DIY stand help

[MikeG2104]

Hey all,

I’ve used the Rocket stand design and have used it in the past for my 220 gallon tank. That tank has a 3/4” plywood shell on 3 of the 4 sides.

My current build is for a 6’ x 4’ tank that will house about 360 gallons. I will not be using a shell. It will be a design like such (pictures I took for inspiration, not my actual build).

I will have more cross supports on the top and bottom as well. Each corner is going to have 2 vertical boards going from floor to top of stand (what you called screw boards but they’ll be full height) and then 2 going from top of board to bottom of other board. The 6’ sides will have 1 center support with 1 floor to top board and 1 top to bottom board.

The 4’ runs will also have the same center support style. There will be 2 boards running the 6’ span in the middle of the bottom so I can add a direct center support with 2 top to bottoms and 1 floor to top support. So there will be 9 direct points of contact if looking from the top down ( 4 corners, 1 center support on each side and then the direct middle support)

The tongue and groove boards will be used to make doors with no attachments to the stand other than the hinges.

There will also be a 3/4” plywood top and I am using all 2x6 boards.

Will this be enough support without the shell to prevent any racking?

I’d really appreciate any insight you have. Ive been racking my brain about this. (Cheesy pun intended).

Thanks!

 

[SonOfaGoat]

What's going on the back? Plywood would prevent not only racking but also potential warping or settling from the weight. The tongue and groove looks nice but it won't help with rack support, or much support in general. As a carpenter I would wrap that tank stand with ply. Thats just me. As for the frame it seems adequate. Obviously make sure to add uprights to the rear like the front.

 

[MikeG2104]

What's going on the back? Plywood would prevent not only racking but also potential warping or settling from the weight. The tongue and groove looks nice but it won't help with rack support, or much support in general. As a carpenter I would wrap that tank stand with ply. Thats just me. As for the frame it seems adequate. Obviously make sure to add uprights to the rear like the front.

The back would be open. It would be against the wall. It’s a peninsula style build so that would be a 4’ side.

I understand the T&G provides no support at all I just love the looks of the stand without the plywood shell.

 

[MikeG2104]

What's going on the back? Plywood would prevent not only racking but also potential warping or settling from the weight. The tongue and groove looks nice but it won't help with rack support, or much support in general. As a carpenter I would wrap that tank stand with ply. Thats just me. As for the frame it seems adequate. Obviously make sure to add uprights to the rear like the front.

Would only adding play to the back be enough? Since it’s only 1 4’ section out of all the sides.

 

[Uncle99]

Two cross pieces top and bottom,flush with the top and bottom edge?

Nice stand!

 

[MikeG2104]

Two cross pieces top and bottom,flush with the top and bottom edge?

Nice stand!

Yes I will have cross braces flush. This is not my actual build just using it as a guide.

 

[SonOfaGoat]

The back would be open. It would be against the wall. It’s a peninsula style build so that would be a 4’ side.

I understand the T&G provides no support at all I just love the looks of the stand without the plywood shell.

I totally get it. I'll let others who have experience with large custom stands chime in. My experience is in home building and woodworking but I tend to overbuild with anything bearing substantial weight. I'm sure this can be made to work.

 

[Bigred321]

Here is a pic of my stand for my 150. Its braced and supported well. Also i put a thin sheet of plywood on back to prevent salt creep and hide the cords.. The put the sump in from the hidden doors on the ends.

 

[MikeG2104]

I totally get it. I'll let others who have experience with large custom stands chime in. My experience is in home building and woodworking but I tend to overbuild with anything bearing substantial weight. I'm sure this can be made

Here is a pic of my stand for my 150. It’s braced and supported well. Also i put a thin sheet of plywood on back to prevent salt creep and hide the cords.. The put the sump in from the hidden doors on the ends.

Looks real nice! Mine will be supported in a very similar way just without the plywood shell. That’s where I’m getting stuck if it’ll have enough racking support without a shell?

 

[Bigred321]

Looks real nice! Mine will be supported in a very similar way just without the plywood shell. That’s where I’m getting stuck if it’ll have enough racking support without a shell?

I think you should. I just used the plywood shell for aesthetics.