Building a Tank Stand

scags101 · Mar 18, 2013

OK so im new to the whole SW tank stuff and my FOWLR is still cycling since it just started 3/11/13. My trouble is that my tank is in a secure place but the stand its on is kinda shaky. I would like to know if 1. can i build a stand around the old one and then move the old one out kinda like a braceing system and build the new stand around it, or 2. just build a new stand, then drain water and relocate the tank and such.

personally i would like to see if i can just brace it and put the main load bearing parts of the new DIY stand in and then build around it. I wish but if that is possible please get ahold of me.

Need to find some good plans also on a DIY stand using your standard Mendards board and screws. Ideas? Please help. Frustration

bairdimusprime · Mar 18, 2013

the angle iron seems to be a nice fix
Fish Tank Stand: Bracing For 501 Pounds of WaterUpper Cut Woodworks | Upper Cut Woodworks

ive never done what you're trying to do. but i wish you luck

scags101 · Mar 18, 2013

yeah i have a friend that says to do angle Iron also and its a good brace too.

scags101 · Mar 18, 2013

when in doubt i'll just build it then move the tank to it. I'll have to do this in the summer though as winter in duluth, mn us such a pain

bairdimusprime · Mar 18, 2013

i paid for college working as a mason laborer, i worked with angle iron regularly... seriously stong stuff good luck!

scags101 · Mar 19, 2013

im thinking of using angle iron as the inside bracing then put just nicely looking cabinet wood around it ... will that hold up or should i stick some 2x4 in there or use 4x4 for the legs and 2x4 for the cross section with angle iron to support the wood ?

redfishbluefish · Mar 19, 2013

I would go with #2â€¦.build a new stand and drain and move the tankâ€¦.itâ€™s still â€œnewâ€ and cycling.

The other reason Iâ€™d build new is that I do not like the standard height of commercial stands (32 inches). I like my stands at 36 to 38 inches high so that I donâ€™t have to bend over to look into the tank.

Here is a nice plan for the supporting structure of the stand. With you having a four foot tank, standard 2 x 4 dimensional lumber is more than enough to support the tankâ€¦..no center brace needed. If you wish, you could then skin the stand with Â¼ inch plywood or with whatever you wish. This stand will support a car!