Stand support

[Kevin Kiger]

I'm using the rocket engineer plan to build a stand for my 50 gallon cube. Dimensions are 24x24x19. My sump is also 24 wide which presents a problem fitting it inside the stand because the supports are in the way. To make matters worse the plumbing holes for the sump are on the back corners of the sump at the top. If I build the stand with a 26" opening, allowing an inch on each side in which to slide the sump, am I still structurally sound? The vertical braces would not be directly under the corners of the tank, but start an inch outside. My gut tells me that over time, the top frame will sag.

Thoughts?

 

[Muttley000]

can you just put a door on the side and slide the sump in that way? I doubt you are going to have an issue the way you describe it, if you are worried you could up the wood spanning the 26" gaps to 2x6 to feel better.

 

[That Crusso Kid]

What material will you be using to build the stand?

 

[Kevin Kiger]

I was planning on using 2x4s

After some reflection and searching, I think I will build the stand to match the tank and see how the sump fits. If I can't make it work, I'll probably just purchase a new sump. I'd like it to have a clean look and building it wider leaves gaps around the tank as well.

 

[That Crusso Kid]

I was planning on using 2x4s

After some reflection and searching, I think I will build the stand to match the tank and see how the sump fits. If I can't make it work, I'll probably just purchase a new sump. I'd like it to have a clean look and building it wider leaves gaps around the tank as well.

From the description of the your original post and your last post, you're going to be getting a new sump. A 24" sump isn't going to fit into a stand made to hold a 24" tank. The 1.5" of the lumber being used will make the interior of the stand 21".

For future reference; here is a calculator that helps with load bearing. As you will see, there are a number of options for different wood types.

https://courses.cit.cornell.edu/arch264/calculators/example7.1/index.html

 

[Kevin Kiger]

Thank you for the responses. Thus far I have $0.00 invested. My brother upgraded his setup and gave me the tank and sump. I'd rather have confidence in my stand and buy a sump rather than worry or have something that looks weird. I guess my nest post will be what sump to purchase.... lol

 

[That Crusso Kid]

Thank you for the responses. Thus far I have $0.00 invested. My brother upgraded his setup and gave me the tank and sump. I'd rather have confidence in my stand and buy a sump rather than worry or have something that looks weird. I guess my nest post will be what sump to purchase.... lol

Well, at those prices it's hard to go wrong!

 

[Kevin Kiger]

Since I have your attention, would you double check my material list?
24" cube 48" tall:
4 - 24" front and back, top and bottom frame (red, and orange)
4 - 17" sides, top and bottom of frame (yellow and blue w/o center support)
8 - 41" vertical frame supports (purple)
4 - 46" inside frame (green)

So, 8 - 8' 2x4s should get me there with left over

 

[That Crusso Kid]

Since I have your attention, would you double check my material list?
24" cube 48" tall:
4 - 24" front and back, top and bottom frame (red, and orange)
4 - 17" sides, top and bottom of frame (yellow and blue w/o center support)
8 - 41" vertical frame supports (purple)
4 - 46" inside frame (green)

So, 8 - 8' 2x4s should get me there with left over

Yup, 8 should do it.

I am wondering why you have 17" sides configured? If it's a 24" cube then these will be 21". (24" - (1.5" + 1.5")) Nevertheless, even at 21" you're still safe with 8 - 96" 2x4s.

 

[Kevin Kiger]

Yup, 8 should do it.

I am wondering why you have 17" sides configured? If it's a 24" cube then these will be 21". (24" - (1.5" + 1.5")) Nevertheless, even at 21" you're still safe with 8 - 96" 2x4s.

Glad I had someone read it! You are correct, 21”.