1s, and my new 2x4 stand is crazy sturdy, and probably overkill, but 2x4s are cheap and why not make it as safe as you can. Do the 2x4 stand and be happy.

 

[plecostic]

I have also found that the leveling part doesn't even have to be that perfect as long as the wood is sturdy and the weight is distributed on lots of wood. In many homes/apartments, etc the floors are not level, I try to get as close as I can and not worry about the rest.