cinder block stand

[www_zionz_com]

Ok It is time for me to start setting up my brand new 75gal before the wife makes me get rid of it. I got it pre drilled four holes total 2 for over flow and 2 for return pumps. I will start a build tread once progress is made. The question of topic today is does anyone have any experience in unsing a diy cinderblock stand. My thought is that it will support the weight and for cosmetic purposes I can wrap it in stained paneling wood. It will also give me good access to under the stand for the sump and skimmer. Just wanting opions on if anyone has had any problems with this type of stand.. Or if you just think it is a down right bad idea please let me know. My thought for dimensions will 49 x 24 x 40 (L x W x H). Topped with 2x4's and thick plywood. Ok I am done rambling please give your feedback..

 

[Spar]

@www_zionz_com wrote:

cinder blocks will pretty much hold just about any weight, so that isn't your issue.

i personally would not like the lack of space that cinder blocks ultimately allow for putting your sump and other equipment. whereas, making the stand out of 2x4 would allow for a lot more space, and really isn't all that expensive.

maybe others will prove me wrong, but I would think you would have to have a center row of cinder blocks as well on a 49" long tank, but if you could do without the center support then you really aren't losing all that much space.

most people that use cinder blocks are dealing with 6' minimum, even up to 8' long tanks.

 

[www_zionz_com]

Thanks for the reply I was under the impression that I could just run 2 rows of cinder blocks on each side and not a 3rd row in the middle but I may be wrong (good chance I am). Please if anyone is current using something like this for 48" tank let me know if it is 2 rows or 3 you are running.. oh and the only reason I am not going with a 2x4 stand is 1 I just dont have the time to build it and 2 dont have the money to buy a 200.00 prebuild one that I will trust to hold the tank water sand and 150 + pounds of live rock that the tank will hold.

Thanks so much
Joe

 

[Spar]

not trying 100% to sway your building material decision, but go to www.garf.org under DIY Pages --> Stand Building. Enter in your dimensions and it will spit you out an easy to take-to HD length list and have your cuts made for you + how-to print-out.

i have made a couple stands that way no problem. And you can continue the idea of using a nice wrapping of pannel wood for the "looks".

You are only looking at around 700 pounds of total weight with a 75g tank. 60g water x 8 = 480 + 150 rocks/other = 630 pounds.

backing up your decision on cinder blocks though may be a little safer for 40" tall though. I made a 48" tall stand based on garf.org instructions for a 55g tank, and although it is still holding after a year, have never fully trusted it. has a sway to it :roll: plus cinder is as you need, much less time-consuming.

 

[One Trick Pony]

40” is a bit tall for a free standing stand and tank, top heavy
Using cinder blocks could be a problem also because
If you dry stack the block it may not be level or flat causing your tank to leak
I believe the best option is building a wood stand and attaching it to the wall for extra support, to keep it from tipping or leaning over
Ken

 

[fperkins]

@www_zionz_com wrote:

Swing by Neptune's Cove (3055 W 15th Street in Plano) and check out the display racks and stands he has designed. Elegant engineering and simple assembly.

Measure your tank. Take a tape measure, sheet of paper, pencil to the shop. Design the stand at the shop and then stop and buy and have the pieces cut on your way home (first cuts are free at HD and Lowe's - overall won't cost you $5 to have all the pieces cut).

Take the pieces home and assemble. Paint (remember ot get paint if you need it ).

Drive time will be longer than build.

 

[waterbeing]

Many years ago when I did my first salt water in a 50-55 g tank, I used cinder blocks very successfully. I put 4X4's under the tank and did not have any problem. Depending on how the blocks/wood are postioned though, it will have a *dramatic* effect on the room under the tank. If you put the blocks directly under the edges, you will loose about 16" or more of your total tank length. If you put the blocks to the outside of the tank edges, you will regain your 'lost' room, but it will be harder to hide/decorate that way as well as loosing a small amount of support too. It can be done though, but I'd personally build a stand for the 4 ft tank length and add extra width to it when/if/incase you ever want to get a 90 gal or a 120g that fit in the same length but are just wider. You would then have the stand ready for a larger tank *and* in the meantime could use the extra room under it for a larger refug/sump/skimmer/etc. JMO
Doug

 

[www_zionz_com]

Thats some good food for thought thanks all you guys. I will be updating on what I do and will post pics of the finish product. I just have to work quick wife talking about giving away my brand new tank to get out of her part of the garage..
Also if anyone is is using or has used this type of setup please let me know.

Thanks
Joe

 

[fperkins]

@www_zionz_com wrote:

Can I send her a phone number just in case she acts before you do?

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[www_zionz_com]

:twisted: I know right, but being here in Arlington I wouldnt give it 5 min before it will be gone and it is already drilled with 4 brand new bulk heads it would be a quick snatch by a few people around me

 

[fperkins]

Oh well. Worth asking. :roll: :roll:

BTW I believe one of the JasonJones has offered his shop and possible assistance for projects like this (I believe a couple of containers of brew are involved - can't recall if he said he had those before making the offer or suggested if a person wanted to bring some along that would be good).

Can't find the post but if you decide to build something you might see if he would be available.