Aquarium stand platform help

[icemountain]

Hello, so I started a project of creating stacked tanks and I have plumbed but 2 of the 40s gave it at the bottom panel seam it seems. I tried making a DIY support to deal with the over hang but that didn’t help as one of the tanks cracked at the bottom a few days after I had it set that up. I’m draining all the tanks to try to redo the entire platform one last time. The stand itself is 24” front to back.

I was thinking this time, I can cut it 3/4” plywood for each aquarium to fit the dimensions of it individually to provide that support for the overhang instead of using the 2 x 4 you see in the pictures. Would this remedy the issue or is there something else I should be doing to create a solid platform for the tanks? I’m not a great DIYer. I don’t want to redo this only to have the same issues again so since I’m draining and will need to redo some of the plumbing, thought this would the best time to fix the problem. Thanks!

 

[N1tew0lf1212]

Were you able to come to a conclusion on why the bottom cracked? The 3/4in ply should work to help spread the weight and not have the weight om the central part of the tank....are you able to maybe long bolt a couple of 2x4s on each side of the shelf rail to increase stability under the ply? It would at least help to disperse the weight evenly i would imagine for the tanks sitting length wise across the shelf.....

 

[Sleeping Giant]

that stand doesn't look large enough to handle the weight of those tanks, especially in that position.

You might be better off building a new stand out of 2 x 6 and plywood.

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

Those tanks only need to be level and have the four corners supported.

 

[N1tew0lf1212]

that stand doesn't look large enough to handle the weight of those tanks, especially in that position.

You might be better off building a new stand out of 2 x 6 and plywood.

Yea i would agree....i thought maybe he was trying to find a solution for what he already had available but a new stand would help tremendously for support. Maybe even building a couple stands due to the arrangement of the tanks looks as if the center of the unit isnt being utilized but the top section is all the way across....idk but i think an all new build custom to the way he would like to place said tanks would be a win....

 

[icemountain]

Those tanks only need to be level and have the four corners supported.

Would this work by adding the 3/4” plywood to support the overhang?

 

[icemountain]

that stand doesn't look large enough to handle the weight of those tanks, especially in that position.

You might be better off building a new stand out of 2 x 6 and plywood.

The stand is capable of holding 2500lbs per rack. Ideally length wise would have been great but I was trying to maximize the space by setting them up front to back.

 

[icemountain]

Were you able to come to a conclusion on why the bottom cracked? The 3/4in ply should work to help spread the weight and not have the weight om the central part of the tank....are you able to maybe long bolt a couple of 2x4s on each side of the shelf rail to increase stability under the ply? It would at least help to disperse the weight evenly i would imagine for the tanks sitting length wise across the shelf.....

I think because essentially, the tanks are on 3 different stands and maybe not all are dead level. The back support, main stand, and front support might not all be in line causing the bottom panel to crack.

 

[icemountain]

Yea i would agree....i thought maybe he was trying to find a solution for what he already had available but a new stand would help tremendously for support. Maybe even building a couple stands due to the arrangement of the tanks looks as if the center of the unit isnt being utilized but the top section is all the way across....idk but i think an all new build custom to the way he would like to place said tanks would be a win....

The center unit had 2 40 breeders that cracked because of the uneven support. I was going to fill that again once I find out how to better support the overhangs so each tank can sit comfortably without issues.

 

[icemountain]

Those tanks only need to be level and have the four corners supported.

How would I support the 4 corners with my current stand?

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

How would I support the 4 corners with my current stand?

I meant it in regards to designing something new.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

Those tanks only need to be level and have the four corners supported.

I understand what you are saying, but I think with those cheaper Aquaeon tanks there may be more flex than you would think.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

As far as support for the tanks. Since you have already invested in one rack, just buy another rack, bolt them together. Then take sheet of marine plywood and cover both racks over the cheaper board that comes with it. Or you can buy a proper 3-4 ft deep rack and use this rack for 20g's or supplies. I know you said the rating was 2500lbs but that is a max rating and not a work rating. Each of your tanks is going to weigh probably 500lbs with water, rock, etc. Also those ratings do not mention the lateral deviation at that weight.

 

[icemountain]

I’ll try making a new stand. I’m not a great DIY person so any good sources that I can copy? Wanted to do a 3 tier rack.

 

[Paul B]

I have built many stands (I am in construction) and those 2X4s are placed sideways on your stands and have very little strength that way. They should be on their edge and notched into the upright supports. I also wouldn't use 2X4s but 2X6s but your tanks are small so 2X4s may be fine.

Also never use nails for anything. They have no strength and rust terribly. You should use hot dipped galvanised bolts which will add a few bucks to your project but they will last almost forever.

This is the stand for my 6' tank. You can see the boards are on edge and in my case I built it out of red wood because it warps less than the cheap pine you are using and it doesn't rot. It is probably 3X the price but you don't need much.

 

[mike550]

@icemountain I think you have too many things going on. Between the metal racks and wood stands they probably aren’t providing a “perfectly even” resting area for the tanks. If you’re using 40G tanks those are around 36” long, and your shelves are 24” wide. So more overhang than I’d want.

If you really want to keep the metal rack, consider making oversize shelves that are 36” deep to support the tanks. I’d frame 1/2” plywood over a 2x2 frame so the plywood has some structure to it. Otherwise skip the metal frame and build something completely out of wood.

 

[icemountain]

@icemountain I think you have too many things going on. Between the metal racks and wood stands they probably aren’t providing a “perfectly even” resting area for the tanks. If you’re using 40G tanks those are around 36” long, and your shelves are 24” wide. So more overhang than I’d want.

If you really want to keep the metal rack, consider making oversize shelves that are 36” deep to support the tanks. I’d frame 1/2” plywood over a 2x2 frame so the plywood has some structure to it. Otherwise skip the metal frame and build something completely out of wood.

Can all the tanks sit on the same plywood with the 2x2 support for the oversize shelves or will each tank needs its own?

 

[mike550]

Can all the tanks sit on the same plywood with the 2x2 support for the oversize shelves or will each tank needs its own?

Whichever is easier for you. If you make one for each tank then I’d just put the 2x2 frame around the perimeter if each panel. If you’re doing a big shelf then I’d try to space the 2x2s evenly around 16” apart

 

[icemountain]

Whichever is easier for you. If you make one for each tank then I’d just put the 2x2 frame around the perimeter if each panel. If you’re doing a big shelf then I’d try to space the 2x2s evenly around 16” apart

Would 3/4” plywood be good by itself without the 2x2 frame or do you recommend adding the frame regardless?

I’ll also try to come up with a design plan for a new wood stand in case. I just don’t want any further issues whether I add the additional frame as you mentioned or build a new stand.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

Would 3/4” plywood be good by itself without the 2x2 frame or do you recommend adding the frame regardless?

I’ll also try to come up with a design plan for a new wood stand in case. I just don’t want any further issues whether I add the additional frame as you mentioned or build a new stand.

The plywood would have to be supported across its whole length.