DIY Stand and Frag Tank Build

[bobyboy]

Looking to build a stand for a 30g Deep blue frag tank.

Stand dimensions 25x25x36
2x4 appears to be super overkill considering every stand I've looked at in these dimensions in made from MDF.

So my question is as follows.
Is there any reason I can't frame it in s4s 2x2" and skin it top to bottom with sanded 1/2" ply?

I'd frame it 24x24x35 so that the ply wood bring it to 25x25x36 and adding to the rigidity of the stand.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[dbl]

I would just build the whole thing out of plywood.

 

[theblackpearl]

Overkill is best. You dont want to build a stand twice. Or tear your tank down to change over the stand

 

[prsnlty]

MDF doesn't hold up well once it gets wet and that's why most people change out their MDF stands. 2 x 2 might be okay as long as it's a shallow tank. Make sure that you knee brace it, you don't want it racking.

 

[bobyboy]

I would just build the whole thing out of plywood.

That was my first line of thought as ply would hold up better than MDF, but the more I thought about it I think I'd like a rigid frame.

So if an entire plywood build is strong enough then adding a frame would only help to strengthen it, or am I wrong?

It's a 30g drilled deep blue frag tank
25x25x12

See the attached image for what I'd copy, if also add a frame or some sort of cross brace about 1/3 of the way down so I could have a shelf.

 

[Best Fish-Jake]

I personally would stick with 2x4s

 

[Fabianslit]

I made mine out of 2 x 4s, could still store 29 right under stand

 

[prsnlty]

That was my first line of thought as ply would hold up better than MDF, but the more I thought about it I think I'd like a rigid frame.

So if an entire plywood build is strong enough then adding a frame would only help to strengthen it, or am I wrong?

It's a 30g drilled deep blue frag tank
25x25x12

See the attached image for what I'd copy, if also add a frame or some sort of cross brace about 1/3 of the way down so I could have a shelf.

This would work but I would make those knee braces twice as long. The further out from the corner joint it is - the stronger it'll be.

 

[180_reef_beast]

I made my stand for my 180 out of 2X4s
I'll post it for an idea

 

[redfishbluefish]

I'm in the process of building a stand for a 35 cube using simple panel construction. Door is held in place with Neo magnets. Stand will be topped with 3/4 plywood.

 

[prsnlty]

I'm in the process of building a stand for a 35 cube using simple panel construction. Door is held in place with Neo magnets. Stand is topped with 3/4 plywood.

I like it! [emoji3]

 

[180_reef_beast]

NOt the best pics but 4x4 legs with 2 2X4s connecting center support and corner brackets

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

2x4 stand built for my deep blue 80

 

[prsnlty]

2x4 stand built for my deep blue 80

Very nice!

 

[dbl]

If you're not comfortable simply using plywood, which would work fine in my opinion, and you want to "frame" your stand, you can do it using 1x4's. Here is an example of one I built for a 75g. Not a 2x4 in sight.

 

[prsnlty]

If you're not comfortable simply using plywood, which would work fine in my opinion, and you want to "frame" your stand, you can do it using 1x4's. Here is an example of one I built for a 75g. Not a 2x4 in sight.

Love it! Light but strong and stylish too

 

[180_reef_beast]

Since we are all talking you guys mind checking out my Instagram for my tanks

180_reef_beast

I show all my tanks just looking for some ideas I'll be showin an anemone tank build soon

 

[JustSomeGuy]

For that size tank I think I would go with 2x3 and 1/2 or thicker cabinet grade plywood. Food for thought also make sure you make it big enough to accommodate your electronics or reactors so later down the road when you decide to add that stuff you don't find yourself making compromises that you really don't want to make.

 

[bobyboy]

If you're not comfortable simply using plywood, which would work fine in my opinion, and you want to "frame" your stand, you can do it using 1x4's. Here is an example of one I built for a 75g.

That is beautiful, sadly I'm no where near as good of a craftsman as you!

This would work but I would make those knee braces twice as long. The further out from the corner joint it is - the stronger it'll be.

Those look like 4" braces, so I should do 10" to be safe.
Should I brace on each side?


I picked up my lumber today from Lowes, some nice and flat S4S pieces.

As for the 4 legs, would it be best to have the top plywood skin rest directly on the legs with the 25x25 frame wrapped around the outside each of the legs or should I put the frame on top of the legs then the plywood ontop of the frame?


Option 1 like this






Option 2

 

[prsnlty]

If you use 5/8 plywood for the top you can have it rest on the legs but with an added 1x2 to help support as well.

Yes 10" is great. Yes each side top and bottom as shown in the picture you posted


A quick drawing.