Will 2x3s be enough to support a 75 gallon tank?

[Fishy888]

I am thinking about building a new stand for my 75 gallon tank. I have plenty of 2x3 lumber on hand as well as some 2x4 lumber but not enough to build the whole stand with it. Would 2x3s work or am I asking for trouble?

 

[KrisReef]

If I were to try and build a stand out of 2x3 I would use more sticks than when I used 4x4’s and made a simple 4 post with 2 decks (tank on top- sump below) stand that looks fine in the garage but not pretty for the wife’s living space:)

If you are skilled at all it can be done, it’s just more work to assemble the extra pieces carefully so that they work together to carry the load.

For me a plywood deck ( or two) help spread the weight load to all the legs needed below. Be safe and add in cross members to address shearing issues from earth quake and water movement.

Take the challenge for yourself, fill it outside and bump it a bit to make sure you got it done right before you bring it inside where the risk will live. Good luck!

Spruce Goose flew, this can too!

 

[WVNed]

Yes it could be done. Use good fasteners and make sure the load is transferred to the floor.

 

[RocketEngineer]

Do you have enough 2X4 for the top and bottom frames? I would feel comfortable with that, especially with doubled up legs in an L shape as long as the legs are free of knots.

 

[danny_corals]

I think it would be no problem

 

[Fishy888]

Thank you everyone. I will definitely be careful if I do this.

 

[TDEcoral]

I used 1x4 for all of my 75g stand, besides the top two pieces that span the length of the tank. For those I used 2x4. No center brace from the top of the stand to bottom either, it's completely open.