Basic DIY Stand Calculator

[metro6775]

Are there any good designs if you would like to stack two tanks of the same size? For example if you want to put a 60 breeder on the top and the bottom?

 

[RocketEngineer]

Are there any good designs if you would like to stack two tanks of the same size? For example if you want to put a 60 breeder on the top and the bottom?

The second picture of the second post is something like that. Just cut it down to two levels instead of three. The lengths aren’t the same as the original post but it should give you a starting point.

 

[Freenow54]

Very interesting story , and I read it from top to bottom. I am not going to hide behind any excuse but I should not have been writing responses yesterday. I apologized yesterday , However this I hope and as I am doing this on the forum not a private reply I do owe you a large Apology.
Sincerely WD. It was Childish at best

I Do Notice that you Did not accept my apology . No Comment

 

[metro6775]

Are there any good designs if you would like to stack two tanks of the same size? For example if you want to put a 60 breeder on the top and the bottom?

The second picture of the second post is something like that. Just cut it down to two levels instead of three. The lengths aren’t the same as the original post but it should give you a starting point.

The pink vertical boards look like they'd be in the way.

 

[RocketEngineer]

The pink vertical boards look like they'd be in the way.

You will need to make the stand wide enough to fit the lower tank between them.

 

[santeeeyyy]

Thanks for sharing this!

It funny, I just drew a similar design and was browsing and saw those green planks from another build I saw, So I should go roughly half way up the board to ensure it stands up properly?

 

[RocketEngineer]

It funny, I just drew a similar design and was browsing and saw those green planks from another build I saw, So I should go roughly half way up the board to ensure it stands up properly?

Yeah, it’s not an original design. I just wrote up the math.

Even just 1/2” is enough to keep them from getting in the way.

 

[twentyleagues]

Are there any good designs if you would like to stack two tanks of the same size? For example if you want to put a 60 breeder on the top and the bottom?

I know this is from a month ago but didnt get notification of more posts until yesterday's postings. On the first page I posted a pic of my stacked 125s built like what @RocketEngineer posted in their last diagram on page 1.

 

[Fearrchair]

I am planning on getting a custom 200cm (79") x 80cm (32") x 60cm (24") tank build and on attempting to build a DIY Timber stand. Should be close to 960litres or I think 255 Gallons.

For that size according to the calculations I should be using 2x8 sizes. I have found tho searching online that isnt a common size, seems to be a 9X2 in places. I am located in Ireland.

Should I just go for that to be safe or could I reduce it if I add in 1 or 2 vertical posts across the span and go to a lower size timber. I suppose it could be a little easier to build for someone not used to DIY etc, by just having the one span.

At the moment I am not planning on having a sump, maybe it could go insideways by the side later if needed.

 

[Freenow54]

I am planning on getting a custom 200cm (79") x 80cm (32") x 60cm (24") tank build and on attempting to build a DIY Timber stand. Should be close to 960litres or I think 255 Gallons.

For that size according to the calculations I should be using 2x8 sizes. I have found tho searching online that isnt a common size, seems to be a 9X2 in places. I am located in Ireland.

Should I just go for that to be safe or could I reduce it if I add in 1 or 2 vertical posts across the span and go to a lower size timber. I suppose it could be a little easier to build for someone not used to DIY etc, by just having the one span.

At the moment I am not planning on having a sump, maybe it could go insideways by the side later if needed.

you could marry the two smaller ones ie make 2 2by 6 into 4 by 6 , or another idea is to make angled braces from horizontal top brace to vertical brace. The closer to a 45 % angle the better. Odd you don't have 2 x 8 there but anyway an idea

 

[Freenow54]

Thanks for acknowledging lots don't nice to know you read it

 

[RocketEngineer]

I am planning on getting a custom 200cm (79") x 80cm (32") x 60cm (24") tank build and on attempting to build a DIY Timber stand. Should be close to 960litres or I think 255 Gallons.

For that size according to the calculations I should be using 2x8 sizes. I have found tho searching online that isnt a common size, seems to be a 9X2 in places. I am located in Ireland.

Should I just go for that to be safe or could I reduce it if I add in 1 or 2 vertical posts across the span and go to a lower size timber. I suppose it could be a little easier to build for someone not used to DIY etc, by just having the one span.

At the moment I am not planning on having a sump, maybe it could go insideways by the side later if needed.

