60 gallon cube stand (help)

Syne89 · 02/06/2017, 10:28 AM

Hey ,

How's it going looking on building my first stand for my 24x24x24 cube tank.
Wanna know who has build one already any specifications for materials.maybe somebody has a cutlist to help out... thanks

Sandy Cheeks · 02/06/2017, 11:26 AM

Plywood is a great material, I'd skip the 2x4's for your build.
Are you familiar with pocket-hole joinery? Kreg brand has a nice jig but you may find a cheaper jig at Home Depot.
Nice oak, maple, birch plywood is readily available at HD, Lowe's and others. For the edges you can buy also veneer, it's an iron-on strip of wood, you want it to be the same type of plywood you choose.
You will need a table saw with a nice sharp blade, the more teeth the cleaner the cut; there are very affordable blades that will do for your project. I believe Avanti brand has a good deal on a twin pack 10". A handheld saw will also do the trick but you will need a guide for the straight cuts and make sure your blade/base are at 90*/square angle.
We are stalled on a 36x36 project since the yet to be built stand would not fit trough a doorway...

sde1500 · 02/06/2017, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy Cheeks

Plywood is a great material, I'd skip the 2x4's for your build.
Are you familiar with pocket-hole joinery? Kreg brand has a nice jig but you may find a cheaper jig at Home Depot.
Nice oak, maple, birch plywood is readily available at HD, Lowe's and others. For the edges you can buy also veneer, it's an iron-on strip of wood, you want it to be the same type of plywood you choose.
You will need a table saw with a nice sharp blade, the more teeth the cleaner the cut; there are very affordable blades that will do for your project. I believe Avanti brand has a good deal on a twin pack 10". A handheld saw will also do the trick but you will need a guide for the straight cuts and make sure your blade/base are at 90*/square angle.
We are stalled on a 36x36 project since the yet to be built stand would not fit trough a doorway...

The one change I'd recommend above is to not use iron on veneer. If you want to make a nice stand, make it out of stuff that will last. Chances are those strips will chip or peel. Buy a board of the same wood as your plywood, for instance oak. Then rip small strips of it to glue/nail over the edge of the plywood.

Syne89 · 02/06/2017, 12:27 PM

Thanks for the info .. just looking best way to start with the frame ..

DSmithZ28 · 02/06/2017, 12:51 PM

I think the cube stands that come with the tanks are too small for me. I am building mine at 36" off the ground. To build a good solid stand check out Joey at KingofDIY on Youtube. He suggests the stand should be 4X the weight of the aquarium and water combined. He hs some very good information on simple but effective stands.

Sandy Cheeks · 02/06/2017, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sde1500

The one change I'd recommend above is to not use iron on veneer. If you want to make a nice stand, make it out of stuff that will last. Chances are those strips will chip or peel. Buy a board of the same wood as your plywood, for instance oak. Then rip small strips of it to glue/nail over the edge of the plywood.

I've never had an issue with iron-on veneer, on the other hand with contact cement yes, I've seen it come off.

coralmoral · 02/06/2017, 04:56 PM

If it is a single tank system, I would suggest creating a small 3x20 chamber above a cabinet to store needed items. It comes in handy!

biglurr54 · 02/06/2017, 05:35 PM

I built a stand for my 60 cube out of 2x4 I had laying around. I wrapped it in Luan aka underlayment plywood. It's very thin, cheap, sanded. I used kreg for Pocket screws because I had them. The design doesn't require pocket screws. I used pine 1x for trim. Then I stained the whole thing. I made a matching floating canopy for the halide as well. Worked great.

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

Sandy Cheeks · 02/06/2017, 11:14 PM

24x24 cube. All plywood, three doors.

Sandy Cheeks · 02/06/2017, 11:20 PM

Different finish. This one was for a friend, has a removable top shelf for equipment as coralmoral suggests.

Openings on the back were for hoses, cables. Also three side opening.

Sandy Cheeks · 02/06/2017, 11:26 PM

My brother built those stands, just sharing some of what he made before he took down his tanks.

T8T · 02/13/2017, 03:49 PM

I have built 2 stands like this. My other one was a 120 Black walnut stand.
here is the layout for my latest tank 50Gallon cube. I wanted a space for all of my electronics so i incorporated a portion of the stand for that.

I'll post a few of the construction process and then the finished product.
Inner Shell:

Outer Shell attached:

Inside: Sorry for the crummy pic.

Left side access:

I have more photos of the construction process if you have questions.

Malign Reefer · 02/13/2017, 03:53 PM

Strong work man, I like it. Keep it up!!

