Large tank owners

[birdy]

We are building a stand for 180 gal tank and want to be sure it is strong enough. What is used for increased strength in the stand. are there 4x4 posts in the corners or something else, do they have post's in the middle of the stand? If you have a picture of the inside of your stand that would be great also.

 

[druluv]

I have a 180.
What would be nice if the whole front can come out. I don't have full access to my fuge because it is in the corner of the stand. If the whole front could come out I could also fit more of my equipment in there.

 

[jdogg2432]

I had a custom stand and canopy built for my 210, and am very pleased with the results. I'll try to get some pics taken tonight for you.

 

[cincyreefer]

Put some designs up if you have them right now... That would be the easiest way to critique them and find any bending stresses. There are many ways to design one, and it all comes to load distribution and bending stresses.

 

[streetdoc]

I recently bought a RR package 210 that came with a stand and canopy. They use 3/4 plywood with oak veneer for most of it. The side pieces are solid 3/4" and the back has 3 pieces that are 8" wide or so. The front has a middle piece about 6" wide as well as 8" on either end. 2 doors cover each of the openings for a total of 4. I have great access underneath from both sides. A lot of the fastening is done with metal clips pressed into the wood. I could try to take some PICs and exact measurements if you would like. Let me know soon as I will be leaving for vacation in a few days and won'r be back until the end of June.

 

[birdy]

Thanks guys, I have a better idea. I am really interested in seeing some pictures of the verticle and cross bracing in these tank stands, if you have pictures that would be great. Kip I would espcially like to see yours without the verticle brace in front.
When we get some plans made up, I will post them to see what you think.
My husband is a custom cabinet maker, and he is starting to build custom tank cabinets and we want to be sure they are structurally sound.

 

[jlem]

Most stands that are mass produced have no inner support. They are simply 3/4 inch ply wood or even MDF board with a veneer ( YIKES ). I build lots of stands and I have found that ripping 4 inch lenths of 3/4 inch plywood and them making a whole inner frame inside the main frame is more than enough for strenth. Using lots of 2X4's and 4X4's are fine and dandy but all you are really doing is make your stand unbelievably heavy and if you stand is to rigid and not perfectly square ( which no stand is perfectly square ) then you can warp your tank and pop a panel or cause a leak after some time.

 

[fishman830]

my entire stand is made out of 2x4's using the "tension" box (i think that's what it is) plan, incredibly strong and uses less wood, it was used by the airforce prior to them switching to engtirely metal construction, that's where my dad learned it.. the airforce