Will this stand support a 180g?

[AmaleeC]

Im finally going to get started on my dream set up. A 180g FOWLR tank.

My husband built this stand as pictured in the first photo and then we realized that my new sump would not fit in that space due to the supports. He moved the supports so that they’re no longer centered and we wanted to ensure this stand will still support the weight of the tanks. We sat on it but were nothing compared to how heavy 180g of water will be…

What do you guys think?

 

[Fish Fan]

I have my own thoughts from building many stands, none of which has crumbled..... Yet lol!

But @RocketEngineer - this is who you want, this is who more or less designed your tank stand :-)

Thanks in advance RE, I hope you don't mind me tagging you in here ;-)

 

[Heres_doe_]

Not a structural engineer so not sure but I used this plan to make my stand for my 125

 

[Fish Fan]

Not a structural engineer so not sure but I used this plan to make my stand for my 125

That very, very popular stand design was originally put forth back in the old Reef Central days by a guy named..... @RocketEngineer, who is an active member here at Reef2Reef :-)

 

[AmaleeC]

That very, very popular stand design was originally put forth back in the old Reef Central days by a guy named..... @RocketEngineer, who is an active member here at Reef2Reef :)

Thank you @Heres_doe_

@Fish Fan Haha small world! I guess I will wait to hear from RocketEngineer.

If anyone has any thoughts or feedback in the interim, we are open to them! It is not pictured but the stand does have 4 braces across the top, similar to the diagram shared by Heres_doe_. We will also be adding plywood to the front and sides with a makeshift “cabinet” door in the center. The back will remain open.

 

[Fish Fan]

I think you're fine, but you'd be well served to wait and see if RE confirms :-)

Good luck!

 

[AmaleeC]

I think you're fine, but you'd be well served to wait and see if RE confirms :)

Good luck!

Got it! Thank you very much :)

 

[BeanAnimal]

The stand will hold the weight without a problem with regard to vertical loading. The issue (with any stand) is the lateral force and wracking/twisting. Be it huge uncle bob leaning on it, or an earthquake. Permanently affixed back (and sides) create sheer walls that stiffen (substantially) the whole structure. So - it will hold. If you want to add safety factor, screw/glue a sheet to the back frame. It can even be 1/8. It will add substantial strength. Adding sides or at the min a diagonal (opposite each side) will create further strength.

 

[Fish Fan]

The stand will hold the weight without a problem with regard to vertical loading. The issue (with any stand) is the lateral force and wracking/twisting. Be it huge uncle bob leaning on it, or an earthquake. Permanently affixed back (and sides) create sheer walls that stiffen (substantially) the whole structure. So - it will hold. If you want to add safety factor, screw/glue a sheet to the back frame. It can even be 1/8. It will add substantial strength. Adding sides or at the min a diagonal (opposite each side) will create further strength.

Mr. Animal, I always appreciate your input, I know it goes back to the old Reef Central days too :-)

 

[PharmrJohn]

I'm weak on stands, so nothing from me structurally. But if you can, I'd plan for a sump that can be removed without breaking down the DT. I've never had a sump go bad, but I DID have to break down my DT when it sprang a leak. Same basic difference work-wise. It just sucked.

 

[Cichlid Dad]

That very, very popular stand design was originally put forth back in the old Reef Central days by a guy named..... @RocketEngineer, who is an active member here at Reef2Reef :)

That's what I used for my 90 gallon build
,

 

[RocketEngineer]

Im finally going to get started on my dream set up. A 180g FOWLR tank.

My husband built this stand as pictured in the first photo and then we realized that my new sump would not fit in that space due to the supports. He moved the supports so that they’re no longer centered and we wanted to ensure this stand will still support the weight of the tanks. We sat on it but were nothing compared to how heavy 180g of water will be…

What do you guys think?

I’m not seeing anything there that concerns me. BeanAnimal is correct in that adding a shear panel on the back will significantly stiffen the stand. But as is, you’re on the right track.

 

[AmaleeC]

Thank you all for your feedback. We brought the tank in and its a beauty. Can’t wait to put the finishing touches on the stand and get started on the plumbing!!

 

[AmaleeC]

I'm weak on stands, so nothing from me structurally. But if you can, I'd plan for a sump that can be removed without breaking down the DT. I've never had a sump go bad, but I DID have to break down my DT when it sprang a leak. Same basic difference work-wise. It just sucked.

Meant to write back to this as well and thank you for the advice! I plan to use a few unions and valves so that I can do exactly that. My 75 didn’t have a tall stand so there wasn’t much room to work. This time around I’ve been able to have my pick.

Thank you all for the suggestions once more. I mentioned the back panel that was recommended by you all to my husband, but he insisted we would be fine :face-with-rolling-eyes: Trying not to be too much of a pain since the stand has been his project.