Stand construction question

[lovetoreef]

I am in the process of building a wood frame stand for a 60"x30"x24" tank ... I generally prefer to keep the middle as open as possible ... can I use double 2-6's for my top cross members and avoid using any vertical cross pieces? I have tried to find some plans for stands, but, I am striking out so far - any suggestions?

[TotalReefer]

I am in the process of building a wood frame stand for a 60"x30"x24" tank ... I generally prefer to keep the middle as open as possible ... can I use double 2-6's for my top cross members and avoid using any vertical cross pieces? I have tried to find some plans for stands, but, I am striking out so far - any suggestions?

My stand is a 48" so don't take my advice to heart. That being said I saw some people talk about using Engineered lumber as compared to regular 2x6's. They are much more stiff and hopefully wont warp/flex over time. Worth looking into!

[lovetoreef]

Thanks for the fast reply ... I did find the one stand design thread and it recommends 2x8's ... I would think if I cross block them, that would eliminate any twisting/warping? certainly if I were to double up?

[booyaa138]

Here is a pic of my stand. My tank is 60x18x24. I used no center braces at all. I just followed Rocketenginer's template.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv182/boo-yaa138/tank%20stand.jpg (http://s682.photobucket.com/user/boo-yaa138/media/tank%20stand.jpg.html)

After I skinned it

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv182/boo-yaa138/tanks%20stand%203.jpg (http://s682.photobucket.com/user/boo-yaa138/media/tanks%20stand%203.jpg.html)

[lovetoreef]

very nice - did you end up going with 2x6's or 2x8's?

[booyaa138]

2x6's for the top and 2x4's for the rest of the stand

[ericarenee]

Not sure if you can see it very well but my Avatar pic has my 7 foot tank . There is no center support brace.. What you see in the middle is to support the shelving because of the heavy tile on 1/2 ply shelves then concrete..

Anyway the top is a 2x4 box with a 2x6 lam beam on the front Supported by 2x6 on each end.. Wrapped with ply and screwed / glued together The back of the tank sits on a 2x4 header sitting on top the wall that was cut out. The back of the tank is accessible from the bathroom behind it
Double up 2x4 on the front or a 2x6 will be fine... Just screw it together not nails and be sure your vertical suppers are done as Jack studs as in the pictures posted above..
Also during building use a LARGE Framing square and cross measure. (top right corner bottom left) to insure its square NOT a level....

[sleepydoc]

Just screw it together not nails and be sure your vertical suppers are done as Jack studs as in the pictures posted above..
Also during building use a LARGE Framing square and cross measure. (top right corner bottom left) to insure its square NOT a level....

+1 to most of the comments above. I would adovcate screwing and gluing, especially if you're using 2x lumber. Although it's kiln dried, I've seen some dry and shrink a bit over time, leading to the screw holes getting a bit loose.

I made a stand for my 120 out of hicory and put a double 1x5 across the 4' top IIRC. It's totally with no give whatsoever

[mnkykng77]

lovetoreef: Did you end up building your stand? If so did you use 2x6 or 2x8? I'm in the process of planning/building my next tank and have the same size tank as yours.