DIY stand

[Zoacoral]

hi, I have a 36 inch long tank, and I am wanting to put a 36 inch long tang underneath it for a sump. How can I build my stand to accomadate this? All input is appreciated

 

[Loki]

Build your stand with a ledge. I have a 120 and I have a 1' ledge all the way around the tank.

I was able to fit two 40 gallon breeders under it

 

[Zoacoral]

Alright, Odd question, but what type of screws do you prefer to use?

 

[Loki]

I used 4" Phillips head deck screws. And 3" in some places.

 

[Loki]

I also used a lot of wood glue.

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Glue and screw, 3" wood screws. With 4 inchers, you will go right through the 2x4s, and it will be ugly. I suppose that Loki used the 4 inchers where the screws had room to go.

 

[Zoacoral]

Pressure treated 2 x 4's or the premium kiln dried whitewood studs?

 

[Zoacoral]

Do you think 2 1/2 wood screws will work or should I go to 3"

 

[Loki]

Yes. I also have 2x6's in my stand as well.

If you do only 2x4 you won't need the 4"ers

 

[Loki]

Honestly I forgot what 2x4 I used. I would have to assume I got the. Cheapest (and still straight) boards

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Kiln dried whitewood studs, I prefer them over douglas fir. And go for 3", 2 1/2" screws do not have enough grip IME.

 

[Loki]

3" screws. The 2 1/2 didn't have enough of a bite for me.

 

[Zoacoral]

Thanks again. And last but not least: Type of wood screw. The star screws? Phillips screws? square screws? Not sure if 1 works better then the other. So Ill leave this up to you people in the know! lol

 

[Loki]

I used Phillips. It seemed to have more grip and be less likely to strip. <-- that rhymed.

 

[Loki]

I have used the square screws before as well. They may work just fine. Come to think of it. I had a friend over and we built that stand in one night. We probably went through 10 phillips head drill bits. Whatever you do I would avoid flathead screws.

 

[Zoacoral]

yeah thats what im worreied about is the drill bits.. I am planning to skin the tank,in 1/4 pine. I will probably put 1/2 piece on top of my stand. I might try the star screws, they seem to go in pretty easy n not strip the drill bits

 

[Zoacoral]

it was mentioned earlier to get the kiln dried whitewood. Is there a difference in that and the 2 x 4 x 96 Kiln-Dried Hem-Fir Stud from lowes?

 

[Loki]

I'm not sure. I'll let someone else answer that.

 

[Zoacoral]

lol alright!. Thanks for your help though!