WiDataTech · 02/13/2017, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSmithZ28

To build a good solid stand check out Joey at KingofDIY on Youtube. He suggests the stand should be 4X the weight of the aquarium and water combined.

This cant be right??

Greybeard · 02/13/2017, 04:28 PM

My 60 cube stand, tank is 24x24, stand is 36x36. Gives me a little elbow room under the tank, and a place to put my beverage while I'm ogling

Mosaic tiling was done by my daughter.

No 2x4's, made from 4x 3x3x36" poplar corners, rabited to accept 3/4" cabinet grade poplar ply. Glued together, no screws. Top is supported across the mid point with a laminated beam made of 3x 3" wide 3/4" ply strips, set on uprights that go all the way to the floor. It could double as a bench for an elephant.

Shot shortly after completion:

Construction detail:

Initial construction

Shot just after filling the tank

A recent shot of the interior:

The R/C Man · 02/15/2017, 09:16 PM

Hey...

I just ordered a 60 gallon rimless cube and I am in the same boat as you. So thanks for creating this thread. With that said, I am planning to use 1010 T-slot aluminum from 80/20 and then skin it. My thought process for using this? The pieces can be purchased cut to length, assembly is simple, the stand will be light weight, it will be super strong and square, the T-slots allow for many mounting options, and lastly it can be easily disassembled and moved.

FamilyTank · 02/15/2017, 09:34 PM

Nice stands folks

Sandy Cheeks · 02/15/2017, 11:08 PM

Pretty darn cool.

Quote:

Originally Posted by T8T

I have built 2 stands like this. My other one was a 120 Black walnut stand.
here is the layout for my latest tank 50Gallon cube. I wanted a space for all of my electronics so i incorporated a portion of the stand for that.

I'll post a few of the construction process and then the finished product.
Inner Shell:

Outer Shell attached:

Inside: Sorry for the crummy pic.

Left side access:

I have more photos of the construction process if you have questions.

The R/C Man · 02/16/2017, 07:17 PM

I just finished drawing up some plans for an aluminum stand so I thought I would share them.

jayinh · 02/20/2017, 06:45 AM

jayinh · 02/20/2017, 06:45 AM

Greaser9999 · 02/20/2017, 07:03 AM

I just built a 24x24x42 stand this weekend for my new set-up, my o previous stand was 36" but I hated having to squat down to stare at it. At 42" high it will be a lot closer to eye level, I'm in no way a professional carpenter but its not an impossible task either. YouTube has tons of tutorial videos that will help

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

The R/C Man · 02/20/2017, 08:23 PM

The stand looks good. It turned out very nicely. And if you ever need a pedestal to display a Sherman tank on... :P

jaybretzke · 02/22/2017, 06:53 AM

I wish I would have build my own... I went with a mainland venture red oak.

The stand is nice but it is tight...

Greaser9999 · 02/22/2017, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The R/C Man

The stand looks good. It turned out very nicely. And if you ever need a pedestal to display a Sherman tank on... :P

My wife said I should build some stools and turn it into a mini bar lol the pallet style look was her idea by the way

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

02/06/2017, 10:28 AM	#1
Syne89 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 11	60 gallon cube stand (help) Hey , How's it going looking on building my first stand for my 24x24x24 cube tank. Wanna know who has build one already any specifications for materials.maybe somebody has a cutlist to help out... thanks

02/06/2017, 12:27 PM	#4
Syne89 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 11	Stand Thanks for the info .. just looking best way to start with the frame ..

02/13/2017, 03:49 PM	#12
T8T Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: G.P. Texas Posts: 74	I have built 2 stands like this. My other one was a 120 Black walnut stand. here is the layout for my latest tank 50Gallon cube. I wanted a space for all of my electronics so i incorporated a portion of the stand for that. I'll post a few of the construction process and then the finished product. Inner Shell: Outer Shell attached: Inside: Sorry for the crummy pic. Left side access: I have more photos of the construction process if you have questions. __________________ Chris Current Tank Info: 50 Gallon SCA Cube Custom Stand Last edited by T8T; 02/13/2017 at 03:51 PM. Reason: Added Pic.

