DIY Stand Design

Just a quick stand design I threw together for my upcoming 75 gal build. Sump is a 40 breeder. My sump layout is on the board here somewhere as well. I'm not sure what I will face the stand with yet but probably cherry or oak. I also havent decided on a design for the doors yet. The back will be open and I'd like to possibly make the whole front section come off for full access. There will be a sill plate around the viewable sides at the bottom and top of the tank and there will be corner molding to cover the silicone corners of the tank.

 

Looks like a great start.;DPlease post some pictures of the work in progress.

 

Looks like solid plans, are you sure that you wanna go with a 2x8 instead of say like a stacked 4x4's? you wont really need 2 but i assume you are doing that for the height?

 

You think the 2x8 isnt enough? I think the only 4x4's I would be able to get would be pressure treated which I don't want. Maybe bump to a 2x10? I planned on going a few more inches higher anyways from what the drawing shows to allow for more free space between the skimmer and the bottom of the tank. The skimmer that I planned on using is apparently shorter than most so if I want to upgrade later I will want a little extra room.

 

IMO 2x8 should be more than sufficient. Our new 2 story shop was framed out with 2x6. From a structure standpoint, I would say you would be more than covered with 2x8. If you are going for a little more height, I would add it to the length of the "legs".

 

2x8s is overkill but overkill is safe. I have a 225 on all 2x4s using the same design that you are using. Ricoop's idea is good. Use the height in the legs. If you feel secure using 2x8s, go for it. I will be using them for my new build. But you will save money using 2x4s and get the same results.

There is a formula that an engineer uses for deflections and with the use of 2x4s your deflection will be less than .1. So basically its your call.

 

Open Front

Hello,

Since you are doing DIY and have a chance to make it anyway you want. I would double your top front supports and have the whole front open for access. I have built stands that once you open front doors you were able to pull the bottom tray out using truck tool box guides. This gives you easy access to filter, pump and other things. I used melomine inside making clean up a snap.

 

414-242 has a good idea with the open front access. I think you should be able to do that anyway if you use the 2x8, especially with a 75g.

 

That's the plan for sure. I don't want any center bracing in the front. I want to be able to get my sump in and out without altering the stand at a later date. I am going to stick to the 2x8's and probably add a 2x4 to the front cross member. The rear cross member will have an upright center brace. I'm also hoping to have the entire front face lift off completely. This will allow better access as well as not having to add uprights to mount doors to.