55 Gallon - Tank Stand

[RRasco]

I am designing a stand for my 55 gallon tank. I have drawn my design in AutoCAD and am in need of some feedback from either experiance, structure, or any other advice. The frame will be constructed of 2x4s, shelves of 1/4 MDF, and the siding either 1/8 MDF if they have it that small, or something similar. There will be doors on the front, although i decided to design those after the stand is completed. I want a nice trim on the stand as well, i am going to be adding small block of 1x4 or 1x3, not sure yet, but something to add a nice molding to the edges.

Oh yeah...the stand is designed to fit a standard 20x12x10 10 gallon tank on the middle of the bottom shelf to act as a hospital/quarantine. And I am also going to add a lip that extends vertically to cover the lower molding on the tank, that way only glass is visible....

I am also designing hoods currently as well.

Here are the pics:

Wire Diagram

3D Assembly

Different 3D Angles

 

[Tolak]

Structural overkill, I love it! You could get by with 6 2x4's for legs, you have eight, doubled up to effectivly give you eight 4x4 legs for support. Doubled up 2x4's are stronger than 4x4's.

I would consider dropping the middle shelf a little & putting the 10 gallon on that. Low tanks are a pain to maintain, I have a few on double & triple stands, you have to play tricks with them.

I can't wait to see the hood, there have been plenty of stand designs posted here, but few hoods.

 

[RRasco]

i had originally done that, but was going to put the tank lower for weight purposes so i didnt have to build the support up for the middle shelf, but i still may do that cause i know what you mean about low tanks.

i have a few suggestions from another forum...and will probably be redesigning again for a 5th time....build it right the first time.

 

[hoarp001]

You need more triangles to stop side to side wobbling...

 

[Kombat]

Definitely structural overkill for the 55 gal tank. I agree that you only need 6 2x4 legs. If you do put the 10 gal tank on the middle shelf I would give that shelf it's own legs. Otherwise as currently designed, all that's supporting that shelf are the screws/nails.

This is just my opinion, MDF is fine if you are going to paint it, but it will look much nicer if you use a hardwood veneered plywood and stain and varnish it. I just built my own stand and I spent a few extra bucks for oak plywood and I am glad I did. I think it looks great once it was stained. I also spent a bit more for nice hardwood moulding and it really makes a difference.

Karl

 

[RRasco]

im not 100% set on MDF, just used it before and its easy stuff...i am going to go to the lumber yard and see what they got...and everything will be stained. i am currently redesigning...will post pics soon.

 

[RRasco]

ok, redisigned and simplified....what do you guys think about this? i chose not to put any cross braces (triangles) cause i think it will have more than enough support....

 

[RRasco]

yet another modification...i know, i know...this should be the last....im pretty happy with it...still without doors and trim though...

 

[hoarp001]

Dont forget, MDF swells up and falls apart if it gets wet...

 

[RRasco]

yeah, it will be sealed and stained or painted. if i even use MDF.

 

[countdown]

i know nothing about building stands but that is some nice AutoCAD work there 8)

 

[RRasco]

i know nothing about building stands but that is some nice AutoCAD work there 8)

Thank You, i actually just learned how to use it this week, most of the employees here use it everday, but i am the system admin, so i knew nothing about CAD, until i actually needed it.

 

[DarkSeraph]

Having built a 55g tank stand myself, I can say that your last one is great. Mine doesn't have a middle shelf, but I can say you'll definitely want one of the shelves to be pretty tall.

I didn't bother buying better wood, so we primered everything, and painted the outside black. I'm very happy with it.

 

[RRasco]

well, i started construction this weekend, got most of it done, now all i have to do is cut the shelves, and assemble everything, then make the siding, trim, and doors. should be pretty straight forward from here on, ill get pics posted once i get it all done.

 

[RRasco]

update: got some pics of my progress, I am going to be writing a tutorial for this tank stand after its all done, so this is just a peak of the progress so far: