Building A Tier Stand

[StatMan]

I have recently acquired 3 tanks designed to run in a tier system with water flowing from tank to tank to the bottom and back up again.

So I need to build a stand to mount them on. They are approx 18" x 12" x 10" 30L each so I want to know how strong to build the frame.

I have been thinking of making it in 3 sections with the bottom tank 15" above the floor so that the filter is below it, the top shelf would be 3 ft using overlapping 1/2 joints at the cornrers and middle points then putting bracing plates on the sides, I hope this makes sense to thsoe who understand DIY.

Put a base (top surface) on the bottom section to rest the filter and anything else on. leave the others open so can thread stuff through. with tops on each of the tank platforms.

Looks are not important as this is out of sight so thinking of using standard 2" timber, does this seem right? should I go thicker, do I need to put any braces in place? What should I use for the flat surfaces?

Any suggestions gratefully received.

StatMan

 

[greenbottle]

I have recently acquired 3 tanks designed to run in a tier system with water flowing from tank to tank to the bottom and back up again.

So I need to build a stand to mount them on. They are approx 18" x 12" x 10" 30L each so I want to know how strong to build the frame.

I have been thinking of making it in 3 sections with the bottom tank 15" above the floor so that the filter is below it, the top shelf would be 3 ft using overlapping 1/2 joints at the cornrers and middle points then putting bracing plates on the sides, I hope this makes sense to thsoe who understand DIY.

Put a base (top surface) on the bottom section to rest the filter and anything else on. leave the others open so can thread stuff through. with tops on each of the tank platforms.

Looks are not important as this is out of sight so thinking of using standard 2" timber, does this seem right? should I go thicker, do I need to put any braces in place? What should I use for the flat surfaces?

Any suggestions gratefully received.

StatMan

if looks arent important, id use angle iron and weld it- very strong and reasonably simple.

 

[waterdrop]

agree, we used to use angle iron stands and multiple stacks all the time in the 1960's and I don't understand why they are less used (well, I do, I suppose, as cabinets are a very nice thing for show tanks in the house!) Even for the DIYer, if you don't do welding, it can still seem a nice project to get all the dimensions and materials just so and find a little weld shop that will take your job.. then you can file and metal sand it some perhaps and even paint it. Be sure to pay attention to leveling needs.

 

[StatMan]

Thanks for the responses

I would like to go for something that I can do myself and defintiely not upto welding!

I reckon I can make the frame from 2 x 2 in three sections and then put it together using flat steel plates.

Anyone else with any reccomendations?

StatMan

 

[Tolak]

2x4's with 3" deck screws. These are 10 gallon tanks;

 

[saltynay]

I would use 2x4 vertical sections. 3( per shelf) 2x2 as horizontal cross beams for the shelfs and plywood sheets on top. If you can make dowel or mortice joints that would add greatly to the structural strength.