View Full Version : diy tank stand
fishymike
09-29-2003, 10:34 PM
Hi, i was wondering if it is possible to make a tank stand out of those cinder blocks used to make brick fences.
The tank is just a little over 5 feet long, but only like a foot wide and a foot and a half tall.
If there are better and cheaper ways to make a stand for this tank please say so.
Thanks
Glenstorm
09-30-2003, 9:36 AM
I know people have used cinder blocks as "legs" for stands. Are you envisioning a piece of plywood or something across the cinder blocks?
It would be helpful to know more of what you have in mind. . .
fishymike
09-30-2003, 9:41 AM
yes, i was thinking of putting a piece of wood on the top.
for the design i was thinking of just piling the blocks up, put a piece of plywood on top, and putting a sheet or something over it so you cant tell that its brick.:confused:
I do lots of block and board stands, but plywood alone is not strong enough for end support only. If you want to use the area under the stand, you need 2x4s, 2x6s, etc. plus the plywood.
Captain Hook
09-30-2003, 11:54 AM
I have never heard of cement blocks for a tank stand. It's not a bad idea but your stand will now be very heavy too so make sure you have a strong floor underneath, preferably cement.
I personally would not want to make an entire stand out of those blocks but might consider using them as reinforcements. I know it's very unlikely but what if a block on a corner chipped or something, your tank would be in serious trouble. Plus wit a wooden stand you can make it look very nice, but I guess you don't really care about that considering you were going to just put a sheet over it.
I disagree w/Captain Hook strongly. After using block and board stands for about 40 years now, I've never had anything approaching the strength and stability of such stands. My current fish room has racks three tiers high, block and board, and has been in place 16-18 years without any problems holding 24-48 tanks from 10 to 180 gallons.
When the kids were small, all the tanks were on block and board - for stability and security.
If appearance is an issue, they can easily be faced with wood, plywood, or paneling.
Captain Hook
09-30-2003, 11:32 PM
I never said the cement blocks wouldn't be strong. I said they wouldn't look the greatest. I also said the corner block could chip or something but that's a very slim chance obviously.
The sort of sledehammer type blow required to chip or break a concrete block would have what sort of effect on a wooden stand?
superjohnny
10-01-2003, 12:34 PM
If I may interject for a moment...
I suggest not sledgehammer testing any of your aquaria equipment.
Ahhh such an insightful comment.... I'm just glad I could help. :D
ianjoe
10-01-2003, 2:08 PM
I personally don't mind the look of cinder block and wood. Thats just me though.
RTR is right, you'll definatly need some support in the middle. You don't want any dips or sags in the wood. Especially with a big tank like that. I'd also use a couple sheets of plywood on top just for the extra security.
I've also heard of people using small layer of styrofoam directly under the tank as a buffer for small dips and defects in the wood. Any experience with that RTR?
Being neurotic and conservative, I use styro even on commercial stands. I do wrap the edges with plastic tape similar in color to the stand or tank to conceal the very elegant looking foam. The blue beadboard is what I normally use, and my wife does not appreciate the appearance. She does not approve of duct tape either.
JSchmidt
10-02-2003, 10:22 AM
Thick corrugated cardboard works pretty well in place of foam, too. It's not superior, I don't think, its performance, but it's often more available, at least at my house, and it does the trick.
Jim
ianjoe
10-02-2003, 5:33 PM
what happens when the cardboard gets wet? I know i wouldn't be able to keep it dry. :)
JSchmidt
10-02-2003, 11:34 PM
Don't know.
:cool:
Jim
MaryPa
10-22-2003, 2:58 PM
:eek: You use duck tape ?I don`t blame her for being upset:mad: .The house is the wifes they yard is the hubbies:D except where she wants to plant flowers or trees.:D
LOL! Since I designed the house, that old saw will not cut it here. But then, I dsigned the yard as well.
blitzen25bm
10-23-2003, 1:16 AM
im doing the same thing to my 40 gallon right now. its gonna be cinderblock legs and then a frame made of 2x4s to go ontop of the blocks then plywood and some styrafoam. only using the frame so be sure everythings fine and then so i can nail some paneling to the side and hinge some doors on the front.
Blitzen- that is basically what I did when there were toddlers around. Use safety latches on the doors to the cabinet.
simon181
02-10-2009, 2:52 AM
fishymike i am also getting a new tank and am thinking of using a brick and board method, like you i'm trying to find out the practicality of it all.
RTR you say you've done this for 40yrs is it possible to display a picture of one of your stands, and also i've heard of people having cracked floors from this sort of stand, would you recommend having some board underneath to spread the weight.
krytan
02-10-2009, 3:00 AM
As this thread is six years old and the op hasn't been active for the same time i would surggest starting a new thread with your questions.