Diy stand of IM 25ext

[PegasisR]

I was wondering if this would be okay:

3 trestles each hold 55lbs
1 counter top on top of them

would this hold the weight of a full 25ext?

trestle: https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/finnvard-trestle-with-shelf-birch-30345717/
countertop: https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/karlby-countertop-oak-veneer-70335207/

or i could use this guy and reinforce with 2x4

cabinet: https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/ivar-cabinet-pine-70033766/

 

[count krunk]

Have you considered building one? 2x2s and 1/4" plywood would get it done.

It doesn't need to be fancy

 

[PegasisR]

Have you considered building one? 2x2s and 1/4" plywood would get it done.

It doesn't need to be fancy

i have but im not very savvy with carpentry, dont wanna risk the tank from lacking skill

 

[mike550]

If it’s only water then 25G of saltwater will weigh about 215 pounds. Sand and rock would be heavier than that. Plus another 50(?) pounds for the tank. Now at 265-ish. So three trestles won’t hold the tank.

The cabinet with 2x4s might work depending upon how the 2x4s carry the weight down to the ground.

 

[polyppal]

For stands, its common to estimate 10lbs per gallon, plus empty tank weight. Either of your options look like around $200, isnt the IM aluminum stand around that pricewise?

 

[PegasisR]

i think ill do it this way, let me know if this will hold

 

[PegasisR]

For stands, its common to estimate 10lbs per gallon, plus empty tank weight. Either of your options look like around $200, isnt the IM aluminum stand around that pricewise?

I wish it was but it costs 500 bucks here in canada

 

[fishface NJ]

yes that is how to build one. Here is @RocketEngineer stand info to make the calculations easier on you

DIY Stands Template and Calculator The reason for starting this thread is to provide a template for a relatively simple DIY stand design. This design is a compilation of several designs into one place and includes the calculations needed to generate a cut list for any custom design. The basic principle of the design is two box frames connected by four legs. The upper one supports the tank and transfers the load to the legs. The legs are made of several pieces of 2X4 to assist in construction and sheathing the stand in plywood for strength and cosmetics. The bottom frame transmits the load of the tank into the floor. Design notes: *The plan for this stand consists of 21 pieces. Like color pieces are the same length and of the same board size. *The box frames are screwed together first, then the legs are built off the bottom frame, the top frame is then placed on top and secured to the legs. *The green pieces are screw strips. These provide limited load strength but serve to make assembly easier and help keep the stand square. *The blue piece between the upper rails (red) works to keep the upper rails from twisting. Ok, now to the cut list: First off: The calculations below are based off of a stand that is "W" inches wide X "D" inches front-to-back X "H" inches high. (2) Red - Upper Rails: Length = W These will be sized according to length: 2X4 for 48" or less for smaller tanks (Rule of thumb is 75g-90g); 2X6 up to 72" with 125g-150g being acceptable; For longer spans and larger tanks 2X8s are recommended. (2) Yellow - Upper Ends: Length = D-3" Theses will be made of the same material as the upper rails. (4) Green - Screw Strips: Length = H-2" These 2X4s are shorter then the tank is tall. (8) Purple - Uprights: Length varies: - 2X4 Upper Rails: Length = H -7" - 2X6 Upper Rails: Length = H-9" - 2X8 Upper Rails: Length = H-10.75" These 2X4s support the weight of the tank. The ones on the short sides of the stand provide a flat surface for attaching a plywood facing and while they do provide some strength, they are optional. (2) Orange - Bottom Rails: Length = W These 2X4s act to spread the weight of the tank over a larger area. (3) Blue - Bottom Ends: Length = D-3" Covering the sides of the stand with plywood will help to stiffen the stand against twisting and shifting. Doors can be mounted to the legs as desired. So there it is. 21 pieces in 6 lengths equals a tank stand that should fit the bill for most people. There are other plans out there but this is a simple design using simple tools and common wood sizes. It may not suit everyone's application but it should fit the bill for most common size tanks. Should someone wish to have me calculate beam strengths for a specific application, PM me with the tank dimensions and I will be happy to run the numbers. Happy building.

__________________
-RocketEngineer

 

[polyppal]

I wish it was but it costs 500 bucks here in canada

I'm noticing everything aquarium-related cost a million dollars in Canada

I would prob go with your option of reinforcing the IVAR stand then, since its all pine construction. A 2x4 ring around the top and bottom of the inside with 2x4 vertical braces would do it. 3 good quality screws at each of the vertical stud attachment points. No need for a bunch of additional braces at that tank size, it'd just be overkill. Also, if the Ikea one has feet, id toss those and buy some that could hold up to the additional weight.

 

[polyppal]

i think ill do it this way, let me know if this will hold

Yup, if cosmetics arent a concern and you just want a solid ez stand, this is the classic style. With all the braces he put on this one it would hold 3-4x the weight of your tank

 

[PegasisR]

I'm noticing everything aquarium-related cost a million dollars in Canada

I would prob go with your option of reinforcing the IVAR stand then, since its all pine construction. A 2x4 ring around the top and bottom of the inside with 2x4 vertical braces would do it. 3 good quality screws at each of the vertical stud attachment points. No need for a bunch of additional braces at that tank size, it'd just be overkill. Also, if the Ikea one has feet, id toss those and buy some that could hold up to the additional weight.

Yeah its horrible, but i did get the tank and accessories for 350 bucks. Not bad

 

[PegasisR]

Yup, if cosmetics arent a concern and you just want a solid ez stand, this is the classic style. With all the braces he put on this one it would hold 3-4x the weight of your tank

Thank god, ill splurge on the APS stand down the road but for now this will do

 

[PegasisR]

yes that is how to build one. Here is @RocketEngineer stand info to make the calculations easier on you

DIY Stands Template and Calculator The reason for starting this thread is to provide a template for a relatively simple DIY stand design. This design is a compilation of several designs into one place and includes the calculations needed to generate a cut list for any custom design. The basic principle of the design is two box frames connected by four legs. The upper one supports the tank and transfers the load to the legs. The legs are made of several pieces of 2X4 to assist in construction and sheathing the stand in plywood for strength and cosmetics. The bottom frame transmits the load of the tank into the floor. Design notes: *The plan for this stand consists of 21 pieces. Like color pieces are the same length and of the same board size. *The box frames are screwed together first, then the legs are built off the bottom frame, the top frame is then placed on top and secured to the legs. *The green pieces are screw strips. These provide limited load strength but serve to make assembly easier and help keep the stand square. *The blue piece between the upper rails (red) works to keep the upper rails from twisting. Ok, now to the cut list: First off: The calculations below are based off of a stand that is "W" inches wide X "D" inches front-to-back X "H" inches high. (2) Red - Upper Rails: Length = W These will be sized according to length: 2X4 for 48" or less for smaller tanks (Rule of thumb is 75g-90g); 2X6 up to 72" with 125g-150g being acceptable; For longer spans and larger tanks 2X8s are recommended. (2) Yellow - Upper Ends: Length = D-3" Theses will be made of the same material as the upper rails. (4) Green - Screw Strips: Length = H-2" These 2X4s are shorter then the tank is tall. (8) Purple - Uprights: Length varies: - 2X4 Upper Rails: Length = H -7" - 2X6 Upper Rails: Length = H-9" - 2X8 Upper Rails: Length = H-10.75" These 2X4s support the weight of the tank. The ones on the short sides of the stand provide a flat surface for attaching a plywood facing and while they do provide some strength, they are optional. (2) Orange - Bottom Rails: Length = W These 2X4s act to spread the weight of the tank over a larger area. (3) Blue - Bottom Ends: Length = D-3" Covering the sides of the stand with plywood will help to stiffen the stand against twisting and shifting. Doors can be mounted to the legs as desired. So there it is. 21 pieces in 6 lengths equals a tank stand that should fit the bill for most people. There are other plans out there but this is a simple design using simple tools and common wood sizes. It may not suit everyone's application but it should fit the bill for most common size tanks. Should someone wish to have me calculate beam strengths for a specific application, PM me with the tank dimensions and I will be happy to run the numbers. Happy building.

__________________
-RocketEngineer

Thank you for the design!

 

[PegasisR]

Just wanted to ask, could i use this guy for a stand?
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/...rage-rack-48-in-x-24-in-x-48-in-0681544p.html holds 1000lbs per shelf, aswell would it be okay to take off that front top brace?

 

[PegasisR]

bump

 

[JoshH]

i have but im not very savvy with carpentry, dont wanna risk the tank from lacking skill

What kind of tools do you have at your disposal??

 

[PegasisR]

Just wanted to ask, could i use this guy for a stand?
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/...rage-rack-48-in-x-24-in-x-48-in-0681544p.html holds 1000lbs per shelf, aswell would it be okay to take off that front top brace?

 

[PegasisR]

What kind of tools do you have at your disposal??

Just wanted to ask, could i use this guy for a stand?
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/...rage-rack-48-in-x-24-in-x-48-in-0681544p.html holds 1000lbs per shelf, aswell would it be okay to take off that front top brace?

 

[JoshH]

Just wanted to ask, could i use this guy for a stand?
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/...rage-rack-48-in-x-24-in-x-48-in-0681544p.html holds 1000lbs per shelf, aswell would it be okay to take off that front top brace?

I think that the shelf itself, while it can hold the weight, would more than likely need reinforcing directly under the tank to create a rigid support with no flexing.

 

[PegasisR]

I think that the shelf itself, while it can hold the weight, would more than likely need reinforcing directly under the tank to create a rigid support with no flexing.

How could I reinforce it properly?