Diy Stand
 

Im making a new stand for my 75 reef(29gal sump must fit in side) the plans r as fallows 19.5w x 49.5l x 30t, its going to be very basic(2x4 top frame bottom frame with 4x4 corner posts) do i really need a center brace running from the top frame to the bottom frame in the front(with out it the sump would fit in way easier), or would it be wise to just slide the sump in from an end?.

Ty for ur help
Aaron

I'd say no, based on no problems with my 75g sump stand.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...5/sump_fug.jpg

you'd be better off useing the 4x4's for your lateral supports and 2x4's for the verticals. wood is way stronger verticaly than horizontally. even if you laminated 2 2x4s together for your horizontals it would be plenty strong

Mark: how much deflection is there to those 2x4s? the angle is hard to tell but it looks like about 1/2". Your stand is only holding about 40g of water and it looks fairly warped. I wouldn't put a full tank on that. Even if you moved the sump over so it is centered on that stand you'd be a little better of IMO

wow ur sump is as big as my display lol and ty very much 4 the pic, makes this way easier, how long have u had the tank supported like that?

I think lens distortion is to blame for that curve you see there but I could be wrong.

you could be right. after I had a second look it is hard to tell with that angle.
Either way, that stand is only holding about 40g of water. If the bottem glass is strong enough you could technicly hold the tank on 4 corner posts.

Here's the thread I followed when making the stand for my tank. Well worth the read.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1169964

My stand is builded with 2x6's, with no center brace I have a 150 gal tank 48L x 30W x24H sitting on it, with a 50 gal sump 48L x 12W x 19H. I double up the 2x6's for the posts and have and a 2x6 horizontally, sitting on top on one of the 2x6 post. I also made the side panel removeable so that the sump can be side in or out.

Attachment 3823

Attachment 3824

I used 2x4s horizontaly, just to get me the extra 2". I have 2 center braces on the front, just for doors, and 1 center brace on the back. 6' of glass is a long span for no supports
[IMG]http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/pic...&pictureid=218[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/pic...&pictureid=212[/IMG]

ps. Don't look at the canopy I decided to change the design after I built it so I didn't sand or stain. I don't have a shop so I build everything on my deck. (It's a little hard to do in 2' of snow)

thanks all, ok now i gotta get building before my store bought stand crashes

Yep, it's the camera lens, there's no bowing even after 3 years.

aaron
i just used 4x4 posts in the corners with 2x4 top and bottom framing, then laminated two sheets of 5/8 plywood for a cover on top and bottom of the stand. i did anchor it to the wall too though, and where your tank sits you probably could too. i always like extra stability:biggrin: i dont think dynamite could move it lol. if you make it out my way stop and take a look some time.
if it makes a difference my tank is 48x31x19

thanks trevor im gona put the tank were my comp is and move the comp into that corner so when u come over to drool(j/k) it will be fully viewable(i hate it in that corner) o did u put the 2x4s flat or on edge?

i put them flat but they are mounted to 1.5 inches of plywood too, with extra bracing in the center of the top frame to prevent bowing, i get nervous so i think i may have overbuilt in that area. all the scraps work out well for extra braces though.:biggrin: