DIY stand for a 84x27x24 glass tank, 34" tall

Canuck007 · Dec 16, 2020

Hi, for all you stand experts...just wanted to see if my design would work or not. This would be my first DIY stand so just wanted to double check with you guys.

So 84x27 stand and would be about 34" tall. Can I do the top and bottom frame using 2x4 and then make all the supporting posts using 2x6? Or should I use 2x6 for the top frame as well? It will probably be a rimless tank so I'll have 3/4 plywood on top with styrofoam on top of that for leveling.

Also can I get away with just support posts in the middle of the stand so it's a bit easier access into the sump or should I have 2 sets of support posts spread out evenly in the front and back? Another option is I could also do the 2 sets in the middle but have a greater space between them (so not evenly spread out) for easier access. Hope that makes sense. TIA!!

John Bolden · Dec 16, 2020

AJTX · Dec 16, 2020

I did 2x6 on the top frame and 2x4 on the sides. 110 gallon 8 ft long tank. One center support in the front and 3 on the back. 3/4 ply on top. Basically used the drawing to build the frame.

If you want one center support I would go with a 2x8 on the top frame. I know there is a site where they have the lumber size to be used based on supports and weights. Can't find it handy.

Gtinnel · Dec 16, 2020

My stand is only 6ft long for a 125 and I used 2x6 for the entire thing since the difference in cost from 2x4 to 2x6 is minimal.

On the back side I used one center support and then on the front I used two supports but I left them 4 ft apart so that I had access to get my sump in and out (which I believe is what you're describing). This basically caused there to be nearly solid wood on the front for the first foot on either end. I haven't had any issues from leaving the 4ft opening in the front of my stand, and if I ever did start to worry about it I could easily add a center support since its behind the doors and doesn't get covered by the skin that I put on the stand.

Grill · Dec 16, 2020

I've built a stand close to those dimension (87" long x 45" tall) for a 7' 210 gallon with a 75gal. sump. Plenty of room to work under the stand. I used two 2x4's up front to give me easy access to the sump and I think a single 2x6 centered in the back. I took a few photos and dug up a few , hope they help.

Canuck007 · Dec 16, 2020

thank you all for the input. i'm thinking i'll do one like AJTX's. One support in the middle in the front and a few supports on the back and use 2x6s....maybe a 2x8 for the top frame... I'd rather overbuild it and sleep at night...lol