building a stand for a 180g tank

[reefmaster70]

Hey all. I am building a stand for my 180g reef tank. I am well versed in construction and techniques, as it's an industry I work in. I have looked at several designs and plans here and via Google, and have pretty much figured out what I am building, but just wanted to get some opinions on additional "Vertical" braces that may or may not be needed. I am planning an upper frame using 2x6's, as well as corner vertical legs of 2x6's. (not 2x4 or 2x8) my width will be 73 inches total. Do I need a center vertical brace at the 36.5" mark or am I able to keep the space open with no vertical bracing along the 73 inch width? I am not opposed to dropping one vertical down centered at 36.5 inches if needed, but if I can keep the entire span "open" for easier sump access I am all for that.


Thanks for any input.

 

[JTP424]

Hey all. I am building a stand for my 180g reef tank. I am well versed in construction and techniques, as it's an industry I work in. I have looked at several designs and plans here and via Google, and have pretty much figured out what I am building, but just wanted to get some opinions on additional "Vertical" braces that may or may not be needed. I am planning an upper frame using 2x6's, as well as corner vertical legs of 2x6's. (not 2x4 or 2x8) my width will be 73 inches total. Do I need a center vertical brace at the 36.5" mark or am I able to keep the space open with no vertical bracing along the 73 inch width? I am not opposed to dropping one vertical down centered at 36.5 inches if needed, but if I can keep the entire span "open" for easier sump access I am all for that.


Thanks for any input.

Check it yo.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/basic-diy-stand-calculator.1138386/#post-14018272Recommended 2x8s

 

[TX_REEF]

I think 2x6 upper frame and vertical corner supports should be sufficient without a center brace assuming robust construction, especially if you are in the trades and know what you're going.

 

[BryanM]

I think this space consideration you have is why people go down this road:

https://www.alufabinc.com/aquarium-stands/

 

[TX_REEF]

I think this space consideration you have is why people go down this road:

https://www.alufabinc.com/aquarium-stands/

those are sleek, the price tags though

I'm building a 3-shelf rack right now and the lumber didn't even cost me $100!

 

[fishface NJ]

Hey all. I am building a stand for my 180g reef tank. I am well versed in construction and techniques, as it's an industry I work in. I have looked at several designs and plans here and via Google, and have pretty much figured out what I am building, but just wanted to get some opinions on additional "Vertical" braces that may or may not be needed. I am planning an upper frame using 2x6's, as well as corner vertical legs of 2x6's. (not 2x4 or 2x8) my width will be 73 inches total. Do I need a center vertical brace at the 36.5" mark or am I able to keep the space open with no vertical bracing along the 73 inch width? I am not opposed to dropping one vertical down centered at 36.5 inches if needed, but if I can keep the entire span "open" for easier sump access I am all for that.


Thanks for any input.

@RocketEngineer

 

[reefmaster70]

Thanks guys...I've read all of rocketengineers posts and am moving forward with my 2x6 construction of my new stand. It will also be skinned with 1/2" Walnut cabinet plywood for a really nice finish. complete with "slow close" cabinet doors on the front and one end. Going to start my cutting list today.

 

[reefmaster70]

those are sleek, the price tags though

I'm building a 3-shelf rack right now and the lumber didn't even cost me $100!

yeah...LOVE the aluminum, and I even have the ability to weld aluminum here in my shop, BUT....it's just too dang expensive, even for the raw stock for me to cut and weld on my own. I am going to stick with lumber for this one.

 

[Rob A]

For my 180 I did a rocket engineer with a 2 x 6 for the upper support with no center brace and there has been zero deflection measured for the last 4 years.

 

[reefmaster70]

For my 180 I did a rocket engineer with a 2 x 6 for the upper support with no center brace and there has been zero deflection measured for the last 4 years.

perfect....thanks for that first hand experience Rob. Do you have any pics of your stand? Id love to see them.

 

[Rob A]

perfect....thanks for that first hand experience Rob. Do you have any pics of your stand? Id love to see them.

Here are a few pics from back when I set up the tank and a year later when I moved the sump to the basement. I build these things all the time they are rock solid and they are easy to skim. The other thing is this stand distributes the weight evenly across the floor. I put solid foam tape around the bottom surface to help level the stand when the tank is filled and to seal around the edge. I also sprayed the interior with flex seal If you do flex seal it is easier and cleaner to brush all the major surfaces and spray only the corners and areas a brush doesn't reach

 

[RocketEngineer]

Thanks guys...I've read all of rocketengineers posts and am moving forward with my 2x6 construction of my new stand. It will also be skinned with 1/2" Walnut cabinet plywood for a really nice finish. complete with "slow close" cabinet doors on the front and one end. Going to start my cutting list today.

Just to be clear, you can go 2X4 for the legs and bottom.

Also, I’ve come to appreciate panels vs doors. They can be placed totally out of my way when not in use vs doors that I always seem to be bumping into. Just an idea for consideration. Good luck.

 

[reefmaster70]

Just to be clear, you can go 2X4 for the legs and bottom.

Also, I’ve come to appreciate panels vs doors. They can be placed totally out of my way when not in use vs doors that I always seem to be bumping into. Just an idea for consideration. Good luck.

so you'd say use 2x4's for the 8 "corner" vertical legs?? I've got plenty of 2x6...so was thinking of just overbuilding those 4 corners. Do you have some thoughts, plans, photos or drawings of your panels? i'd entertain that idea if they looked nice and make a nice finished look.

 

[RocketEngineer]

so you'd say use 2x4's for the 8 "corner" vertical legs?? I've got plenty of 2x6...so was thinking of just overbuilding those 4 corners. Do you have some thoughts, plans, photos or drawings of your panels? i'd entertain that idea if they looked nice and make a nice finished look.

Ah, if you already have the material and can live with loosing the opening width slightly, that’s fine then.

I used panels on my hood. Learned the lesson after that stand was built. My current stand was purchased with the tank and the doors still get in my way at times.

 

[Bruttall]

35+ yr old 6ft 300g Oceanic Tank, on 2x4 stand.


Back Side of Tank



Front of Tank



Wood is very strong, you know this. Don't over think it.
Good luck!!

 

[Buckster]

I placed a 2x6 in the center to mount the doors. I used 1x4 for the upper to reduce weight and 1/4" luan for facing. My first sets of doors I ever made using a table saw and mitre. Having the correct bits would have been easier.
I'll try to load photos later

 

[reefmaster70]

35+ yr old 6ft 300g Oceanic Tank, on 2x4 stand.


Back Side of Tank



Front of Tank



Wood is very strong, you know this. Don't over think it.
Good luck!!

WOW...that's a lot of 2x4 for sure... I have no doubt that would hold up anything BUT I will need to access under my stand from the front, so need a little more "open" space. But yours looks great.

 

[reefmaster70]

I placed a 2x6 in the center to mount the doors. I used 1x4 for the upper to reduce weight and 1/4" luan for facing. My first sets of doors I ever made using a table saw and mitre. Having the correct bits would have been easier.
I'll try to load photos later

would love to see your setup...I have workd with Luan (A LOT) and it is a good product, BUT it does tend to warp and deform easily as a skinning surface. Would love to see how you used it and how it's working for you. I am still debating on what way I want to go for skinning my stand and doors too. I am still thinking 1/2" hardwood ply.

 

[reefmaster70]

Started the build today. Upper and lower frames glued and screwed.

 

[reefmaster70]

Framework pretty much done...easy peasie. Assembled with deck screws and wood glue.