150g Stand Question

[tcampbell23]

Hey all,

I just finished building this fish tank stand for my 150g stand. I want to know if I should go back and add a center brace to support the 2x6 carrying the load across the front and rear. I really don’t want to add one because it’ll get in the way of accessing the bottom of the tank but I definitely don’t want deflection in the long run. Advice?

 

[261988]

Is it just the single 2x6 front and back

 

[Rob A]

Did you put a cross brace in the middle ?? That looks like a rocket engineer stand it will be fine I build them all the time w/o a center brace I have never had a deflection issue with a 150 on top

 

[tcampbell23]

Is it just the single 2x6 front and back

Yes. With 2x6 braces across.

 

[tcampbell23]

Did you put a cross brace in the middle ?? That looks like a rocket engineer stand it will be fine I build them all the time w/o a center brace I have never had a deflection issue with a 150 on top

Yes

 

[tcampbell23]

Also, I notice the level bubble isn’t perfectly centered. How big of a deal is this? This is across the side and the front

 

[261988]

Also, I notice the level bubble isn’t perfectly centered. How big of a deal is this? This is across the side and the front

That should be fine in my opinion (within the window of tolerance)

 

[tcampbell23]

That should be fine in my opinion (within the window of tolerance)

Great! Thanks. It’s a rimless tank so it’ll end up with a leveling mat under it anyway. Just wanted to be sure.

 

[Fish Fan]

From Rocket Engineer's calculator thread located here you shuld be fine with 2x6 rails and no center brace:

Basic DIY Stand Calculator

This is a repost of my previous calculations. Again, this is not my design but has become connected with my name over the years. The basic principle of the design is two box frames connected by four legs. The upper one supports the tank and transfers the load to the legs. The legs are made of...

www.reef2reef.com

"- 2X6 up to 72" with 125g-150g being acceptable"

You *could* add a center brace in the back where it likely won't matter, and you *could* add a removable center brace in the front if you felt better about it, but you should be fine with what you have now

 

[exnisstech]

I can't tell if your level spans the length if the tank. I like to use one that is long enough to go end to end and diagonally. Probably not necessary but it makes me feel better. What has helped me decide if a tank is level if the bubble isn't perfect is to set the tank and add a couple or inches of water and measure the water line.

 

[tcampbell23]

I can't tell if your level spans the length if the tank. I like to use one that is long enough to go end to end and diagonally. Probably not necessary but it makes me feel better. What has helped me decide if a tank is level if the bubble isn't perfect is to set the tank and add a couple or inches of water and measure the water line.

Hey so I found my 6ft level and I’ve placed it across the diagonal of the tank. It’s spot on level on one side but a little off on the other. Big deal?

 

[exnisstech]

I don't think that's enough to hurt but let's wait for someone with more first hand knowledge.
If it were me I would probably try to get it closer but it would bother me not because it's unsafe.
I'm setting a 100g this week and in addition to leveling it I'm going to fill it with freshwater and see how the water line looks. Is easy for me to get carried away, I'm one of those people that use a level to hang pictures lol

 

[tcampbell23]

I don't think that's enough to hurt but let's wait for someone with more first hand knowledge.
If it were me I would probably try to get it closer but it would bother me not because it's unsafe.
I'm setting a 100g this week and in addition to leveling it I'm going to fill it with freshwater and see how the water line looks. Is easy for me to get carried away, I'm one of those people that use a level to hang pictures lol

lol got it. Yeah I’m not a perfectionist but I am terrified of having a leak in a tank this big, especially when I can get ahead of it early on. Thanks for your help!