tips on building a 40 long tank stand

[Elliriyanna]

I have a 40 gallon long tank that is temporarily set up on a table and I would like to build a nice strong stand for it. I've seen people make tank stands out of 2x4's ... will that work for a tank this size? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[KatzeSlaugen]

my only tip for you is make it stronger than it needs to be and i thought you were going to buy a stand for it?

[Elliriyanna]

I was planning on like triple enforcing it. And its hard to get a metal stand around here or I would and I can't afford a normal stand. Plus I wanna custom build a stand :) I have to get together the last things for my pets together :)

[Elliriyanna]

I was planning on like triple enforcing it. And its hard to get a metal stand around here or I would and I can't afford a normal stand. Plus I wanna custom build a stand :) I have to get together the last things for my pets together :)

[Brhino]

do you have any experience with woodworking? It's not hard to do but helps if you're at least somewhat familiar with the process.

[dbosman]

I wish I knew how to use one of the online 3D sketch programs.

The whole issue of stand strength is wood to wood to wood to floor. You don't need metal brackets of any sort if you keep the weight transfer in mind.

Here is a simple very inexpensive but very sturdy stand,
if you can visualize my design. ;-)
You will need:

4 pcs 2x4 48.25" front & back
4 pcs 2x4 10" between front and back
4 pcs 2x4 Legs. The height you want the total stand to be minus 7".
2 pcs 1/4" plywood or plywood paneling 13" x the height of the stand.
1 pc 1/4" plywood or plywood paneling 48" x the height of the stand.
Gorilla Glue or other polyurethane glue. MUST be waterproof glue.
water resistant isn't good enough for this application.
30 pcs 3.5 inch construction screws "deck type"
Drill & 1/8 inch bit and a 3/8 inch bit.
24 pcs 1" to 1.25" course thread "drywall" type screws.

Pre-driill all the 3.5" screw holes. They are just cheap fast clamps. The polyurethane glue and the plywood panels holds this all together. The 2x4s provide the strength.

Make two frames that will be 13" x 48.25"
Each frame uses 2 pcs of the 48.25" 2x4 as the front and back boards with the 10" pcs of 2x4 as the sides. All pieces will be butt joints with the wide side of the front and back boards getting screwed into the end grain of the short sides. If the frames don't measure 13" x 48.25" you laid the boards on the wide sides and are now trying to figure out how to screw them together with 3.5" screws.

Pre-drill the holes and butt join the pieces using the amount of glue recommenced by the manufacturer. Polyurethane glues expand out of the finished joints. That's good. Use a very damp sponge or rag to wipe up the excess. You can cut it out of the way later if you want.

I'll continue if the above hasn't frightened you off the project.

Don

[dbosman]

I was planning on like triple enforcing it. And its hard to get a metal stand around here or I would and I can't afford a normal stand. Plus I wanna custom build a stand :) I have to get together the last things for my pets together :)

Single "enforcing" will be plenty if done correctly. Triple suggests you are not confident of your skill and using weight instead of engineering.
Depending on the height, three ten foot 2x4s and some plywood skin will give you all you need. I used six to make a stand for a 48"x24"x24" 120 gallon tank. Butt joints, glue, and a plywood skin to hold it all together.

Commercial flat box stands are made out of particle board. You can do better for far less.

[Elliriyanna]

I've built a club house ... That's the extent ... And I'm a visual person but I know I wanna do this

[m1aman]

Anything you make will be stronger and more STABLE than what you can buy. Check out youtube, I haven't, but there might be some good ideas for you on there. If not the web has many tank stands with plans available.

[Elliriyanna]

i'll go get the supplies for it tomorrow :) I'm on break for the next few weeks might as well be productive :)

[fishluvr]

try this site, look around it as well, some great information there.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Elliriyanna]

try this site, look around it as well, some great information there.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]


Thanks so much :) I love it I'll get the supplies tomorrow

[190MPH]

A 2x4 stand, if built properly, will be plenty strong, and many will say it's overkill. But it is definately an easier build for someone with novice skills. Take a look at how most of the manufactured stands are built. Almost not a 2x4 in sight. My 125g rests on a DIY 3/4" oak plywood stand. And THAT is overbuilt compared to the manufactured ones. It's all in the build.

[Elliriyanna]

I'm gonna pick up some 2x4's as soon as I get paid :)

[sebastien]

Exactly what you need..

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Elliriyanna]

Now the only question is 36" tall stand or 48" stand? And I decided on the last design sent it seems strong and easy to build.