DIY wooden stand for 96Lx30Wx24H -- What size lumber for single center support?

[bo0ks]

I'm looking to build a stand for an in-wall tank, so there is no need to wrap or otherwise make it pretty, however, I do want to be able to place the sump under the stand, and have decent access to it from what will be the 'back' of the tank.

I plan on using 2x6's for the legs, using the bog standard wooden stand DIY plans you find all around the internet, but the real question is, what size lumber should I use for the top frame so that I can get away with just one center brace on one long side?

2x8? 2x10? 2x12? Glue lam?

The tank will be very tall relative to most stands (due to a 14" rise from the garage where the tank/stand will be into the den where it will be coming through the wall), so I don't mind losing vertical height from the top frame. I'm anticipating the total height to be around 52" or perhaps even a bit more. So even with 2x12's I'd still have decent vertical space under the tank.

Appreciate any insights you can offer.

 

[Ironwill723]

If you can do 2x12s that would be strongest for an open span.

 

[RocketEngineer]

Verticals: 2X4
Horizontal with center brace? 2X6
Horizontal without center brace: 2X12

 

[bo0ks]

Bumping this with a new and updated sketchup to get opinions on this plan.

Top is now 2x12's.

 

[Harpo]

will you have a sump under this tank? If so, make sure you will have room to access your equipment

 

[tedfisher496]

Bumping this with a new and updated sketchup to get opinions on this plan.

Top is now 2x12's.

I don't believe that u need 2x12 to support the tank. Fairly sure that 2x6 will handle the entire stand. What's the advantage of the 2x12 vs 2x6? provided you use a center brace. My 150 stand is 72'' and its rock solid @ 2x6. I would use 2 center braces instead of just one. Provided the stand is properly supporting the weight is what is most important.

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

I would use plywood. my 300 stands stand is double layered 3/4 inch and zero center supports on front so can access sump

plywood is crazy strong

 

[Lingwendil]

2x6 with a center support will be plenty.

 

[ca1ore]

Perhaps the OP has made a decision already. I personally don’t like using lumber for longer horizontal runs. As a many decades woodworker I well know how dimensionally unstable they can be. My preferred approach, used on both my recent 400 and a 265 before that, was to cut strips of plywood and glue them together. Essentially a DIY micro lam. If you have the tools, or access to them, you can get a perfectly flat and level surface that won’t move around.

 

[Chrisz]

Bumping this with a new and updated sketchup to get opinions on this plan.

Top is now 2x12's.

That's cool what software are you using?

 

[mfinn]

96" with a center brace, I would think 2x6's all around would be plenty.
I would use double 2x6's on the corners. In the shape of a L. With the center brace, the span would be much less than 48".
Glued and screwed.

But it's tough to beat @ca1ore 's idea.