7ft Tank Stand Plans Needed

[LisaLQ]

It's a good job we didn't go down to order the wood today as planned - when we checked over the plans we got off the internet, they'd got it majorly wrong on the GARF site. We're now stuck with a 7ft tank and absolutely no idea what to stand it on!

So we're in desperate need of tank stand plans (basic sturdy frame only, nothing fancy - we'll cover it later - need it up and running cheaply and quickly). I'm no joiner (cant even make a paper aeroplane lol), and hubby hasn't got a clue where to start (he's scared if he plans one it'll fall apart or collapse when the water goes in).

Has anyone made their own tank stand for a BIG tank? If so - can you share your infinite wisdom? Or should we just breeze block it, and if so - what kind of amount of breeze blocks are we looking at and how is best to go about it? Pics would be a grand help too, but obviously any help will be gratefully received

Although we would prefer if people do actually have some experience of doing this for a big tank please, as obviously there's a 7ft tank at stake, and being limited on cash - if the stand goes t*ts up, so do our tank plans

 

[SkiFletch]

With a big long tank Lisa, you have to first make SURE the floor is level. Is this tank going on a wood floor or concrete? Also how wide is the tank as this makes a big difference? Making something that works is pretty easy actually and doesnt require lots of technical skill provided you dont want it to be some kind of masterpiece If your tank is sufficiently wide you might consider construction out of 2x6 beams and 4x4 corner posts. Obviously the top, bottom, and at least 3 sides should be covered with 3/4" plywood to prevent it from shifting or rotating. Basically just make a frame for the top and bottom, cap them with ply on one side, and prop it up on corner posts and center vertical supports. Tack ply on the sides and back and leave the front for the time being until you can put some nicer looking doors on it. If you're using a sump, put it in the stand BEFORE you tack the sides on

Use 45 mitres for the corners of the ply where possible to make it look nice . Not sure if you have that capability though.

 

[diet]

With a big long tank Lisa, you have to first make SURE the floor is level. Is this tank going on a wood floor or concrete? Also how wide is the tank as this makes a big difference? Making something that works is pretty easy actually and doesnt require lots of technical skill provided you dont want it to be some kind of masterpiece If your tank is sufficiently wide you might consider construction out of 2x6 beams and 4x4 corner posts. Obviously the top, bottom, and at least 3 sides should be covered with 3/4" plywood to prevent it from shifting or rotating. Basically just make a frame for the top and bottom, cap them with ply on one side, and prop it up on corner posts and center vertical supports. Tack ply on the sides and back and leave the front for the time being until you can put some nicer looking doors on it. If you're using a sump, put it in the stand BEFORE you tack the sides on

Use 45 mitres for the corners of the ply where possible to make it look nice . Not sure if you have that capability though.

Hi there
just a quick addition to this

Ive drawn a quick diagram of what Ski has said, the red lines are what i am advising these will spread your load alot more and as it shows it will push the weight down and to the centre of the stand ensuring it does not exert any extra pressure to the ends of the stand.

for the end pieces you can do soemthing like this if its not that wide then u can leave out the middle vertical piece, but it wont hurt to overkill the stand will it


Defo use 2x6 beams and make sure you use them so that 6 inches is the the height part.

You can use fence posts as your four corner pieces and verticals this will really overdue it for strength.
Below is a quick diagram of how to cut your corner pieces and vertical pieces so that it will hold more easily without shifting.


Cut each one down to the depth of the wood u r choosing to frame it up with for example 6 inches (for the 2x6 wood that has been suggested)

My old man created a frame like this for a tank that was situated inside a plasterboard wall. the tank ways over 1.5tonne and this design has not failed lol

Good luck

Daniel

 

[LisaLQ]

It's a concrete floor. Thanks guys, I'll pass on this info to the other half and see whether it makes sense to him (I'm useless with DIY and it goes way over my head lol).

Thanks again, it's much appreciated