Stand Strengthen Help

[mikka23]

Hi. I was looking for a very cheap low stand to sit next to my bed for a 3ft tank (36"x15"x12"). Would this frame be able to hold a tank? I have read this is one of the stronger lines in ikea: http/www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/04278310

Would be a 40x92 frame on its side. Would additional supports be needed?

Ideally I was wanting to add some sort of door and shelving inside so it can hold shoes but was really just looking for a cheap stand.

 

[jacko32]

i had a tank that size sat on 2 of these

http/www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/20153073

 

[mikka23]

I had considered that. Was it sturdy enough and did you add anything?

 

[jacko32]

I had considered that. Was it sturdy enough and did you add anything?

yes it was plenty strong enough with the legs of the 2 tables in the middle of the tank

 

[IAmATeaf]

I would have thought that you'd need to put a piece in so that it sits across the front and another piece at the back to stop the frame from collapsing sideways, hope that makes some sense. Have a look at the hagen cabinets, they have 2 doors and a middle piece at the front and back which is what I mean.

 

[mikka23]

Yeah thats kind of what I was thinking but think I will give the lack tables a bash now instead.

 

[OldMan47]

If I laid a frame like that on its side, I would be tempted to place a leg of sorts at the open side in the middle. The solid back and ends should give plenty of support along the back and sides but you are relying on the stiffness of what started as the side to hold up the open face unless you put a brace into it. A small diameter dowel, maybe 2 cm , should be plenty if it were just wedged in tight into the space. Maybe add a tack into each end of the dowel so that it doesn't move every time you bump it.

 

[mikka23]

If I laid a frame like that on its side, I would be tempted to place a leg of sorts at the open side in the middle. The solid back and ends should give plenty of support along the back and sides but you are relying on the stiffness of what started as the side to hold up the open face unless you put a brace into it. A small diameter dowel, maybe 2 cm , should be plenty if it were just wedged in tight into the space. Maybe add a tack into each end of the dowel so that it doesn't move every time you bump it.

Yep thats a great idea. What I am thinking about now is to have a base frame for the tank to sit on (possibly two frames so there is more support in the middle) and then the tank itself also siting within a frame. The top part of the top frame can be hinged so It can swing open for cleaning the tank (or just enough clearance so you can get in to clean), the back can have holes cut to take cables etc out of sight and the top can also have lights attached to it for the tank (would be an open top tank but easily mounted lights and no need for a hood which I dont have).

I don't have any DIY skills but reckon I could handle modifying some ikea furniture. I just need to find something suitable as the tank wouldnt fit within frame I posted. Ikea Hacker blog inspired me

 

[jacko32]

you might find something in charity shops thats 1 place i always look

 

[mikka23]

I think im either going to with the 2 lack tables as you suggested or try to come up with something which works out as a hood so I dont have to spend £60 on a luminaire.

Charity shops are a good idea but the ones in the city are actually pretty expensive.

Edit, I reckon this would be suitable to sit the tank on:
http/www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/20102154

Struggling for the top frame though.