2 tank rack

[plainzwalker]

I want to build a fish tank rack (i guess thats the best word for it). I want to make it out of wood, since I have no way to work with metal. So here is my question. I want it to be about 5feet tall, and wide enough to hold a 30-50 gal tank. What would I need to be able to put at max a 50 gal on the bottom shelf and then a 10-30 gal on the top shelf?

I attached a drawing of what it would look like...Only thing I don't know is how what type of wood and stuff I would need. Like supports and such.

Thanks

[JSchmidt]

Looks good... some random thoughts:

You might want to consider locating the lower tank closer to the floor. Your center of gravity looks like it would be quite high. On my multitank stands, I have the lower tank about 6" off the floor. This means you need room for filters, etc. between the tank and wall (or on the side), so consider the space you have to work in.

You should add cross bracing on the back and the two sides. A piece of 1x4 running diagonally across the frame will add substantial strength and prevent the stand from sliding out of plumb.

Also, be sure you're leaving enough room between the tanks so you can reach into the lower tank. If you don't have enough clearance, it's very hard to do maintenance on the lower tank. Anything that discourages maintenance is very bad, IMO.

For wood, the frame on which the tanks rest can be made out of 2x4s, with a layer of 1/4" styrofoam between the tank and wood (to smooth out imperfections). You could probably get away with using 2x4s for the legs, too, but 4x4s (or 2x6s) would give you a greater margin of safety (I like 2x6s). I prefer using screws for assembly over nails; screws are less likely to work their way out.

HTH,
Jim

[TomFromStLouis]

I agree that screws are better than nails. Even better (but it takes some working) is glue and screws and a mechanical joint . By that I mean having the wood connect in such a way that even without screws and glue, gravity alone would not make it collapse.

Mortise and tenon is best but beyond many, so I recommend half lap joints. Cut a piece out of a post for the horizontal pieces to sit in. If you also cut away half the horizontal piece at the same point, each piece will lap the other at the joint. keep the intersection smooth and flat, add glue and screws and you will have a rigid structure indeed. Done right, you would not need any diagonal bracing.


[XXXX]
[XXXX]
[XX]
[XX] <<<< lay cross piece into this area. glue and screw.
[XX]__
[XXXX]
[XXXX]

One other point: looking at your drawing you probably do not need to build the structure over the top tank. And I agree that you want to keep your center of gravity a bit lower than what you show.

[TomFromStLouis]

2x4s attached as above and 3/4" plywood for the shelves should be all you need. You might surf around a bit - there a tons of pictures and plans of tank stands. www.thekrib.com would be a start.

[plainzwalker]

well...the structure over the top tank was actually for light fixtures and then a storage space for food/books on top.. i was thinking of using the top tank for some guppies and such, and then the bottom one for something else, but i wanted to have live plants in both.

thank you for the input, now all i have to do is find a place to buy the wood (kinda hard when im in the middle of farm country in germany) and then convince my wife to let me buy some power tools >:}