Stand Construction

grouper 42

grouper 42

Member
I would like to build my own stand for a 225 gallon tank (72X24X30). What plans I can find on the web utilize 2X4's. My current Oceanic stand for my 128 appears to use only 1 inch wood. Other stands I have seen at the LFS only use 1 inch wood. The difference is that it is easier to find nice finish wood out of one inch (like knotty pine) then out of two inch. Anyone with experience building their own stands and would a stand properly constructed out of one inch would (oak or pine) hold up a 225?
 
thewizzrd

thewizzrd

Member
Just look at your oceanic stand and model the new stand around it. I made a 2x4 frame, then used 3/4" wood for the front and doors. I think I used it for the sides too. I painted the stand black except for the doors which I stained an oak color. It looks really nice and it was easy to build. Just follow the basic design of your other stand and you'll be fine. Just adjust the measurments for the bigger tank.
 
dmaister

dmaister

New Member
I'm planning on getting a 125g, but have a similar question about the stand. The stands available at LFSs seems to be made of fairly light duty wood (2x4 and some laminate). Is this fairly common? If I build a built-in wall stand out of 2x4's and use wood laminate for trim, will it be sturdy enough to hold the 1500+lbs worth of LS, LR, water and glass? Any recommendations on how to hold the wood together? Nails, screws, something more durable?
Thanks,
Danny
 
beefller

beefller

Member
I built the stand frame for my 300 gallon out of 2x4s. I just doubled them up so it was more like a 4x4. I then got some marine grade plywood and covered the frame with it. I just painted it but if you used a good hard wood and stained it, it would look really good too. The stand I made is really sturdy and I spent less than $100 on it.
 
grouper 42

grouper 42

Member
My reading so far seems to indicate that either 2X4 wood for a frame (wrapped with anything you like) or 3/4 inch wood would do. Keep in mind that a 1.5 inch wide (what a 2X4 actually is) piece of wood if of poor quality and grain structure like whitewood or SPF may not have as much strength as a higher quality 3/4 inch piece of wood. My stand for my 128 is made solely out of 3/4 inch oak. I think if constructed square, true and level 3/4 inch will do but then I am no carpenter. I found a number of opions at <a href="http://www.thekrib.com." target="_blank">www.thekrib.com.</a>
 
thewizzrd

thewizzrd

Member
If you purchase a "treated" 2x4 then you will gain even more strength, plus it will be water resistant. However, if you go to your local hardware store and pick out a few nice 2x4's (i.e. knotless and straight) they will support a far greater load that any 3/4". I suggest a 2x4 frame and then wrap it in an oak. Although pine or birch/maple look just as good and a whole lot cheaper. For my money I would definately go with the 2x4.
 
thewizzrd

thewizzrd

Member
Dmaister, use a combination of screws and wood glue to join the corners. I'll see what I can do about gettin pics of my stand up so you can see what I am talking about.
 
G

grouper42

Guest
I think I actually misspoke above. It looks as though my oceanic is 3/4 inch laminate plywood with an oak veneer. I assume that laminate is probably stronger then non-laminate wood. If you overlay 2X4 with 3/4 inch do you butt end the 3/4 inch wood at the corners or try to miter them?
 
dmaister

dmaister

New Member
WaterRat,
Thanks for the advice. BTW, what is MDF??
And what do you "treat" the cabinet with after you put it together, so it is somewhat water and salt proof?
Thanks again!
Danny
 
jedimaster

jedimaster

Member
Hi ya their m8, I would be glad to offer up some advice for you, I finished my stand for my 90 including a cabinet, It will actually hold a 76" x 20" x 24" but I partitioned off some space for a storage cabinet and sump/refuge. Take a look at my website for a picture of the tank and stand.
I'll be adding some more detailed shots of the framework very soon.
I have since finished the door on the left and I'll add a pic of it tonite.
<a href="http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/TOES/saltfish.html" target="_blank">http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/TOES/saltfish.html</a>
 
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