hmm big problems stand bowed?

FWIW I built this stand out of pine. Its the highest grade of pine that HD sells though. Its still cheaper than oak but its strong as h*ll and a lot better for finishing.

This is for a 29 gallon but you could just lengthen it for a 55. This is really overbuilt as well.

tank_stand.jpg
 
At one time I thought I had drawn this thing out in Form Z but apparently I either didn't or I lost it.

Here's a real quick sketch in exploded view.

stand.jpg


First, its important to note that I built this thing like a tank because I was planning on putting a 10 gallon on the bottom shelf. I'm not so sure the bottom shelf has to be so solid if its not supporting another tank.

The back legs are rotated 90 degrees from the front because the stand is so shallow and because I needed to be able to put the 10g in. Otherwise, both front and back legs would have been positioned with the wide side facing front.

I made the legs long enough so they extend 2" below the bottom shelf. You could probably get away with a couple more inches if you wanted. I installed threaded leveler feet in the bottom of the legs. With the weight of a 29 gallon thats no big deal but it might not be so cool for a heavier tank.

I countersunk all my screw holes with the intention of filling them with plugs later. Unfortunately the drill bit I used was just slightly larger than the dowel I bought to plug the holes with :argh Another solution is to cover the whole thing with plywood. I was in a rush when I made this and it was cold so I couldn't get the proper ventilation to stain/paint. I'll be covering this one with a fabric curtain.

Lastly, the plywood is thin. I said 1/2" but it might have even been 1/4". The point of the plywood isn't really support so it doesn't have to be thick. Its just tying in the framing. Notching out for the legs on the bottom piece is a bit of a pain but it worked out okay for me.

I was able to build this with four 2x4x96 pieces of fir and one 2x3 piece of plywood. It shouldn't take a whole lot more to build one for a 55.

Tom
 
Thanks alot, one more quick question, for the top shelf what did u use to attach the verticle 2x4s to the horizontal(sp) ones.

Im wondering if the weight of a 55 would cause the wood to "rip", if that makes sense.
 
I just used dry wall screws (I think 4 per 2x4) through the outside of the frame to the leg. Because the tank is sitting, for all intents and purposes, on the top of the 2x4 legs as well as the box frame shelf, your not really relying JUST on the shear strength of the screws (which is considerable). I can tell you that my stand is RIDICULOUSLY strong the way its built and sincerely doubt you'd have any problems building one the same way for a 55 (which is only about 260 pounds heavier really).

One modification I forgot to mention. I placed one stringer in the middle of the box frame shelves. For the longer 55g stand I would add one or two more so there's a brace every 16" or 24" on center. Won't cost much more and its a little added piece of mind.

I can just about guarantee you this stand won't bow :D
 
ok thanks, this is by far one of the best/simplest stands iv seen, definitly gonna do this.

thanks alot for all the help
 
thats identical to the design I came up with for my tanks years ago, simple and elegant. I honestly think that we could place cars on them with the way they are built. ok maybe an engine and not the whole car.
 
Same hear. Almost identical to the one I built for my 90. I used finished 3/4 inch plywood for the outer casing and stained it a cherry color. Turned out great I think.
One thing to remeber when your picking through the stack at HD is to get boards that are not only straight down the length (obviously) but also not twisted. Even the slightest bit off and your stand will not sit flat. And don't forget to pre-drill your holes.
I also used 1/2 inch pink solid insulation under that tank.

HTH Phil
 
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