40 Breeder stand help

jmelchor · Dec 4, 2012

Hello guys,

I am setting up a 40 breeder, and I just built my own stand, so I had a few questions about it. Attached are some pictures, and I just want to know how it looks and if I need to add anything else to it so I make sure it will hold my fully set up 40. Skeleton is 2x4s and everything is held together by some pretty large screws. The skeleton will be covered with some 1/2" plywood. I will place my 40 breeder on top, and a 29 gal sump on bottom. Any and all input will be appreciated and I hope to hear from you guys soon!

-Jorge

Nemoose · Dec 4, 2012

It looks pretty solid to me. Remember a 40 gallon will weigh in excess of 500 lbs. All the weight of the the 29 will be sitting on the bottom frame and shouldn't be a problem. The only thing I might do would be to put a center brace in the middle of the back side. It will be out of the way there and will add a little moe support for the middle area.

redfishbluefish · Dec 4, 2012

I prefer this plan for stands, albeit overkill:

I apologize, but I'm going to be blunt:

If that hole is for an overflow (bulkhead), it's too small.

It also appears as if you varnished the stand....and that's fine as long as it's a marine spar varnish. Otherwise it will just peel. I really like Kilz Complete...it sticks like grim death.

I'm assuming the short crossmembers are supported by screws only......screws should never support weight.

I like the dog!

Nemoose · Dec 4, 2012

Ya I agree about that plan. It is much stronger. That is what I used for my 80 gallon. But, I do think yours will be ok for a 40. i just wouldn't put anything much heavier than that on it.
AQUARIUM STAND CONSTRUCTION

jmelchor · Dec 4, 2012

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the input. Yea a friend of mine showed me that diagram which does look WAY better, but long story short, I payed for a stand which I did not like at all (cheap CHEAP plywood used on it and looked flimsy), so I took it apart, and the 2x4s were set up in the direction with the long face down, so I thought I would work with what I had to not feel as bad for throwing $80 on a horrible stand, so I just put the shorter crossmembers to reinforce the skeleton(what else other than the screws can I put on those crossmembers), which is why I'm hoping I can keep this layout and maybe just add another 2x4 in the front where my doors will also go and possibly something else on the back. Redfishbluefish, thanks for the honesty, I like to see it as positive criticism, so no need to apologize

That is the hole for the overflow, but the tank is already pre-drilled and has already been fitted on the stand, so I'm good on that end, thank you tho, also, I didn't use marine varnish, but that's just my skeleton and since I had a lot of extra varnish I thought why not, but thanks again for the input and the compliment on Mac (the dog) haha.

Nemoose · Dec 4, 2012

Before you put braces on the front AND back, make sure you can still get the sump underneath. Sounds silly, but I have seen it happen, lol. then it isn't so funny taking it apart to put your sump in.