Center Support on 75G Stand?

jon770

jon770

Member
I currently have my 75 gallon sitting on an iron stand, and I hate it. I am planning on building a stand, but wanted to know if I can bypass the center support bar? I will be basically following the support design shown in the link below (the one generated on a computer), but I wanted to take out the center support so that I can have easier access underneath. I will then replace the top horizontal 2x4 with a 2x6, to try and compensate for the support loss. I think I saw this on a 90 gallon, so I’m assuming it will be ok on my 75 – but I wanted to check first...
Also, I wanted to make the stand a little higher than usual – so my tank will sit closer to eye level. Do you think a stand height of 30-36 inches is ok? Am I running a risk of it being too top-heavy and tipping?
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/show...ighlight=stand
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
IMO you could get away with it depending what material your constructing the stand out of and the overal design of the stand
 
jon770

jon770

Member

Originally posted by acrylic51
IMO you could get away with it depending what material your constructing the stand out of and the overal design of the stand

I was going to lay 1/2" plywood on the top of the stand and on the inside, and then probably 1/2" Styrofoam on the top plywood (although this has nothing to do with support). I’m not sure what I’m going to use for the skin, but as far as I understand this isn’t all that important as long as the 2x4 support is sturdy enough. I’ll probably run some 1/2" plywood along half of the back wall for more stability and to reduce the noise, but is it necessary (for support purposes)?
Should I just not risk it and put in the center 2x4? The last thing I want/need is my tank crashing down on the floor…
 
1911_guy

1911_guy

Member
I have a 75E AGA on a factory stand. it has a center support but is intended for a 55G, my tank doesn't even touch it.
i would like to remove mine to for easier access when i place a large sump underneath. good luck. here is a pic of my stand.
guess you really can't tell from the picture but the support sits about 1 1/2 inches below the bottom glass.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
I'm by no means a structural engineer, and I have a tendency to over build things, but I'd rather be safe than sorry....If the factory stand "AGA" has the center brace there I would put it back in... It would void the warranty if the warranty hasn't already expired... It is there for a reason. It's not there to support the tank itself, but to support the beam the tank rests on, and most weight should be distributed to the ends or corners of the tank......... You could remove the center brace and install your larger sump and then replace it when you are done.....
There is nothing wrong with making your stand as high as you want... I'm not saying 10' but 30-36" would be perfectly fine. My stand for my current 240 setup is actually 44" high with 3/4" plywood and then 3/4" styrofoam on top of that... I always use 3/4" plywood for my stand tops.... Again overkill on my part. I used 2x6 for construction of my stand and 4x4 posts for the legs... I don't have to concern myself with loss space under the tank due to the filter system being installed behind the tank in a seperate area so it will be easy to work on.......I even went so far as to notch my 4x4 posts so that they are actually caring the load not relying on screws or bolts 100%. Build your stand like you would build a house... Solid in my opinion. I cross brace mine as well. I think the stand weighs more than the tank itself:D
Back to your point the 2x6 should be more than enough to carry the load and to span the distance you need. The weight is carried more on the ends then the center. There are several good pics around of good beam to post ideas!!!! Check them out
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
A tank that size I don't think it would matter a bit because the 2x6 would cover the span adequately
 
jon770

jon770

Member
It's a glass tank.
And just out of curiosity - does the warranty cover all my damages if a tank breaks, or just the tank itself? Because if my tank springs a leak or breaks, the $100 for a new tank will be the LEAST of my concerns...
Here is a pic of the basic support design which I want to use - but replace the top horizontal 2x4 with a 2x6, and then take out the front vertical 2x4 supports. Is it worth the risk?
Oh, and I 'borrowed' the design from foxthorn...Thanks, BTW
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Tank itself. You homeowners insurance will cover other damages, but they will not cover loss of livestock, no matter what anyone tells you...
 
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