DIY - Inexpensive Tank Stand and/or Rack System

[ronw007]

:idea: Anyone looking for an easy and inexpensive option for a tank stand and or rack system for multiple tanks, here is a way to go. I have a 45 gallon tank that I wanted to be up and off the floor and it will only be used for a fry grow out tank. It cost me $0.93 each for two cement cinder blocks and $6.75 for a 8 foot length of 4 x 4 lumber. The harware store cut the wood for free. Just have the hardware store cut you two equal lenghts of wood that are one inch longer than the length of the tank. Total cost for a 45 gallon stand $8.61. This can be adjusted for any size tank and can also be adjusted in hight by adding more cinder blocks. This idea can also be incorporated into a rack system for multiple tanks, with multiple levels. Of course this would not be something you would want in your living room, but possible in a basement or out site area. I actually got this idea from a LFS that was using this as a rack systems for their tanks. Hope you find this info useful.

[Mgamer20o0]

GQ style.

[mellowvision]

you should bejewel it.

[Nolapete]

why no board on the ends as well or at least plywood under the whole tank?

[ronw007]

I didn't want to put anymore money or work into the project then needed. This was a very simple idea and only took me all of 2 minutes to lay down the blocks and put the 4 x 4's onto them. This idea was not intended for the vistual effect but for ease of build and inexpense. The LFS that I got this idea from has had the rack system in place for about a year now and no problems with it. If I had a basement, I would love to make one of these rack systems to house a bunch of 20 gallon tanks for breeders and for grow out tanks.

[Mgamer20o0]

i would support it under all the edges.

[Weezer]

Quick and easy .........:headbang2:

[aoscar]

i would support it under all the edges.
I would too with a 2x4 on its side

[Nolapete]

I wasn't talking about visually. I was talking structural. They way you have it now is going to put pressure on the sides. The back and front will be forced inward even though it won't be apparent to you. I'm sure you just copied what the LFS had and they will probably tell you that you don't need it. IME, you need to have even support for every point that the tank touches.

[rwilliams254]

rule of thumb: Always over-engineer.

[Rbishop]

Not true, or all tanks with a plastic frame would be at risk.

A coat of paint would make it presentable, if necessary.

[Nolapete]

No, because the glass is supported on all sides with plastic frames. There is a point of contact completely around preventing uneven downward pressure in any one spot.

[Rbishop]

And their's has the same point.

[mellowvision]

seriously, some razzle dazzle!

[Nolapete]

I suppose technically the bottom glass it supporting the weight, so I'll concede.

[ronw007]

I appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions. All will be considered for my set up. Thanks again.

[Wippit Guud]

Looking to make a DIY over-under 10g tank stand. Nothing fancy, just something easy.

[denial727]

bring in those 4x's a little for more support in the middle. that will leave, what, maybe 5 inches or so in the middle?

[ThePBM]

i got a sweet tv/entertainment stand from a garage sale for $2. Looks much better than that, supports the tank on all edges, and it even has shelves lol

[kimmisc]

A table cloth thrown over that would work well.

[Lil_Stinker]

For this size tank, I see no issue with your side rail only support system..

Tank stands up to 55 g often have only support on the ends with nothing under the center 40 inches at all.

I do agree with plywood under the tank, more for a shield than for support. I would hate to see the bottom get broken from the outside.

[jflng]

I set up a 30g like this. I do however have a sheet of plywood under the tank. Doesn't hurt to be safe. I also have a tablecloth under it like kimmisc suggested. This is definitely the way to go on a budget.