Stand Construction

S

Slick Fork

AC Members
Dec 27, 2005
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Wild Rose Country
Hi there,

I'm Building a 100 gallon aquarium into a wall in my basement and had a quick question on recommended material for the frame. Would 2x4 construction be sufficient? I know you can never build anything "TOO strong", however I would like to have some usable space underneath for shelving/storage etc. and if I go with 4x4's for the legs, that will eat up a pile of room. On the other hand, I don't want anything to collapse, once it's set-up it's staying!!

Thanks and Cheers
 
Slick Fork said:
Hi there,

I'm Building a 100 gallon aquarium into a wall in my basement and had a quick question on recommended material for the frame. Would 2x4 construction be sufficient? I know you can never build anything "TOO strong", however I would like to have some usable space underneath for shelving/storage etc. and if I go with 4x4's for the legs, that will eat up a pile of room. On the other hand, I don't want anything to collapse, once it's set-up it's staying!!

Thanks and Cheers
Click to expand...

2x4's are WAY plenty. 4x4's are WAY..overkill - Hell, 2x4's are, but at least you'll be using a standard household stud material.

Just make sure your horizontal spans are supported from underneath by the verticals/uprights, use screws if it makes you feel better, but for a built in, nails would do fine as well. Make sure you have enough fans in your hood area to keep moisture/humidity from building up in the wall cavity.
 
I usually double up the 2x4's if it's an open stand. They often warp if they're not attached to something, so screwing two together will cut down on that. If you put them in an "L" configuration they will be even stronger. Square-drive wood screws work better than drywall screws, and if you're buying them in bulk they're not expensive. Places like McFeely's sell them.
 
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