View Full Version : Will this be strong enough for a stand?
Building a stand for a 78 gallon tank. I need it to support a 1000 pounds to be on the safe side. Will 2" steel square tube handle this or should i get a larger diameter tube? The top and bottom sections will be a complete square with a middle support square tube. These will sit on the top and bottom of the uprights. There will be four corner uprights and one middle upright on the two sides and back. I want to leave the front open for easier access.
thnx
OrionGirl
01-11-2004, 6:20 PM
Yes, it will be strong enough.
Why use metal instead of wood? 2x4's are very sturdy, and easy to work with. I would worry about it getting corroded by the water--but that's just me. You'll need to have a really good sealant, and make sure it doesn't get scratched.
lee914
01-27-2004, 9:20 PM
The compression weight of even MDF will support the stand if built correctly. Go look at any stand you would pay $400 for in your lfs and it is all either mdf, partical board or plywood. Oriongirl is right, 2x4 are enough. Steel is overkill as well as 4x4's.
Swull
01-29-2004, 12:39 AM
I decided to go with 2"x2" 1/8"angled steel. It seems to be plenty strong. Im in the progress of putting a couple layers of primer on before the epoxy paint.
mickey
01-29-2004, 9:23 PM
NICE JOB
M-pire
01-29-2004, 10:40 PM
Very impressive! post pics after the paint too!
MisterFixIt
02-03-2004, 8:45 PM
I've built a stand for a 90 gal with 3/4 in black walnut your stand is really sturdy.My tank is set up and running with about 1300 pounds or so and no creaks/groans etc.Got pics too!!
Marc
Thanks for the info.
Post some of your pics. Here is the stand after 2 coats of primer and 3 coats of epoxy paint.
M-pire
02-03-2004, 10:02 PM
Looks great! That'll be one heck of a stand!
mickey
02-04-2004, 6:51 PM
Looks the part, sound job.
Swull
02-23-2004, 12:25 AM
Heres the update. Keep in mind this is my first aquarium stand and first wood working project. This pic im routing the side panels
so they will be flush. What an awesome tool!
Swull
02-23-2004, 12:27 AM
This one Im putting 4 coats, of a 2 part epoxy paint, onto the side panels.
Swull
02-23-2004, 12:30 AM
All the panels are attached to the steel frame. Now im just waiting for the wood putty to dry so i can sand it and put a couple coats of a latex semi-gloss Paint on the outside.
Swull
02-23-2004, 12:32 AM
Front view. Still deciding on wether to make or buy the doors
OrionGirl
02-23-2004, 11:36 AM
That looks really nice. For the doors--I'm in the same process for the 120 stands. Several easy ways to make them--some end up with heavy doors, though! If you check with Lowe's or Home Depot, they should have a catalog of a place that manufactures just the doors for cabinents. Lots of options, you indicate the exact size you need, and they aren't too expensive. You can get them finished, or paintable. I can't recall the name of the business that does them, but it's looks pretty slick. They'll sell your the hardware to hang the door, too, complete with the holes if you want to use the european hidden hinges.
Swull
02-23-2004, 12:07 PM
Thnx for the info. I'll have to check that out.
Update
Got front panel on, And trim around top. This is going to sit in a corner, thats why there is trim on only 2 sides. I raised the trim up about 1.5 inches to cover the layer of styrofoam and bottom edge of the Acrylic tank(still to be built). I sealed the inside bottom with some silcon I had lying around. Looks nasty(should of bought some clear). But you wont see it once the sump is in.
flored
02-28-2004, 6:04 PM
just a question from looking at the awesome job your doing on your stand , i haven't noticed where the power is coming in from ? yet to decide where to cut the hole ? Just was wondering , excellent job so far can't wait to see it with the tank on :D
Im waiting till I get the sump and pump fitted, in the stand, so I can see were I can put all the wiring. And I got to run an Electrical out let to the wall. So that will come later when I can do a test Fit.
Thnx for the compliments!