Let Me See Your DIY Stands

[Dual40IM]

This came out amazing. I was thinking I would use 4x4 posts and 2x4 for the rest. I like the formica idea, really want something waterproof underneath just incase.

Thank you. 4x4's warp and twist really bad. I personally would not use them.

 

[SilverCityReef]

There are a lot of amazing stands in this thread. I'll throw mine into the mix, too. You can follow the link in my signature to see more if you want.

Keep us posted on how it goes!

I love the planking look and that color too. This is definitely one of my favorites and I will be taking some ideas from it as well.

Thank you all for posting and sharing your stands. So many different ideas and options, it's hard to pick.

 

[SilverCityReef]

Thank you. 4x4's warp and twist really bad. I personally would not use them.

Good to know. Doubled 2x4s it is!

 

[Oliver d]

Some great designs here ,they have given me a lot of ideas for my new stand build.My old one is starting to rot and is to low to work in the sump comfortable.What are your average stand heights?

 

[dugthefish]

Filled 125 for the first time tonight on my diy base. It seems a bit wobbly for my tastes. I'm sure it will stiffen up some when I get around to skinning it, but that wasn't high on my priority list. Also thinking I should perhaps anchor it to the wall, as well. Any thoughts? Am I the only one who can shake his 6' tank a little?

 

[Ruben's Reef]

Here's my stand build. Nothing fancy but happy with the result.

 

[n2585722]

Filled 125 for the first time tonight on my diy base. It seems a bit wobbly for my tastes. I'm sure it will stiffen up some when I get around to skinning it, but that wasn't high on my priority list. Also thinking I should perhaps anchor it to the wall, as well. Any thoughts? Am I the only one who can shake his 6' tank a little?

My 42 gallon won't budge at all.

 

[n2585722]

Filled 125 for the first time tonight on my diy base. It seems a bit wobbly for my tastes. I'm sure it will stiffen up some when I get around to skinning it, but that wasn't high on my priority list. Also thinking I should perhaps anchor it to the wall, as well. Any thoughts? Am I the only one who can shake his 6' tank a little?

I don't see any type of cross bracing. Is the stand glued along with the screws?

 

[dugthefish]

I don't see any type of cross bracing. Is the stand glued along with the screws?

No glue. I had considered running some metal strapping as an X brace on the back, and the sides will eventually be skinned with plywood. I think most of the motion is front to back, so skinning the sides will probably take care of the rocking.

 

[n2585722]

I didn't trust open screws with the salt water. I used pocket hole screws and glued all the joints after testing and plugged and sealed the holes. Do it is glued along with having the screws. If it were me I would glue the joints and seal up the screw heads by painting them or use some other means. It may be a good idea to use stainless steel screws. Especially if you don't glue the joints.

 

[FishKeeper01]

Looks good, thinking of making a new one for my aquarium. The one I got is kinda old.

 

[SilverCityReef]

UPDATE: I have started my stand finally and need some input. I probably should have checked prior to cutting all the pieces but I didn't so before I put it together, I want to see what the R2R community has to say.

I have attached my blueprints but basically the design is (2) 2x4s doubled up in each corner with single 2x4s in between. Top, sump shelf, and mounting wall on right side is 1/2" plywood and there may be another 1/4" added to top depending on what I decide to do. I am also going to be adding some 2x6s to support the shelf & top and help keep things strong and square. The whole stand will be wrapped in a MDF paneling I picked up and there will be either 2 small doors on front or one big door. Both sides will open as well for sump/control panel access.

My concern is that from what I can tell, everyone uses the square/rectangle with 2x4s on inside corners, then smaller 2x4s in between top and bottom squares/rectangles. I can still do this design, however I would have much less space around sump, smaller control panel, etc.

I will be starting a build thread if you guys want to follow along. It's been a slow process getting this aquarium up and running.

 

[dugthefish]

Just an FYI, but you may want to reevaluate using MDF. It doesn't work well in wet environments, plywood will be a much better option.

 

[SilverCityReef]

I dont like the look of plywood or stained wood but I could put like 1/4 or 1/2" plywood before putting on the paneling...?

 

[Gobi-Wan]

Sorry the stain job is horrendous... the stand was created many moons ago when my engineering skills were far more developed than my wood finishing... it is finished with polyurethane on the inside. Just not stained. Sloppy wood glue and low quality material selection created the inconsistencies in the outside finish. Other than that I have been very happy. I made it tall, as most prefab stands I see require you to bend over to view a tank. This stand would fit a 75 or 90 but i engineered it with the 75 in mind. Dont remember the weight calculations with 6 single vertical 2x4s or whether or not it would also support a 90.

 

[dugthefish]

I dont like the look of plywood or stained wood but I could put like 1/4 or 1/2" plywood before putting on the paneling...?

Just so long as you're not relying on MDF in any kind of structural capacity.

 

[SilverCityReef]

Just so long as you're not relying on MDF in any kind of structural capacity.

The framing on the stand itself has multiple supports so the paneling is simply for aesthetics. If it is not going to hold up due to humidity from sump then I will put a thin plywood barrier in between. I would never rely on paneling to support anything. It cant even support the weight of itself.

 

[SilverCityReef]

UPDATE: So my blueprints had to be changed as my design wasn't good for weight bearing. I am going to be sticking with the basic frames like everyone else except using 2x6s for the top frame instead of 2x4s. Unfortunately I am losing about 8-10" in width and 3-5" in depth from my original design in order to use the lumber I had already cut. I may add some additional depth to sides to hide my plumbing and I have decided to make the 2 front cabinet doors a single door held on using magnets and use magnets for side sump access panel as well. Only actual door will be the other side to the control panel area.

What does everyone have for clearance over and around your sump? I will only have about 10" above sump and about 3" on either side in between framing from front. Should I add a few extra inches in height? I can always adjust sump so it sits more towards side access door.

 

[SilverCityReef]

Here is the link to the build thread I started so anyone who wanted to could follow my progression from the beginning. I will do my best to keep it updated and post as many pictures and news as I can.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-to-reefing-build-thread-from-the-beginning.482440/

 

[HairyGary]

Here is mine stand for my 93 cube. I made it 37" tall because the factory one is crap. You can see more progression in my build thread.