Building stand for large tank
 

I have a lot of great suggestions already, but thought I'd ask.
I'm building a stand for a 78X36X30 tank. My carpentry skills are lacking in an extreme way, but I'm going ahead anyway.

I was thinking about notching the corners and using 4X4s any suggestion or links would be very helpful.

Jason

My dad built me a stand and used metal brackets to brace the corners of the stand (it was only for a 66) but he used solid oak to do it (to make it stronger) and built bracing inside it as well. I wish i had a picture to post for you-- just dont use junky plywood or chipboard-- it gets wet...and thats it...Oh and also-- mine was a cabinet style stand-- so flat on top, flat on bottom (to distr. weight) and then a 2 cabinet setup underneath--

sorry to be long winded-- but maybe try the metal brackets... insurance etc.

Just a thought on stands for large tanks,has anyone used the torsion box principle . ( info on web)? I used this method to construct a work bench and saw table which are immensely strong and rigid. It involves a frame of say 2x4with a skin of plywood glued and screwed to the frame on both sides. the stresses are distributed over the full length and width of the construction not just on the 'legs'. I also used 1/2 inch threaded rod to bolt the frame together. The resulting ' box' ,which can have an open front, is incredibly strong and immovable but can be broken down if needed.
................Dave

I did similar construction as Woodcarver for my 125gal (72"X21"X18") and that was almost 3 yrs ago. Still stand perfectly square and steady. For the frame, I used pretreated 2"X4" and galvanized screws (those used for construction) and coated each nail head with a dap of silicone.

Is this new tank going into a wall/fish room, or is it stand alone? That will make a difference for the stand.

Laminated wood is more suitable for a equal dimension then solid wood. Eg. plywood or 2-2x4 laminated is better then using a 4x4 solid piece of wood.

Yeah I did something like that. I glued, screwed, bolted, and caulked this thing:

http://www.auphanonline.com/gallery/...d=1330&page=89

Alway seeing pictures of massive stands, here a light weight version for 400g.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...60#post2753560

Thanks everyone.

The stand will not be inwall even though it will be a wall I do not plan on framing in the wall

J

That sounds like a riddle.... Its a wall but not a wall!