Final DYI stand prep question - Rocket Engineer plans

joe-ejs · Jun 18, 2021

Hello.

I have built 60” x 24” stand for a new 150gl SC tank. I used Rocket Engineers plans for the design which consists of 2x4” construction throughout with the exception of the top bracing which is 2x6 construction including 3 center braces. Currently I have no back or front vertical braces which is why I used 2x6” on the top framing. According to the plans, this is adequate meaning I need to vertical supports in the back or front.

I thought I would seek advice one more time before I wrap this up, if I should or need to add the back brace. The stand is built like a tank with the 2x4 and 2x6 construction, but thought I would ask you folks.

any experience or recommendations would be appreciated
Thanks

dbowman5 · Jun 18, 2021

rocket engineer recommends 2x6 for 48" length without a center post. for 72" he goes to 2x8's you are in the center of those. you might think about a center support.

Staghorn · Jun 18, 2021

If you don’t need the clearance in the back I would definitely add the studs in the back. and I think if you were to put a couple more studs as close as you can to where your face frame for your cabinet doors start you should be good in the front. How much do those doors and face frame span? With the two sides being fully supported and the back being fully supported and then that front 2 x 6 being supported where it is I don’t think your door span will be enough where there will be any deflection in the 2 x 6. Remember the actual tank will be completely supprted With all of the weight going straight down to the floor trough your 2xmaterial except for that section where the doors are. I am not an engineer but I think it is highly unlikely that short section of 2 x 6 to SAG.

Staghorn · Jun 18, 2021

This is the stand I am currently building for my 120. I Have used the same design on at least 6 tanks this size. The two sides are 2 sheets of three-quarter inch plywood and the top is two sheets of three-quarter inch plywood. The outside edge of the tank does rest on top of the legs And back which transfer the weight straight down to the floor. I’ve never had any issues on a 120 and even a 150 tall that I had on the same style stand. Good luck I hope everything goes good for you