Stand Build help.

I am going to be building a stand for my tank so that I can fit a a sump/fuge and a DIY chiller underneath. I also want to build it so that when I upgrade to my 150 i won't have to build/buy another. I don't have a decent drawing program but I can give a good general idea as to the design. I am just wondering if its enginered enough to hold the larger tank.

Here goes.
I will be using 2x6 kiln dried dimensional lumber for the frame. The dimensions are going to be 48 inches long X 24 inches wide X 36 inches high. There will be 2 supports from back to front on the base three on the top. 4 total supports from side to side. The sides will be connected using Simpson Strong-Tie Framing angles. The center support will be attached usingStrong-Tie 5" L-Angle and 1 1/4" joist hanger nails. The exterior will be 1/4' cabinet oak plywood on the ends and a 1/2" oak plywood for the front door. If more detail is needed I can Draw it up by hand and take pictures to post. Thanks for any help.

The total cost of the stand with all the hardware and lumber is about $60. I also need some help designing my sump/fuge. I would like to build my own but would it be cheaper to buy a pre-built?

 

wow i wish my stand build was only $60. I have spent at least $30 on paint alone! my build ran more then $60 on just my lumber. but i used 4x4 and 2x4.
one thing, i think that 1/2" will be to think for the door. I would go with something much smaller [not as much weight]. mine is mabye 1/8 or 3/16
otherwise it sounds like an ok build

 

I am using the 1/2" because I have Kids. They broke the 1/4" door on the stand my tank came with.

 

thats a good point! you could also make a moat of broken glass going around the stand. that will help to keep the kids away. One time in the moat will be their last time...just a thought...;D

 

true but I'm not sure the wife would like the Idea. So you think id should be able to hold a 150gal tank later or do I need more structure?

 

it should, but i cant tell you for sure. You are looking at putting roughly 1300 lbs on the stand. Do you think it will hold?

side note:
an other thing to think of putting a pad under the tank [all parts touching the stand]. There are foam pads that are ment to deal with vibrations. that is the thing to use

 

Well I think I may just build a stand specific to my current tank, than build one specific to whatever tank I get next. That way if I decide to go to a 200+ I dont have to build again anyway. I think I might do thisCatalina Aquarium SUMP/REFUGIUM FOR 200 GAL TANK for my fuge. I priced out products and the cost is less, and I can pick it up.

 

What did you have in mind for a DIY chiller?

 

$20 for surgical grade tubing. $50 small Dorm room fridge with two holes drilled in the door. 1 old 150 gph powerhead. Water is pumped from the sump through the tubing into the fridge back out in to the sump again. I dont have to run a heater in the tank as the lighting keeps the water just right but in the summer it gets hot and the tank can get slightly to warm. The tubing is coiled in the fridge and the amount can be adjusted depending on the need also the thermostat is set to the highest setting. I have done this before with a freshwater tank before because of the same reason. Works great and if you have frozen/ refrigerated food it keeps it close to the tank instead of in the kitchen. So double duty.

 

if you considering a 150 later. make sure the stand is wide enough in the sense it wont be tippy. wide enough so with the 150 it isnt so top heavy that it could tip. the 2x6 framing with those supports will be plenty strong enough. on packleaders thread on his build, you can see the frame hes built, theres a good "drawing" for you. cheers and good luck.