A 2X9 would be my recommendation given the length and width. If you add a leg in the center, you can easily get away with going smaller. The only reason for the tall boards is to span the distance with less deflection.

 

[Freenow54]

A 2X9 would be my recommendation given the length and width. If you add a leg in the center, you can easily get away with going smaller. The only reason for the tall boards is to span the distance with less deflectio

A 2X9 would be my recommendation given the length and width. If you add a leg in the center, you can easily get away with going smaller. The only reason for the tall boards is to span the distance with less deflection.

2x9 ? never heard of that ever is it metric in Ireland ? I bet its an imperial 2 x 10 stated and physically measures 9 because that's how we get helically turned here when we went metric ( more for less )

 

[Fearrchair]

Thanks true, wthiould be easier to handle and maybe easier on the eye too. I have been looking at some youtube videos and see on the larger tanks some have more vertical braces alright and some matching horizontal, it would only improve the strenght. Or having some more on the bottom and a sheet of plywood as a shelf.

I seen a video where one person put a sheet of stryfoam that was 0.5" thick would that be recommended when the tank is large and heavy ....to go for a larger size I suppose I am just picturing the normal thinner mat types you would see, but something that size (0.5 inches) and on top of plywood would certainly reduce any stress on the tank.

 

[RocketEngineer]

That type of support depends on the tank. Acrylic tanks need moor external support under the bottom. Glass tanks can be built to just need support on the outer edge. You need to check on the tank you have.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

I used these principles when designing my wooden stand for my 300g, 8 foot tank. I wanted an 8' opening without any vertical supports in the rear. Which required a glue laminated beam.

Someone may have to correct me but based on the weight applied the acceptable deflection for such a span was 1/8" in the center. The calculations for the beam I chose allowed only 1/16" of deflection.



8 years later with all the abuse thrown at it, it is still standing.

 

[Fearrchair]

That type of support depends on the tank. Acrylic tanks need moor external support under the bottom. Glass tanks can be built to just need support on the outer edge. You need to check on the tank you have.

okay thanks, it will be a glass tank 79" X 32" X 24" havent ordered or confirmed it yet, will try and made the stand first. Told it will have bracing top and bottom etc 12mm glass. I think looking online the tank would be 205kg empty. I had originally asked for a 79"X24"X24" and that was 140kg. Tempted to go all out !! I know it would be wide but I have space for it.

So I should be okay so to get an 80 (32")X35 5mm mat then, can put a few on the short side until i get the lenght.

 

[RocketEngineer]

I used these principles when designing my wooden stand for my 300g, 8 foot tank. I wanted an 8' opening without any vertical supports in the rear. Which required a glue laminated beam.

Someone may have to correct me but based on the weight applied the acceptable deflection for such a span was 1/8" in the center. The calculations for the beam I chose allowed only 1/16" of deflection.



8 years later with all the abuse thrown at it, it is still standing.

Wow, very impressive. The 1/8” limit is what I also use but it’s not a hard and fast rule. Like most things, situations vary.

 

[Fearrchair]

I used these principles when designing my wooden stand for my 300g, 8 foot tank. I wanted an 8' opening without any vertical supports in the rear. Which required a glue laminated beam.

Someone may have to correct me but based on the weight applied the acceptable deflection for such a span was 1/8" in the center. The calculations for the beam I chose allowed only 1/16" of deflection.



8 years later with all the abuse thrown at it, it is still standing.

Thats looks good and strong could drive one of those big truck you US folks like to drive around like cars ...

 

[twentyleagues]

okay thanks, it will be a glass tank 79" X 32" X 24" havent ordered or confirmed it yet, will try and made the stand first. Told it will have bracing top and bottom etc 12mm glass. I think looking online the tank would be 205kg empty. I had originally asked for a 79"X24"X24" and that was 140kg. Tempted to go all out !! I know it would be wide but I have space for it.

So I should be okay so to get an 80 (32")X35 5mm mat then, can put a few on the short side until i get the lenght.

If the tank has a rim on the bottom you dont want anything too thick as a mat. Technically no mat but you could use something thin something less than 3/8" just to help with any irregularities in the wood surface. I would put plywood on top of the stand, it will help to pull the stand together and help protect from sheering 3/4" screwed and glued to the stand. 12mm glass sounds a bit thin for that length of tank but I am not a tank builder.