What Should I Make This Stand/frame Out Of?

[fishfan91]

I'm either getting a 6ft or 8ft tank I know these are heavy tanks so what should I make the stand/frame out of in order to support this weight?

 

[Aaron89]

I'm either getting a 6ft or 8ft tank I know these are heavy tanks so what should I make the stand/frame out of in order to support this weight?

wood or metal, depends on your budget and ability when it comes to engineering and hand skills etc.

look on #####, there is a good tank builders on there and im sure they will willing help you

good luck and let us know how you get on, but you just need a basic rectangle frame but supports. i would prob use 8"x2" and 6"x2"and 4"x2" for it just make sure it wont twist on its self or sag with weight

 

[fishfan91]

Yeah that is all I'm worried about is the weight - I'm still living with mother, stepdad, brother at moment so will be getting own place in few months definitely going to have to get ground floor flat to support the weight

 

[Tolak]

You could get by with wood just fine, this is generally easier to skin with wood to fit in with the decor you have planned. There are many stand builders on here, myself included, that would be more than happy to help with this project.

 

[fishfan91]

I will have to sort that out when the time comes closer, couple to few months yet due to not having the job yet soon as I get it, I'll be moving into my own place and getting the tank, what type of wood will support the weight, timber?

Also, ground floor will support this size tank won't it?

Should I make the stand first or get the tank first?

 

[Tolak]

Materials used will depend on the skills you have, as well as the tools available. I opt for the stouter methods, 2x4 & 2x6 construction, using more basic tools. Members such as OldMan47 have more skill & tools available, and build stands just as sturdy with less stout materials.

Support depends on the building itself, concrete slab floors will support nearly any reasonable size of tank, hollowcore construction would be the next in terms of floor strength.

 

[razer121]

also....if you do happen to have a slightly uneven floor and you have a place just for the tnak and know you wont be moving it, oyu can build the stand to go into the said place and just shorten/lengthen the legs as needed works a treat

 

[fishfan91]

I don't have any tools to myself that could make a stand unfortunately, will getting someone to make the stand for me charge a huge deal? If I get this job the first couple of month will be for all the equipment and then when I move into the flat I'll be buying the tank 2nd hand.

My other question is :

What can you make a lid out of (wanting light in it too)?

 

[OldMan47]

I always build my own stands FishFan.
I work in wood by preference. I must admit that I have yet to tackle a tank the size that you are considering. I find that, in my applications, wooden components that are made of 1 x boards are strong enough. I have built stands for a 55 gallon, 4 ft, tank and had no problem at all using my basic approach.

 

[razer121]

where the lid is concerned is all pretty much down to how you want to design it, you could have it where the light is dangled from the ceiling, or it could be attached at the sides of the tank with an open top....or you could go the same route i did and build a bog standered one, erm mroe like a door frame and attach that, theres many ways...thats just some of them, have you thought about looking in the hardware thread and butcherd at other peopls logs???

 

[fishfan91]

so all in all to make the stand is going to be relatively cheap?

 

[OldMan47]

The cost depends entirely on how fancy you want to get and what wood you select to build the stand. A simple one like I built for myself to hold a combination of tanks can cost as little as $30 US. If you went with a nice hardwood like oak or ash, you could easily triple that price. If you insist on wood nice enough to stain and finish as natural wood with a stain and varnish finish, your cost could be several times as much without any fancy trim involved. Trim is something that is quite expensive when you consider that it provides no structural function at all. I have a link in my signature area to a stand that I built for myself. It was very utilitarian in design.

 

[fishfan91]

i just want a stand that will look smart and the right size and i want it nicely done too