Multiple large tank stand

[Spunky]

Currently I take up a nice section of space in my parents’ basement (10' by 8'). All of my tanks at home are on make-shift stands (all solid support.) I have not really found any stands that I like enough to pay what is on the price tag, so I have been putting it off. I finally decided that I just need to make my own, and condense them together. The only problem is that my imagination is bigger than what can practically be done most of the time. So I am hoping that you all will be able to help me.

My dream is that I would like a stand to hold my 75 gal on top and underneath house my 30 gal. The 30 would be 4” off the floor (ok height in case I need to siphon out water?) and about 10” of working room on top (I read that 6-7” is all that I need, but I would like more room). I have read a few posts on diy stands, and one person said that 48” would be an ok horizontal span without support, but… :huh:

Would i be able to pull this off? …safely I might add. :dance2:

Here is a visual -sorry, photobucket will not let me get it any bigger. (The stand would be 33" tall.)

 

[ghinksmon]

I have two stands which I made, one has a 30 on top and 36? below the other is a 20 over a 30. In either case the stand is 36" wide. With a wider stand and heavier tank (600+ lbs) I'd be concerned about the stability side to side. Unless you can put a plywood back on it to keep it square, I'd consider using heavier horizontal pieces. On my 30/36 I have about 8" clearance above the lower tank and it is awkward, so you're right with the 10". What material are you planning on using? My next stand is for two 50 gal tanks but they're terrariums, thus much lighter.

 

[chefkeith]

Maybe I can help some; I’ve built all my stands.

I think a 4' stand with no support in the middle can work. I suggest you build yours with 2x6’s topped with ¾” plywood under the 75g tank. Make the stand 36" high to compensate the difference. Use 2x4's for the legs and bottom support. Fasten the 2x4 legs so that they support all the weight. This is done by notching the legs to fit the framing or by doubling the 2x4’s. Here’s a pic of what I mean.-

I got my stand design from here-
http://www.cnidarianreef.com/capstand.cfm

Also, unless you’re super tall, you'll probably want to build a portable step.

 

[ghinksmon]

Here's my stand. Hope this works, first attempt posting pic.

Mostly 3/4" ply birch, with 1 x 3 Maple horizontal pieces. 1x2 pine under sides of each shelf. All is screwed and glued.