my 125g build

its been a while since ive posted on here and i have yet to post any build threads so i figured id do it with my biggest one. i am going to be transferring the things over from my 50g that you see in my sig pic.

i built a stand using a common set of plans i found a few different places on the net which are here


DIY Stands Template and Calculator
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The reason for starting this thread is to provide a template for a relatively simple DIY stand design. This design is a compilation of several designs into one place and includes the calculations needed to generate a cut list for any custom design.



The basic principle of the design is two box frames connected by four legs. The upper one supports the tank and transfers the load to the legs. The legs are made of several pieces of 2X4 to assist in construction and sheething the stand in plywood for strength and cosmetics. The bottom frame transmits the load of the tank into the floor.



Design notes:
*The plan for this stand consists of 21 pieces. Like color pieces are the same length and of the same board size.
*The box frames are screwed together first, then the legs are built off the bottom frame, the top frame is then placed on top and secured to the legs.
*The green pieces are screw strips. These provide limited load strength but serve to make assembly easier and help keep the stand square.
*The blue piece between the upper rails (red) works to keep the upper rails from twisting.

Ok, now to the cut list:
First off: The calculations below are based off of a stand that is "W" inches wide X "D" inches front-to-back X "H" inches high.

(2) Red - Upper Rails: Length = W two 2x6 6ft pieces
These will be sized according to length: 2X4 for 48" or less for smaller tanks (Rule of thumb is 75g-90g); 2X6 up to 72" with 125g-150g being acceptable; For longer spans and larger tanks 2X8s are recommended.

(2) Yellow - Upper Ends: Length = D-3" 5 2x6 15” pieces
Theses will be made of the same material as the upper rails.

(4) Green - Screw Strips: Length = H-2" four 30” pieces
These 2X4s are shorter then the tank is tall.

(8) Purple - Uprights: Length varies:
- 2X4 Upper Rails: Length = H -7"
- 2X6 Upper Rails: Length = H-9" 8 23” pieces
- 2X8 Upper Rails: Length = H-10.75"
These 2X4s support the weight of the tank. The ones on the short sides of the stand provide a flat surface for attaching a plywood facing and while they do provide some strength, they are optional.

(2) Orange - Bottom Rails: Length = W 2 2x4 6ft pieces
These 2X4s act to spread the weight of the tank over a larger area.

(3) Blue - Bottom Ends: Length = D-3" 4 2x4 15” pieces

Adding 2 center supports at 30.5” each.
I also added a center 2x6 piece at 23 1/8” in the front for the doors to connect to when I build them.

Covering the sides of the stand with plywood will help to stiffen the stand against twisting and shifting. Doors can be mounted to the legs as desired.

So there it is. 21 pieces in 6 lenghts equals a tank stand that should fit the bill for most people. There are other plans out there but this is a simple design using simple tools and common wood sizes. It may not suit everyone's application but it should fit the bill for most common size tanks.

Should someone wish to have me calculate beam strengths for a specific application, PM me with the tank dimensions and I will be happy to run the numbers.

Happy building.

everything in red was the demensions that i used. also i used a total height of 32".. now some pics ;D

me cutting the wood to size. not to mention im wearing a t-shirt in january IN BUFFALO it was like 50 the other day lol


all the cuts ready to build


my dad with the bottom of the stand


and the top


me holding it while he screws the legs together


and finally complete8)



and here is the tank on the stand once i got it back to my house.


i still have to do the plywood and i be using 1x3 as trim and will be staining it all a light color. not to sure what yet. im going to be taking it a lil slow because this is the biggest tank i wanna take my time.

for lighting i will be using this


i dont plan on keeping many corals. probably going to to a predator tank some eels and maybe a lion fish im not sure yet though. along with a few fish i have in my 50. anything i do keep will be up higher close to the light im going too probably try to make some kind of center structure with the rocks so i have most of the bottom open.

for filtration i will be using this.

its the penn plax 1500. i will be splitting the return flow to have one in each corner until i get the money to buy a second one along with a protein skimmer and a emperor 280 hob filter.

im still waiting for the lights and filter to come in the mail. i also ordered 160lbs of fine grain sand from marcorocks.com which should be here any day.
thats about all i have for right now but pics and updates to come as i get things.

i have to tare down my 50 gallon and keep everything in 20g rubbermaid tubs to transfer everything because the 125 will be going in the place of the 50. that will b fun. not too sure when i will be moving everything like i said i was going to take my time on this but wont be more then a few weeks. just want to wait until i get everything ready to go.

any thoughts/ideas/comments would be greatly appreciated.. thanks for reading!!