260 gallon stand and canopy build

[Reeftopia24]

Hi every one I will be buying some wood this weekend to start my stand build. The tank is 85"x25"x31" tall. I am makin the stand a few feet longer than it needs to be for storage and to fit my chiller under the stand, I will have a 75gallon sump, also a 58 gallon refugium/sea horse tank under the stand.


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[Reeftopia24]

So I'm wondering what size wood I should get? I was thinking 2"x6" for top and side supports. I'll try to get a pic of my idea up soon.

My main tank is drilled in 5 places. 3 returns and 2 over flows( I need to make some panels for the over flows still)

Any input is appreciated!! I'll add pics as I progress in the stand build.


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[cdrewferd]

Depends. Do you want no middle supports, or are you willing to have those? If you want middle supports, then you could do a 2x4 frame with a support every 3' or so. If you are wanting an open stand with no supports then you'll need to go to at least a 2x8 top, maybe even 2x10 depending on how long it's going to be. You should check out the thread on RC by Rocket Engineer. His plans are bullet proof if you follow them closely.

 

[Reeftopia24]

Depends. Do you want no middle supports, or are you willing to have those? If you want middle supports, then you could do a 2x4 frame with a support every 3' or so. If you are wanting an open stand with no supports then you'll need to go to at least a 2x8 top, maybe even 2x10 depending on how long it's going to be. You should check out the thread on RC by Rocket Engineer. His plans are bullet proof if you follow them closely.

I would like a few supports in the front maybe like 2 for the 85" length. thanks for the link. I'll go have a look at his plans today. The stand is going to be 110" total length. I'll add pics of my idea this after noon when I get a chance to draw some thing up.


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[cdrewferd]

I would think 2x6 top frame and 2x4 for the legs and bottom frame. Check out his thread and I'm sure that's what he would recommend as well.

 

[Reeftopia24]

I would think 2x6 top frame and 2x4 for the legs and bottom frame. Check out his thread and I'm sure that's what he would recommend as well.

I looked at his plans last night and they look sturdy. I will be starting this weekend using his template. I'll have photos up soon.


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[revsgirl]

Nice! Like the pic!

 

[Reeftopia24]

Nice! Like the pic!

Thanks! I couldn't resist getting in. Lol


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[jelly]

I would think 2x6 top frame and2x4 for the legs and bottom frame. Check out his thread and I'm sure that'swhat he would recommend as well.

I would agree with this but for one part.. I would use 2x6s for the legs and2x4 for the bottom frame... when we build stands we make the top and bottomframes like rocket engineer did but what we do different is we remove 2 boardsand replace place them with one board.. If you look at his plans and take thegreen boards out and then you take the pink boards out in the front. You will replace those 2 boards with a 2x6 that’snotched on top and bottom... this will give you the same strength as using the2 other 2x4s... then on the side pink boards i would do the same thing but makethem a 2x6 and flush it to the corners. Once flushed to the corners it should also beflush to the back of the 2x6 that you notched... if you need to me explan a little more send me a pm and i will explain it a little more. we use douglas fur to make our stands cause its stronger then standard pine.

here are a few pictures so you can see what we do.

 

[Reeftopia24]

I would agree with this but for one part.. I would use 2x6s for the legs and2x4 for the bottom frame... when we build stands we make the top and bottomframes like rocket engineer did but what we do different is we remove 2 boardsand replace place them with one board.. If you look at his plans and take thegreen boards out and then you take the pink boards out in the front. You will replace those 2 boards with a 2x6 that’snotched on top and bottom... this will give you the same strength as using the2 other 2x4s... then on the side pink boards i would do the same thing but makethem a 2x6 and flush it to the corners. Once flushed to the corners it should also beflush to the back of the 2x6 that you notched... if you need to me explan a little more send me a pm and i will explain it a little more. we use douglas fur to make our stands cause its stronger then standard pine.

here are a few pictures so you can see what we do.

Thanks for the ideas! I will see if I can both out the 2x6's to fit well if not ill have I do the 2 2x4's.


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[Reeftopia24]

Starting the stand today. Should be done soon.

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[Reeftopia24]

So far here it is!

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[Reeftopia24]

Test fit of the lower tanks. It's tight but will work.

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[jelly]

looks good.

 

[jelly]

y did you triple up center posts on the one side. you could get away with a 2x4 there.

 

[AZDesertRat]

I always find there is never enough height inside the stands when you raise the floor up on 2x4s' I built my current stand with the base as low as possible and have never regretted it. The extra 3.5" it gained makes removing the skimmer cup or whole skimmer for cleaning easy.

Everything is countersunk, glued and screwed with galvanized deck screws and outdoor glue. The stand and canopy were sealed, caulked and painted inside with white epoxy sealer then skinned with oak and solid oak trim, stained Golden Oak and sealed with 5 coats of satin spar varnish. Its 9 years old now and still looking like new.

 

[Reeftopia24]

I always find there is never enough height inside the stands when you raise the floor up on 2x4s' I built my current stand with the base as low as possible and have never regretted it. The extra 3.5" it gained makes removing the skimmer cup or whole skimmer for cleaning easy.

I was looking at my stand and thinking the same thing. I was thinking about turning my lower tank supports and laying a sheet of wood down inside the stand to gain a few inches as long as I can make it look decent.




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[AZDesertRat]

Easy to do now while you are building it.

 

[Reeftopia24]

Easy to do now while you are building it.

Yes it will be. I jut bought some paint to paint the inside of the stand, I will be picking up soon wood for the top and bottom this week on my way home from work and get them cut. And start painting the inside white.


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[AZDesertRat]

One thing I really like about the way I placed the plywood on the very bottom then the 2x4s on top of it then sealed and caulked the cracks and joints is it holds water. I had a dripping/leaking reactor and it held over an inch of water before I discovered it.