raising my stand need feedback

[nel621]

I just upgraded to 135g from 75g!The tank came with an iron stand that is 28 inches tall.I want to raise the tank higher to about 33 inches tall.I will not be making a new stand.I was thinking about making a rectangular platform using 4x4's and 2x4 's sandwiched together then placing the iron stand on top.The two peices of wood would give me 5 inches of height and also save my hardwood floor from being gouged by the heavy metal stand.Afterward I plan on making a cabinet "skin" to surround the newly raised stand.I built my own stand and canopy for my 75g but I think the metal stand will be more secure.Not that I don't have faith in my building skills just trying to find a short cut with all the building.Let me know if you think this will be ok,also if you made a "cabinet skin" maybe you can post a pic.TIA
Nelson

 

[digitydash]

I wouldn't use the 2x4.Use 4x4 in the center to.

 

[nel621]

The iron stand has 6 legs.It is made of angle iron.4 corner legs and 2 in the center.I was just going to make a a large frame the same foot print of the stand,with a center support and just place the stand on top.Basically just elevate the whole thing.All the lumber will be screwed together of course.Kinda like one big 5 inch shim! what do you think?

 

[drpaul84]

is there a way to secure the metal stand to the wood? or make the bottom foot print larger then the stand so its more of a platform? then you can make your shell to coincide with that, could look nice. but i would not just put the metal stand on the wood if its the same footprint size due to risk of tipping

 

[nel621]

I could make the base a little bigger.Note the angle iron will rest in the center of the 4x4.Also do you think once the tank is filled with water that it will move or tip over? I'm thinking it's going to sink down a little and then it really won't slide around.

 

[drpaul84]

its that whole center of gravity thing....raising it can make it unstable.....kind of like a high rise building....the base is huge then it gets smaller so if u make the platform larger then the actual stand it will be more stable...not be a ton, maybe 4-5 inches

 

[nel621]

So I should make the the frame 4-5 inches tall and a bit wider than the stand.Should I also add a sheet a plywood to this base I'm making so it's more of a platform to put the stand on?Keep coming with your ideas!

 

[wattsupdoc]

Be sure to keep it square and true, to avoid it from being unlevel when the stand is on top of it.

 

[flricordia]

Sounds scary. If it were me I would spend the few extra $ and make an all wooden stand and not haev to worry about metal corrosion or stability problems. Wish you luck.

 

[nel621]

I could drill a small hole at each end leg and bolt it to the platform and 4x4 using angle iron brackets,this way everything will be stable.I think with an 1 1/2 inch over hang around the stand it should be ok.Then when I add the cabinet skin of 1/2 inch ply I will still have a 1 inch lip.Do you really think there will a problem with a 1000 lbs. unit that is on a metal stand tipping over?Once the stand is bolted to the platform it will become one unit.Yes?It will be square and level.Do you think I need to make a wooden stand to make it more stable than an iron one bolted to a platform?Keep your ideas coming!Thanks,
Nelson

 

[wattsupdoc]

Originally Posted by Flricordia
Sounds scary. If it were me I would spend the few extra $ and make an all wooden stand and not haev to worry about metal corrosion or stability problems. Wish you luck.
I would also....

 

[nel621]

Originally Posted by Flricordia
Sounds scary. If it were me I would spend the few extra $ and make an all wooden stand and not haev to worry about metal corrosion or stability problems. Wish you luck.
I got the tank today and have already cleaned it and currently have it filled with water to check for leaks. Tank is in the garage for now.I also started to strip the old paint and yes rust from the stand[did I mention it was a used item].I took a drill with a very coarse wire wheel to it and got it pretty clean.I plan on putting several coats of black color rustoleum on it.I think it will be ok.Anyway the metal will be hidden by the cabinet frame.The platform I make will be much heavier than the iron tank stand that came with the tank!So if I bolt this altogether it will be like an anchor on the stand!I'm trying to save some time with the stand since I will also need to make a new canopy which I feel is much more time consuming.Also what does one do with a 6 ft. long metal stand if I build one from wood?

 

[nel621]

Does anyone have a 125g or larger tank sitting up higher than the standard 28 inch height of the metal stands?Just wondering how high do you folks have your tanks.

 

[ifirefight]

130 gallon..33 inches from floor to bottom of the tank.

 

[nel621]

Originally Posted by ifirefight
130 gallon..33 inches from floor to bottom of the tank.
Did you make the stand or did it come with the tank?wood or metal? Thanks.

 

[ifirefight]

https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=295037

 

[nel621]

Great stand.Too bad we're not neighbors.You ahve given me some good ideas.I made a similar design for my 75g with attached doors.I just didn't want to make a new stand although I may have too.I'm curious,what do you think about my idea of making a platform for the metal stand that came with my tank to raise it 4-5 inches?Read my thread.

 

[ifirefight]

Originally Posted by Nel621
Great stand.Too bad we're not neighbors.You ahve given me some good ideas.I made a similar design for my 75g with attached doors.I just didn't want to make a new stand although I may have too.I'm curious,what do you think about my idea of making a platform for the metal stand that came with my tank to raise it 4-5 inches?Read my thread.
Without actually seeing a picture of the metal stand...I am hesitant to answer. One of my concerns is the angle iron legs "digging into" the wood and possibly splitting the wood, I go along with most of the other replys posted also... But If you look at the "factory" stands that come with most tanks ( read...staples,bubble gum,particle board,maybe a little glue )....Your stand has to be stronger than those things. In the end its up to you. I would build a solid wood stand and be done with it...Oh .... I already did, and I am.

 

[nel621]

Since I have a few pieces of lumber laying around I'm going to try a dry run and place them under the stand[in the garage] then place the tank on top.I will slowly add some water to see how much the metal will sink into the wood.I am leaning toward building the stand from lumber after muh discussion on this board and also after viewing your frame work.Also today I met someone who put his 125g on a 4 foot tall stand!He used 4x4's and bolted everything together using lag bolts.Now that is a tall stand!Thanks to all for your replys.I'll try to post some pics once I get MY computer back from service.

 

[mjkurch]

I would either get a piece of 3" x 3" angle long enough to go past each corner say 2" , for the front and back . Weld it to the stand legs. If your not handy with a welder try 1/4" steel plate about 8" square to keep the legs from digging in the wood since your experimenting. Good Idea.