DIY Tank Stand for Dummies - New Build

T

ToddLaCo

Premium Member
I just built a tank stand today using "GeoffreyB's design and it worked beautifully. It also only cost a little over a $100 for a 8' Long x 3' Wide x 40" tall stand strong enough to hold a 360 gallon tank (I hope that is) Just Joking. This thing is crazy strong!!!!

Here is the bottom frame:
 
Here are a couple of close ups of the legs. I think I may have used one more simpson corner bracket than GeoffreyB, not sure though. Just a little more overkill since there will be almost 4000 lbs on this stand.
 
Here is a picture of the floor attached to the bottom frame and the top framing attached. I had to use crossmembers 16" on center and a 3/4" sheet of plywood to support the tank since it is acrylic and not glass. I will also be putting a piece of foam on top of the plywood when I set the tank on the stand.

I want to thank "GeoffreyB" for sharing this design. I haven't tested it with 4000 lbs yet, but I am confident that it will hold. It's a lot stronger than the mass produced stands.

Thanks again Geoffrey!!!!
 
I bought the tank and its original stand used and the sheathing that will be going over this frame still needs sanding, new molding and stain.

When I complete that work I will post more pictures of the finished project.

There may be a little delay between now and then though, so please be patient.
 
Well, in test fitting the original skin for the stand, I found that it is not going to work as planned. The original door side is not long enough and it has three different size doors which I don't like.

I am looking for a source in the area to buy cabinet doors.

Does Home Depot or Lowes carry cabinet doors, hopefully with the good hinges already installed on the door?
 
Shouldn't have a problem holding a tank. Although with acrylic most of the weight is in the middle and center. Unlike glass where the edges have most of the weight. You might want to add a single upward support in the very middle of the tank going from the bottom frame to one of the cross members. I've seen some crazy things happen under large acrylic tanks due to the nature of the bottom sagging. Its a very solid looking stand you might want to consider adding 1 2x4 righ there in the middle on that one cross beam. I don't know if that will conflict with your sump or filtration just a thought with the tank being acrylic and all. Very nice craftsmanship btw.

Although those crossmembers look like 2x6's am i correct? You shouldnt have an issue they are crazy strong just food for thought.
 
[Although those crossmembers look like 2x6's am i correct? You shouldnt have an issue they are crazy strong just food for thought]

Yes they are 2x6's. Another 2/4 would get into the way in the middle.

I filled it with water the other day and it didn't even creak let alone sag. I think it will be fine.

Here is a link to a thread I just started in "Reef Discussions" for the build of the rest of the system.

http://www.dfwmas.org/Forums/viewtopic.php?t=23033
 
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