Diy stand inspiration

[UncommonSense]

IM's tanks all require side action for sunp removal in that size. Not that I assume the sump will fail, but I dont want to have to figure that issue out if for some reason something happens.

It sounds like you want either a completely open stand front (2x8-2x10 horizontal lumber), or a removable front center brace on the stand!

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

You don't need a cabinet grade table saw or track saw (though they are handy). I made this ADA style stand years ago for a planted tank project using a crappy saw guide and circular saw. The finish is formica where the individual surfaces were laid down (oversized), glued into place and then routed off using a decent palm router and edge bit. The best starting place is finding decent lumber that's reasonably straight and un-warped.

That's really clean looking. I love it!

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

A plus one for building a stand is having a custom height, I am a tall person and didn’t find viewing at the stock stand height comfortable. As others have mentioned l used extruded aluminum to form a skeleton and then skinned it with plywood (and applied a black walnut veneer). Another pro is being able to make a matching hood and that the extruded aluminum keeps more workable space in your stand verse using wood.

The usable space thing was a big selling point in a extrusion stand that I skin. Im really kind of drawn to it.

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

It sounds like you want either a completely open stand front (2x8-2x10 horizontal lumber), or a removable front center brace on the stand!

Thats kind of what I was thinking, or, just have a 4' or 5' opening in the center and put a brace a foot or 2 in on each side. Maybe make the center 4' or 5' opening a removable panel with doors on it. I will also have rear access so I could build stand cabinet doors in the front and a removable panel for the back.

 

[UncommonSense]

Thats kind of what I was thinking, or, just have a 4' or 5' opening in the center and put a brace a foot or 2 in on each side. Maybe make the center 4' or 5' opening a removable panel with doors on it. I will also have rear access so I could build stand cabinet doors in the front and a removable panel for the back.

For a 6ft tank? The most common method I see is fully supported short spans (front to rear), then vertical supports front and rear at 2ft and 4ft on center!

From here, you just make the two front supports remove by unscrewing, and you can slide the sump in/out with the tank empty!

Alternatively, just use 2x8, or 2x10 for long horizontal spans, and you only need vertical support in the corners!

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

For a 6ft tank? The most common method I see is fully supported short spans (front to rear), then vertical supports front and rear at 2ft and 4ft on center!

From here, you just make the two front supports remove by unscrewing, and you can slide the sump in/out with the tank empty!

Alternatively, just use 2x8, or 2x10 for long horizontal spans, and you only need vertical support in the corners!

For a 8' tank

 

[UncommonSense]

For a 8' tank

Hmmm… I stopped memorizing the specs past my needs at 6’… I’m sure it’s still possible, though!

@RocketEngineer , would you care to offer a recommendation for a stand design which would allow OP to have front sump install/removal?

 

[RocketEngineer]

For a 8' tank

How big is the sump?

My 36” sump on my 72” stand.

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

How big is the sump?

My 36” sump on my 72” stand.

Its still in the planning stages but I think i'm planning on at least a 4' sump.

 

[RocketEngineer]

Its still in the planning stages but I think i'm planning on at least a 4' sump.

That gives you 24” minus a space to move it into place so say 22-23” one either side. Or put a singular center post slightly offset one way or the other. That will drop the span significantly.

 

[NC AL]

This is what I made for my living room.

 

[mfinn]

That looks really good. I'd be happy with something like this I suppose if I did more planning ahead I could definitely make it look way better than my current setup. I'm also recently purchasing some better wood working tools so theoretically by the time I start, i'd be much better at semi fine woodworking lol

I used simple designs. Used outside corner molding to cover the plywood corners. IMO the important I did was making sure the box was perfectly square. With plenty of screws and glue, it wasn't going to change shape, ever.

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

That gives you 24” minus a space to move it into place so say 22-23” one either side. Or put a singular center post slightly offset one way or the other. That will drop the span significantly.

I'll have a rear access to my stand, so I was thinking I might leave the back of the stand open or make a removable panel. Do you know of a calculator to determine deflection rates for lumber? I was wondering if I couldnt span 6' on the back then do regular cabinet doors type bracing in the front. Maybe 2- 2x8's sistered together? I want to maximize room, but I want peace of mind more than anything.. lol was going to start drawing up some plans but wasnt sure if the rear access panel was feasible

 

[mfinn]

I'll have a rear access to my stand, so I was thinking I might leave the back of the stand open or make a removable panel. Do you know of a calculator to determine deflection rates for lumber? I was wondering if I couldnt span 6' on the back then do regular cabinet doors type bracing in the front. Maybe 2- 2x8's sistered together? I want to maximize room,

2 x 2" x 8"? . I used doubled 2" x 4".
I used a strip of 7" wide x 3/4" plywood top and bottom with middle braces, and left the middle section open on the back.

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

2×4 frame wrapped in oak 5ft long

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

 

[Freenow54]

 

[Freenow54]

 

[Freenow54]

 

[Freenow54]