Stand dimension questions

bennetkd · 08/25/2011, 07:44 PM

Hi all!

I just wanted to make sure that a standard 180 gallon has a 72" X 24" footprint. In other words, that is the outside dimensions, correct?

I'm going to start building the stand this weekend and want to make sure I don't make it too small. Should I make the stand 1/4" bigger on each side?
Would you bother with a plywood top? I was just going to set the stand on the 2X6s (or should I use 2X8s?).

Thanks

RocketEngineer · 08/26/2011, 06:24 AM

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1567110

This is a basic stand design that many people have used. In it I recommend 2X8 for a top frame the rest of the stand can be 2X4. I would make the stand at least 1/2" bigger than the tank and if you have the room 1" bigger doesn't hurt. Having the stand sit on the center of the structure is much better than having it overhang because the stand was built too small. The plywood top is optional but I did a trimmed one on my stand and love it.

HTH,
RocketEngineer

Gandolfe · 08/26/2011, 07:23 AM

my 125 is 72 1/2" by 18 1/2"
add a 1/4" to all dimmensions for trim if you have any... adding a sheet of 3/4" plywood would add about $45 if you use oak or Birch, and about $25 for sanded pine!. If you want take a look at my DIY thread.." my 125 gallon $150 Craigs List bargian"

reefermad619 · 08/26/2011, 11:02 AM

Definitly do a plywood top. It will help with leveling the tank. When I build my stand for my 180, I will do a top with 2 layers of 3/4" ply. Dimensional lumber from HD/lowes sucks. It will be warped in some way. Even if you fish thru it, it will still have some imperfections. The ply top will help with making sure the tank has a level surface.

Gandolfe · 08/27/2011, 06:17 AM

My top is level. I made sure my stand was level and then crewed the 3/4" plywood to the stand from underneath..it won't warp

bennetkd · 08/28/2011, 08:42 AM

Thanks for your help!

08/25/2011, 07:44 PM	#1
bennetkd Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Ontario Posts: 23	Stand dimension questions Hi all! I just wanted to make sure that a standard 180 gallon has a 72" X 24" footprint. In other words, that is the outside dimensions, correct? I'm going to start building the stand this weekend and want to make sure I don't make it too small. Should I make the stand 1/4" bigger on each side? Would you bother with a plywood top? I was just going to set the stand on the 2X6s (or should I use 2X8s?). Thanks

08/26/2011, 06:24 AM	#2
RocketEngineer Space is big. Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Maryland Eastern Shore Posts: 3,226	http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1567110 This is a basic stand design that many people have used. In it I recommend 2X8 for a top frame the rest of the stand can be 2X4. I would make the stand at least 1/2" bigger than the tank and if you have the room 1" bigger doesn't hurt. Having the stand sit on the center of the structure is much better than having it overhang because the stand was built too small. The plywood top is optional but I did a trimmed one on my stand and love it. HTH, RocketEngineer __________________ -RocketEngineer "Knowledge is what you get when you read the directions, experience is what you get when you don't." - Unknown Current Tank Info: None Currently

08/26/2011, 11:02 AM	#4
reefermad619 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: The Salty D! Sandy let go of my eggo! Posts: 1,962	Definitly do a plywood top. It will help with leveling the tank. When I build my stand for my 180, I will do a top with 2 layers of 3/4" ply. Dimensional lumber from HD/lowes sucks. It will be warped in some way. Even if you fish thru it, it will still have some imperfections. The ply top will help with making sure the tank has a level surface. __________________ Fish tanks and Chevys... And my cousin's Datsun too. Some call it paranoid. I call it prepared. You have more post than I do... You MUST be right then!

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08/26/2011, 07:23 AM	#3
Gandolfe Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Port Richey,Florida Posts: 849	my 125 is 72 1/2" by 18 1/2" add a 1/4" to all dimmensions for trim if you have any... adding a sheet of 3/4" plywood would add about $45 if you use oak or Birch, and about $25 for sanded pine!. If you want take a look at my DIY thread.." my 125 gallon $150 Craigs List bargian"

08/27/2011, 06:17 AM	#5
Gandolfe Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Port Richey,Florida Posts: 849	My top is level. I made sure my stand was level and then crewed the 3/4" plywood to the stand from underneath..it won't warp

08/28/2011, 08:42 AM	#6
bennetkd Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Ontario Posts: 23	Thanks for your help!