tank stand question

sls · 08-04-2005, 10:31 AM

Im getting back into the hobby after about a year off and I have a 125 in the basement just asking to be used. im going to build my own stand. The stand will be about 4 ft tall and have the footprint of a 125 obviuosly this means it will be 6 ft long. I want to make it with 2 big doors on front with no center brace. I also want the sides to remove for access from 3 sides. my question is what size lumber should I use so I dont need a center brace. The plywood will be 1/2 in. and the back will be cover by plywood on the top half with the bottom open. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.---scott

tims · 08-04-2005, 10:46 AM

Scott,
really re-think the no support idea. the wieght of just the water will be close to 1200 LBS.with the tank wieghing just about 206 Lbs empty that is 1400 + LBS and thatis before LR anad such so you arelooking at something that could weigh up to 1600 LbS
noramaly you can use 2x4's for the main frame. Why 4 foot tall? thatis going to make getting into the tank very hard..
if you are 100% sure you are not going for a center brace, i woudl use 4x4 all the way around. if not the 2x4's shoudl be doubled and a piece of plywood should be put inbetween the 2x4's. ( this will give it extr support and help will the bowing.

sls · 08-04-2005, 10:54 AM

maybe your right. when i had my 55 running I ran into a problem that i couldnt get to my equipment very easily so i want alot of open access but i guess if i have open ends I could have 1 center brace without it getting in the way too much. And the height I was thinking 3 ft I dont know why I put 4 ft.

Phishnoob · 08-04-2005, 11:03 AM

A center brace is a good place to put the latches as well. You can do metal bracing though if you want it open wide without 4x4's.

tdwyatt · 08-04-2005, 01:04 PM

make the ends with panel doors and magnetic latches (like some stereo cabinets), that will give you plenty of opportunity to get long objects into the sump area withat least 16 inches of opening (wide) to work with (24" less 2 of the 4x4's in the corners) I have one cabinet with supports every 24 inches, another with 1 center support, and one more with 2 narrow doors and 2 wide doors. The one center suport is the easiest to work with, but the 4 door model with narrow and wide doors looks the best. All have end doors to acces the sumps for placement or removal.

sls · 08-04-2005, 10:03 PM

I like the magnetic end doors, or perhaps have it completely removable with cabinet hardware that locks together. with the 4 slim doors do you find the braces getting in your way much? im very paranoid about that. nothing like having 180 gallons of water in a tank (fuge included) and find out its not user friendly.

tims · 08-04-2005, 10:19 PM

if you dont want to use the magnets you can try the cam locks.. you can literaly on screw the door when you want to .

tdwyatt · 08-04-2005, 11:56 PM

actually I like the 4 door model the best, looks great, and the doors are easy to use in tight quarters (because they are slim). Make sure to do the end of the cabinets full doors so you can get nyour sump in and out.

sls · 08-05-2005, 12:19 AM

yeah, i think the 4 door will be what I go with I guess. how come everything I like results in more work for me. I think a nice canopy and stand are just as important as the contents themselves. Ive seem some pretty amazing aquariums in some not so amazing cabinetry. It just seems to lose a little something for me.

Loverotties · 08-05-2005, 07:24 AM

No center brace!

all I can say is WOW!

VWD · 08-05-2005, 07:56 AM

I have a stand that is 4 door, oceanic the 2 center doors open without and brace between them and then the two side doors each open up so the biggest opening is 32 inches wide, I have found that I can get in easy with stuff and then I have the 2 doors on the sides.