10 ft. Long Stand, Double Tank Advice

[User Name]

This stand is for a glass 180g (6x2x2). No 4x4s, only four 2x4s in front and 2 in the rear.
If you like, I can email you more pics, the stand is still in the garage.

[Sponsors]

[User Name]

One more example.
Tank size 4x2x2.

[intermediate_noob]

Originally Posted by User Name

This stand is for a glass 180g (6x2x2). No 4x4s, only four 2x4s in front and 2 in the rear.
If you like, I can email you more pics, the stand is still in the garage.

It is stands like that that scare the hell out of me. I just do not see how they can hold the weight. If you could PM me some more pictures, specifically of how you do the corners and where the vertical members intersect, that would be awesome.

Originally Posted by User Name

One more example.
Tank size 4x2x2.

That is a really nice stand. Is that tongue and groove board for the facing or something else? Thanks again for showing these examples.

[jinx©]

I agree noob...That first stand type always worries me as well, especially when they're used for a large tank.

There's just no real lateral strength in such designs IMO.
They work no doubt, I just wouldnt pick one myself.

You can stack a house of playing cards to hold quite a bit of weight as well, but try tapping it from the side when you're done.

[User Name]

Originally Posted by intermediate_noob

It is stands like that that scare the hell out of me. I just do not see how they can hold the weight. If you could PM me some more pictures, specifically of how you do the corners and where the vertical members intersect, that would be awesome.

I hear you noob and jinx.
The stand for 180 was built by a very reputable cabinet manufacturer. They’ve been building aquarium stands for many years and I never heard of any problems.
You’ll get a better understanding of the structure when you actually build your own stand. I had to build stands for 150 and 120, not having the slightest idea about stand construction; I first wanted to go with 4x4 and 2x6 for vertical support. I changed my design after searching online and talking to some cabinet makers. Both stands stood up to the weight but were not as sturdy as I wanted them to be; mainly because they were not “skinned”.

I will send you pics this week, PM me if you don’t get them by Sunday.

Another example:

[intermediate_noob]

User_Name (dig your name too!) that is what I want to do in the corners with my 4x4s as well. Did you just do that with a table saw?

[User Name]

Originally Posted by intermediate_noob

User_Name (dig your name too!) that is what I want to do in the corners with my 4x4s as well. Did you just do that with a table saw?

That is not my stand, found it on another forum.
Solid construction for sure, you will pay little extra for the 4x4s compared to 2x4, but the difference may be minimal.

I think this is the design for you.

[User Name]

This a a great tool used by woodworkers.
I have this one: http://www.amazon.com/Kreg-RKTBIT-Ro...180314&sr=1-21
but there are others to choose from, just search google.

[User Name]

Idea for a metal stand an canopy.
Again, not mine. (I wish it were)

[intermediate_noob]

That person MUST have a welder to do something like that. Look at the ROOM in that stand!! You know I could possibly fit my sump AND my aquarium supplies in there. I gotta start calling around to see who could build me one!

Awhile ago a friend told me that I should just go get the metal and bolt the pieces together. Thoughts on that?

Also, you think that is a 8' tank? Single center brace, oh that would be great. Where did you find those pictures?

[imeridian]

I used a Kreg Jig in building the stand for my 75 gallon, it's a great tool. I cheaped out and bought the single version, though.

[intermediate_noob]

Did you use 2x4s for your setup?

[User Name]

Originally Posted by indiboi

I cheaped out and bought the single version, though.

Last project, I used the double to make single holes. If you want to save money go with the single, works just as good.
I've used mine on two project in two years time.

[User Name]

That person MUST have a welder to do something like that. Look at the ROOM in that stand!! You know I could possibly fit my sump AND my aquarium supplies in there. I gotta start calling around to see who could build me one!

I wasn't sure if you wanted room for sump and such. That's why I recommend staying away from larger size pieces of wood than necessary.

Awhile ago a friend told me that I should just go get the metal and bolt the pieces together. Thoughts on that?

No experience, no opinion. If he knows what he's talking about, then I would trust him. Add plywood and it should be solid.

Also, you think that is a 8' tank? Single center brace, oh that would be great. Where did you find those pictures?

Check out reef forums for plans: reefcentral.com, reeffrontiers.com I used to be reefer but family got in the way. My friend posted that design as an idea for his 8' 370g tank. Not sure what size is the one posted.

[User Name]

OK, here is something interesting to check out. Make sure your drool doesn't drip on the keyboard.
Not mine.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=734279

Link to RC Large Reef Tanks: http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumd...hp?forumid=252