Tank stand help

[reef rider]

I'm considering building my own stand for a 75 gal reef build. I'd like to have a little more room for a larger sump/refugium, 30 gal long. The store bought, in my area, do not accommodate this too well. Tank is a standard 48x18x21. Trying to figure out materials to use for frame. Should I be using 4x4's or can I build a safe strong stand using 2x4's? Was looking at 50" long x 20" wide x 36" high. Not trying to get fancy with this, just a frame, panels, and two doors. Any expert help would be appreciated. Anyone have any pics of a 75 stand they built?

 

[Peppie]

4 X 4 's are way way over kill. 2 X 4's are over kill It can be built with plywood.

I understand that for most, 2x4 frame is the easiest option. Just be sure when you design the frame that top frame is fully supported all the way to the floor.
Also be sure that the top surface of the stand is FLAT!!

 

[spieszak]

look up rocket engineer stands on google. strong, sturdy, open stands and you'll likely find a full cut list and instructions in the first hit. there is a thread on another site with pages after pages on it. (which makes it not cool to link it) i built one for my 20 long (modified a bit) and its pretty simple, but its unreal how strong they end up... i mean the thing could hold a truck...
even if you don't go with it exactly, the write ups should give you a good starting point.

 

[reefman069]

4 X 4 's are way way over kill. 2 X 4's are over kill It can be built with plywood.

I understand that for most, 2x4 frame is the easiest option. Just be sure when you design the frame that top frame is fully supported all the way to the floor.
Also be sure that the top surface of the stand is FLAT!!

i used 4x4 on my stand on my 360 gallon. lol

 

[JPG@CFI]

I'd go with steel, 2x4's take up way too much room under a tank. Steel will be stronger, and last longer if painted and not soaked with saltwater all the time. Just me, tho, J

 

[trido]

I agree with Peppie the most. A complete plywood stand with a little bit of trim.

 

[reef rider]

Thanks Peppie! Just love the systems and stands you've designed. I'm just a novice, good with tools, but always bought stands and dealt with the lack of space. Wanted the larger sump to add to water volume and am going with a 20 gal cube display refugium. You state that just plywood would support the weight. I'm assuming like a 1" thickness would be required and some kind of frame work. Thank you!

 

[reef rider]

Thanks for the info spieszak! Will check this sit out.

 

[reef rider]

I thought about steel. Thought the cost would be higher to have it fabricated. Trying to keep the cost down to please the significant other. lol

 

[JPG@CFI]

I have also seen extruded aluminum stands built with 90 degree brackets that would work for your tank size. You can purchase the aluminum online, as well as the brackets and hardware. Would take very little skill, and tools. Just an idea. J

 

[Peppie]

Thanks Peppie! Just love the systems and stands you've designed. I'm just a novice, good with tools, but always bought stands and dealt with the lack of space. Wanted the larger sump to add to water volume and am going with a 20 gal cube display refugium. You state that just plywood would support the weight. I'm assuming like a 1" thickness would be required and some kind of frame work. Thank you!

3/4'' is whats typically used. 1/2'' would be plenty strong enough if your design is correct.

Jason has the best solution if you own a welder, and know how to use it.

Chad, I would have used 2x2's and 1/4'' sheathing. LOL

 

[kpiotrowski]

People put 75's on common furniture all the time ( bedroom dresser from goodwill)...just sayin it does'nt need to be overTHUNK. not to put on such.

 

[reef rider]

I found many different stand designs at the rocket engineer site. I think I'm ready to give it a shot. I'm sure I'll have some questions as I proceed. Thanks everyone that replied!

 

[Peppie]

Remember
Pics or it didnt happen!!

 

[trido]

I'm assuming like a 1" thickness would be required and some kind of frame work. Thank you!

Ive built 3/4" plywood stands for tanks up to 180 gallons with not problems.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Agree with all that not much required to hold up 75 gallons. My old 72 bowfront factory stand was 1/4" fiberboard attached to 2x3" fiberboard "lumber" As long as there is enough bracing to keep it from twisting or leaning, you could make it out of almost anything. Most of my homemade stands were either 1/2" or 3/4" plywood with 2X corners.