Stand for 80gal Cube.

[ferro]

Just want to see if this stand will hold my tank 32"x24"x24" 80 gal


So the game plan is to construct the box with 3/4" Red oak or birch plywood then trim it with 1x4's. My issue is with the front. What dimensions do I need to make sure it can support the tank? Right now I have a 6" wide upside down "U" plywood with 1x4's trimmed around them. I could also make the top plywood piece sit on top of the plywood and 1x4's for extra support. Any advice would be great!

 

[Mandelstam]

I'm not an engineer so can't tell you what dimensions you need. I would personally use the tried and true 2x4 post and frames stand and then just skin and trim it like you show in the pic. That way you'll know you have something that won't fail. You could probably use 2x2's for the corner posts and the lower frame that's resting on the floor if you wanted to trim it down. :)

 

[JoshH]

I wouldn't worry about it with 3/4" ply the only thing I can really suggest is having some kind of base to solidify the bottom of the stand to keep the sides square. Even if it's a flat sheet under the stand to form a base. Other than that I would say you're good with your design

 

[George Lopez]

3/4 should be fine on its own as long as you transfer the weight directly onto the walls, but bare bottom? That may cause some issues. I say build a small frame at least with 1x1 (id do 2x4 but i prefer overkill for piece of mind) then wrap it in the 3/4 and include a floor either way to keep it from spreading at the front.

 

[ferro]

I'm going to put a a sheet of plywood for the bottom, got a little lazy last night when making the drawing.

Then I'll build a door/order a door. The plywood will be secured with screws and glue. The 1x4 was going to use a nailer and glue. The top piece isn't shown to go over the entire top but it will. Once I get the tank and see where the weight will be distributed I will adjust my walls to be directly under the load.

 

[JoshH]

Well laziness is just unacceptable.... ;) Looks great I don't think you will have any issues At All our only demand is pictures of the build. I may have missed this in the early description are you planning on a sump?

 

[ferro]

Well laziness is just unacceptable.... ;) Looks great I don't think you will have any issues At All our only demand is pictures of the build. I may have missed this in the early description are you planning on a sump?

Yes I plan on a sump. Not sure which forum to start a build thread. I started a thread in the new tanks section https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/first-salt-water-aquarium.340413/ Currently there are a few suggestions to equipment. The only purchase I have made so far is my tank. I am a newbie and have never actually owned and taken care of an aquarium before so any advice on equipment and what I need would be a plus!

 

[George Lopez]

Looks perfect keep us posted on the build

 

[JoshH]

Just make sure when designing and building your stand everything inside is easily accessible and it's not difficult to remove anything for regular maintenance. The harder it is to access things the less likely we are to do regular maintenance things like pumps and skimmers need. But looks great so far I'll have to follow along on your build

 

[ferro]

So I just finished most of the stand... Do I I need to have anything under the center of the 3/4" plywood top to brace the center of the tank? I did not trust the plywood only so I build a 1x6/1x4 frame on the inside of the plywood.

 

[George Lopez]

Is it a glass tank or acrylic? Glass really only places the weight around the outer edges but i would put a brace because i like to over build just in case it ever decides to want to bow out the front after 30 years of being my stand...

 

[ferro]

Glass rimless.