02/13/2017, 03:53 PM	#13
Malign Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 324	Strong work man, I like it. Keep it up!! __________________ Barroom Hero

02/15/2017, 09:16 PM	#16
The R/C Man Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 668	Hey... I just ordered a 60 gallon rimless cube and I am in the same boat as you. So thanks for creating this thread. With that said, I am planning to use 1010 T-slot aluminum from 80/20 and then skin it. My thought process for using this? The pieces can be purchased cut to length, assembly is simple, the stand will be light weight, it will be super strong and square, the T-slots allow for many mounting options, and lastly it can be easily disassembled and moved. __________________ Greg Over time science has shown that the simplest answers are usually the correct ones....... Current Tank Info: Took everything down except my 14gallon biocube. However, I do have a 680 gallon wood w/glass viewing window on the drawing board. :-)

02/06/2017, 11:26 AM	#2
Sandy Cheeks Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 80	Plywood is a great material, I'd skip the 2x4's for your build. Are you familiar with pocket-hole joinery? Kreg brand has a nice jig but you may find a cheaper jig at Home Depot. Nice oak, maple, birch plywood is readily available at HD, Lowe's and others. For the edges you can buy also veneer, it's an iron-on strip of wood, you want it to be the same type of plywood you choose. You will need a table saw with a nice sharp blade, the more teeth the cleaner the cut; there are very affordable blades that will do for your project. I believe Avanti brand has a good deal on a twin pack 10". A handheld saw will also do the trick but you will need a guide for the straight cuts and make sure your blade/base are at 90*/square angle. We are stalled on a 36x36 project since the yet to be built stand would not fit trough a doorway...

02/06/2017, 12:51 PM	#5
DSmithZ28 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Deep South Posts: 35	I think the cube stands that come with the tanks are too small for me. I am building mine at 36" off the ground. To build a good solid stand check out Joey at KingofDIY on Youtube. He suggests the stand should be 4X the weight of the aquarium and water combined. He hs some very good information on simple but effective stands.

02/06/2017, 04:56 PM	#7
coralmoral Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mount Sinai, NY Posts: 58	If it is a single tank system, I would suggest creating a small 3x20 chamber above a cabinet to store needed items. It comes in handy!

02/06/2017, 05:35 PM	#8
biglurr54 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Averill Park NY Posts: 406	I built a stand for my 60 cube out of 2x4 I had laying around. I wrapped it in Luan aka underlayment plywood. It's very thin, cheap, sanded. I used kreg for Pocket screws because I had them. The design doesn't require pocket screws. I used pine 1x for trim. Then I stained the whole thing. I made a matching floating canopy for the halide as well. Worked great. Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

02/06/2017, 11:14 PM	#9
Sandy Cheeks Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 80	24x24 cube. All plywood, three doors.

02/06/2017, 11:20 PM	#10
Sandy Cheeks Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 80	Different finish. This one was for a friend, has a removable top shelf for equipment as coralmoral suggests. Openings on the back were for hoses, cables. Also three side opening.

02/06/2017, 11:26 PM	#11
Sandy Cheeks Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 80	My brother built those stands, just sharing some of what he made before he took down his tanks.

02/13/2017, 04:28 PM	#15
Greybeard Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Buffalo, MO Posts: 651	My 60 cube stand, tank is 24x24, stand is 36x36. Gives me a little elbow room under the tank, and a place to put my beverage while I'm ogling Mosaic tiling was done by my daughter. No 2x4's, made from 4x 3x3x36" poplar corners, rabited to accept 3/4" cabinet grade poplar ply. Glued together, no screws. Top is supported across the mid point with a laminated beam made of 3x 3" wide 3/4" ply strips, set on uprights that go all the way to the floor. It could double as a bench for an elephant. Shot shortly after completion: Construction detail: Initial construction Shot just after filling the tank A recent shot of the interior:

02/15/2017, 09:34 PM	#17
FamilyTank Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Downriver,Mi Posts: 226	Nice stands folks

02/20/2017, 06:45 AM	#20
jayinh Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: nh Posts: 391	__________________ Hi my name is jay and im a reefaholic (pause) HI JAY Current Tank Info: 60 CUBE, GEN1 RADION, AUTO WATER CHANGE BUILDER AT LARGE!

02/20/2017, 07:03 AM	#22
Greaser9999 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 90	I just built a 24x24x42 stand this weekend for my new set-up, my o previous stand was 36" but I hated having to squat down to stare at it. At 42" high it will be a lot closer to eye level, I'm in no way a professional carpenter but its not an impossible task either. YouTube has tons of tutorial videos that will help Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

02/20/2017, 08:23 PM	#23
The R/C Man Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 668	The stand looks good. It turned out very nicely. And if you ever need a pedestal to display a Sherman tank on... :P __________________ Greg Over time science has shown that the simplest answers are usually the correct ones....... Current Tank Info: Took everything down except my 14gallon biocube. However, I do have a 680 gallon wood w/glass viewing window on the drawing board. :-)

02/22/2017, 06:53 AM	#24
jaybretzke Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 2	I wish I would have build my own... I went with a mainland venture red oak. The stand is nice but it is tight...