Stand for new build- feedback?

[Gobi-Wan]

Hi all. I am building a stand for a standard 125 and wanted someone experienced to take a quick look at my plan. My main concern is that to be able to put the sump I want in and out, the largest gap between braces is 33". To compensate for this I plan for the top rail to be 2x6 lumber with the width vertical. Let me know if you think this is feasible. Thanks in advance

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

What size sump are you using? The one thing I wished I had done was give myself more room to work underneath. I think you're going to find the 2x6s very inconvenient. I used 2x4s and wish I had done something different.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Use @RocketEngineer 's plans that don't require any center supports. Use a top 2x6 frame with all other dimension lumber, 2x4's. Here's his plan:

 

[Gobi-Wan]

What size sump are you using? The one thing I wished I had done was give myself more room to work underneath. I think you're going to find the 2x6s very inconvenient. I used 2x4s and wish I had done something different.

The sump is a standard 30g, 36" long. Why do you say the 2x6s will be inconvenient? My current setup is a 75g with a stand that I build which has 2x4s right in the middle... that's REALLY a pain in the rear... I thought this was an upgrade lol

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

The sump is a standard 30g, 36" long. Why do you say the 2x6s will be inconvenient? My current setup is a 75g with a stand that I build which has 2x4s right in the middle... that's REALLY a pain in the rear... I thought this was an upgrade lol

I run a 55 gallon sump on my 125 gallon tank. I wish I would've gone with a 40 gallon breeder. I have to completed disassemble my 8" Reef Octopus for a deep cleaning, and I have to tetris the skimmer cup out for weekly cleanings. My stand design was very similar to what you did, and even the 2x4s constantly get in the way.

 

[redfishbluefish]

FYI, here's my RocketEngineer frame for my five foot tank....solid.

 

[Gobi-Wan]

Use @RocketEngineer 's plans that don't require any center supports. Use a top 2x6 frame with all other dimension lumber, 2x4's. Here's his plan:

This is safe for a 6' tank? My thought was that wood is inherently more flexible than glass so even a tiny tiny bit of flex would stress the tank. I am not a scientist though.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Here's what mine looked like. Plenty strong, but I wish I'd have gone with a smaller sump.

 

[Gobi-Wan]

I currently have a 20g sump on my 75g display and I feel like the only reason I need a bigger one for the 125 is for the flow down during a power outage. My ATS currently does almost all of my filtration, the skimmer barely pulls anything and I have ultra low nutrients. So I figured the 30g will give me enough extra space

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

I currently have a 20g sump on my 75g display and I feel like the only reason I need a bigger one for the 125 is for the flow down during a power outage. My ATS currently does almost all of my filtration, the skimmer barely pulls anything and I have ultra low nutrients. So I figured the 30g will give me enough extra space

I hear ya. However, when the return pump is off in my tank, I only use about 30 gallons of the total 55 gallon capacity of the sump. A 40 gallon would've been just fine but more compact.

 

[That Crusso Kid]

Here's what mine looked like. Plenty strong, but I wish I'd have gone with a smaller sump.

I love Siamese catfish! ;)

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

I love Siamese catfish! ;)

Not one, but TWO of Schrodinger's cats in a box! :)

 

[That Crusso Kid]

Not one, but TWO of Schrodinger's cats in a box! :)

You're going to need more dynamite!

 

[BeMoto]

I did a stand with 2x6 similar to what you designed for my 40 gallon breeder. I made it about countertop height and didn't have many proplems with it. For maintenance I just made a bench the length of the tank to make thing easier.

 

[Gobi-Wan]

Well, no need to reinvent the wheel I guess. A stand with no center supports would be ideal but is it really ok for a 6 foot tank?

 

[redfishbluefish]

Hopefully @RocketEngineer will respond.....he's now "here".....he use to be "there." :eek: Believe me, this is so over engineered, it would support a car. This design has been used for years....I'm going to say at least 14 years because that's how old my stand is. If I remember correctly, up to four feet, all wood can be 2x4's. Over 4 feet, top frame needs to be 2x6's. That said, I'd also recommend topping the stand with 3/4 plywood to "level" out the imperfections in the dimensional lumber. But YES, this will easily support a six foot tank with no center brace.

 

[BornHandy]

But YES, this will easily support a six foot tank with no center brace.

I agree. So long as it's level, and the tank is evenly supported, I wouldn't lose any sleep over a four foot opening.