DIY Stacked Tank stand

[jeep454]

I need to relocate two 55 gallon tanks and decrease the total “footprint” as well. (1 Freshwater and 1 Saltwater) I came up with plans to build a stand 60” tall from floor to top of the stand. At the very bottom a sump then above it both tanks stacked vertically. The corner posts will be 4x4, the shelf frame rails for both shelves will be 2x4 on edge notched into the 4x4s with 4 braces going front to back also made from 2x4 on edge. The stand will be braced into 2 studs in the wall behind it. The stand dimensions from to back will be the same as the front to back of the 55 gallon tanks to give it a cleaner look. The side to side dimensions will be 7” more than the tanks as the tanks will sit between the left and right sets of 4x4 posts. My question is will this height with such a heavy load still be a concern even with bracing it to the wall? If so any recommendations?

 

[mann1139]

55s are so long and narrow that I would worry about it bowing in the middle.

Could you add support from the back in the middle?

 

[jeep454]

Yes, I can I will need a spacer between the stand and the wall to brace to the studs as there are baseboards on the wall so I can attach 2x4s to act as those spacers and to support the back middle.

 

[Fish Fan]

I think your plan is solid, but I actually think using 4x4's is unnecessary. I believe 2x4's would be fine, especially if you bolt the stand to your wall studs.

But let's ask some real experts

I'd think that maybe @Troylee could help

I'd also ask if @RocketEngineer could help too

Good luck!

 

[Fish Fan]

Sometimes this link works, and sometimes it doesn't

But here's Rocket Engineer's original DIY stand build post on RC in the way back:
https://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1169964
And here's a more current thread on R2R about RE's stand plan:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/rocket-engineers-tank-stand-plans.677774/
I hope this helps!

 

[Troylee]

I think your plan is solid, but I actually think using 4x4's is unnecessary. I believe 2x4's would be fine, especially if you bolt the stand to your wall studs.

But let's ask some real experts

I'd think that maybe @Troylee could help

I'd also ask if @RocketEngineer could help too

Good luck!

I’d agree 2x4’s are plenty if it’s hooked into the wall on each level and screwed into the studs.