Which support configuration is better for a 20g stand?

[Jake_the_reefer]

So I am biding a 20g stand abd I am trying to figure out which way will be more stable for a stand. Should I have the vertical 2x4 be on top of the bottom or inside of the frame on the top and bottom?

 

[The Aquatic Arsenal]

Pic 2. You will take most of the stress off of the nails/screws.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

In the first design all the weight is on the screws of the build and on the 2nd the weight is on the 2x4

 

[Quietman]

If you're using 2x4 I would suggest both actually. Have the inside for stability and then another 2x4 to support the top frame. So you'll have 2 vertical 2x4 at each corner.

 

[motortrendz]

Pic #1 is never the way to go on any stand. there is no wood supporting the weight Only the sheer factor of the screws used. And if they're standard drywall screws they dont take much to fail

#2 is the proper way as that allows the wood to support the weight. But you also need to make sure to skin it or cross brace it so it wont twist or move under the weight.

 

[The Aquatic Arsenal]

If you're using 2x4 I would suggest both actually. Have the inside for stability and then another 2x4 to support the top frame. So you'll have 2 vertical 2x4 at each corner.

This is the method I used when building the stands for my frag systems as well.

 

[Quietman]

Take a look a You Tuber - King of DIY. He has many videos on how to put this type of stand together. Very strong and very easy.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Pic #1 is never the way to go on any stand. there is no wood supporting the weight Only the sheer factor of the screws used. And if they're standard drywall screws they dont take much to fail

#2 is the proper way as that allows the wood to support the weight. But you also need to make sure to skin it or cross brace it so it wont twist or move under the weight.

I'm planning cross braces and metal corner plates for sure. Not chancing it. I'm thinking I wont need cross braces on the top and bottom. Just need them between the vertical braces

 

[dutch27]

I'm planning cross braces and metal corner plates for sure. Not chancing it. I'm thinking I wont need cross braces on the top and bottom. Just need them between the vertical braces

Pic #2, with a plywood skin and plywood top would be laterally stable and plenty strong.

You could build the whole thing out of 3/4" veneered plywood with screws and glue and it would be plenty strong enough. I had a plywood only stand for a 75g and 120g that was just fine.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Pic #2, with a plywood skin and plywood top would be laterally stable and plenty strong.

You could build the whole thing out of 3/4" veneered plywood with screws and glue and it would be plenty strong enough. I had a plywood only stand for a 75g and 120g that was just fine.

I'm going to do cross braces and a removable plywood cover

 

[Quietman]

Was just typing this @dutch27 . You could go with 3/4" plywood and build an ADA type stand or a box type stand similar to mass produced particle board you can buy but with 3/4" plywood. Most don't realize that plywood of sufficient design (7 layers min) is stronger that dimensional lumber and in a box type or partial box is immensely strong.

 

[Carz]

Treated lumber in the house is not the greatest idea.