need info on building a stand for a 120gal in wall tank

[Larry J]

i'm open to any info that will help me do it myself!

[muttley000]

Search reef central for rocket engineer's thread, it has a good basic structure that is strong and resists racking, that can be covered however you would like.

[Graffiti Reef]

Im going to be building a large acrylic aquarium in a few months and Ive decided to get a steel frame built. Id check with a local welder or craigslist for people looking for work. It may not be that expensive depending on the size. A local company here in Dearborn is Sam's welding but I havnt checked any prices just yet. Spray a few coats of waterproof spray paint and your good to go. Just my $0.02

[mf2055]

if you go with steel put a serious amount of foam between your tank and the stand, wood is somewhat flexable in shorter legths, and will give a little under stress. Steel will transfer more of the stress into the tank, which is bad, especially with acrylic.

I have done all my stands with 2x4 construction. Either cut down to 1.5x1.5 for smaller tanks or used as standard 1.7x3.5 (standardish size 2x4) for larger tanks. Make the top and bottoms just like making a floor for a room with particle board and 2x4 supports under ever 8-12 inches going cross wise. Then set up a jig to cut all the supports the same length on a cut off or miter saw, they will sit inbetween the top and bottom rails. Back the supports with another 2x4 a few inches longer on top and bottom but short enough to tuck into the framework. Use screws for everything. Drywall screws work if you don't expect to have the tank up more than 5 years, but stainless or coated decking screws would be better. Don't use nails. One thing I would do different than what I currently have on a number of mine is I would paint them, then seal them with spray on polyeurothane. I still suggest a 1/4" foam insulation on top and bottom to take up any uneven floor give. For higher class placements do some plywood coverings with a decent stain and polyeurathane inside and out. Never expect to fit absolutely everything you will need to use under the tank... that is kinda crazy in my opinion, but I guess not everyone has 250 sq foot dedecated to fish tanks...

good luck

I did not make these stands, but I own them and have made many others like them:
Under a 240 gallon 8 foot tank:

Under a 130 gallon 6 foot tank:




I take that back, I did one tank with 2x12s cut down to 2x6ish with drilled dowels in between the top frame and bottom, so not all of them were 2x4s, but at least a dozen and they were easiest to put together and tear appart if need be, can be torn down to top, bottom, and support rails to be moved much easier.....

[gablett]

Just this past weekend I helped a friend build a 120 in his wall. We followed rocket engineers plans with 2x6's. Probably over kill, but Id rather that, not much more for 2x6's. It was super easy to build, went together nice and level. Make sure to get higher grade lumber. Not framing lumber, its not straight enough. The higher grade lumber should have rounded edges, not square. Cherry pick the best ones, you dont want it to stress the tank and crack. It went together beautifully and its filled and going good.

[dputt88]

I have a buddy who is gonna weld me up a steel frame and then corrosion protect it. Its for my 200gal that i just got on trade.

For the stand i am making a trade with the welder. Overall monetary value is about $450 for the stand. Then im gonna make a wood shell so it looks nice.

Sent from my Samsung Smartphone using Tapatalk. When I should be doing something more productive.