Building a Stand for a 75

reefsoe

reefsoe

Member
Thats a 75g and those are 4x4's i just built a frame and covered it with plywood and molding, the extra large door that will soon be in the front make gettin in the stand very easy
 
jjboods

jjboods

Member
Okay...for all those following/interested.
Six 4x4 legs...one in each corner and one each in the front center and rear center.
2x4's made into a frame for the top...corners done with half lap joints. And one or two across the middle...like floor joists.
1/2 " plywood on the frame, the frame on the 4x4's.
1/2" plywood bottom for the 4x4's to rest on.
3/4" plywood encasing it and keeping all pieces square.
I know...over kill with the 4x4's...so...sound good?
 
reefsoe

reefsoe

Member
Thats what i did exactly i put 4x4's overlap the joints i also cut plywood for the bottom shelf on the inside and added molding to the corners
 
jjboods

jjboods

Member
One more thing...I am sure it would be possible...but how...let's here from some structural engineers....
What type of front stringer/joist across the top could I use to NOT have a middle support in the front...to have full access underneath? Maybe 3-4 3/4" pieces of plywood glued togather to make a beam?
 
jjboods

jjboods

Member
Well...I am definitely putting a shelf or two inside. And I am building it tall because I want to add a drawer or two and I want the tank to sit higher.
 
jjboods

jjboods

Member
Well...I can only go long enough to fit the tank. As for width...I don't want it coming out to far and my lights hang above from the ceiling. But height...probably about 36".
 
reefsoe

reefsoe

Member
my canopy is 14 inch birch the halide's are on 3 inch blocks screwed into the top cover. They site about 10 inches off the water
 
jjboods

jjboods

Member
Mine won't have a "canoppy"...more of a 3 sided frame just to dress up the top. Can't put a top on because the lights hang.
Anyone have ideas about a beam for the front?
 
reefsoe

reefsoe

Member
my thought would be using 2x4's for the top and bottom frames along the top you could drill them into the 5 4x4 legs in the bottom you could notch the 4x4's like i did and rest
 
melbournefl

melbournefl

Member
I'll try to discribe my setup for what it's worth. I have a 220 gallon tank, overall length is 8', six feet of that is actual tank and 2 feet on the left side is an "equipment" cabinet. There are three supports, far left, far right and one on the left hand side of the actual tank, this leaves me about 6 feet of working sump/equipment area and 2 feet of water treatment equipment/pump space. The supports are all "stacked" 2x6's resting on 2x6's. To the top-rear of the supports I have a 2x6 half-lapped in and running the entire length. The top-front of the 6' tank portion is 3 2x4's also half-lapped in. The entire thing is covered with 3/4" plywood on the top (with a layer of garage carpeting over that) and the front and sides are sheathed in aromatic cedar and maple. Whew, I just read all that and even though I built the son-of-a-gun, I'm now confused LOL anyway, I'm hoping to have some more pics to post soon so maybe that will clear things up. In the meantime, check my websight below and follow the link to "stand construction" photos.
HTH
Later and keep us posted,
Paul
 
reefsoe

reefsoe

Member
my thought would be using 2x4's for the top and bottom frames along the top you could drill them into the 5 4x4 legs in the bottom you could notch the 4x4's like i did and rest
 
jjboods

jjboods

Member
Melbourne,
Sounds like you're saying and looks like you have spanned six feet with only a 2x6 on one side and (2) 2x6's on the other?
 
melbournefl

melbournefl

Member
one 2x6 on the back yes, the front is 3 "stacked" 2x4's. The back is also lag-bolted into the wall studs.
Later,
Paul
 
jjboods

jjboods

Member
And there is no bowing? The 2 by's support the weight of the tank over a six foot span with no cetner brace?
 
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