Does this stand-frame look secure and sturdy to u guys?

[Makubex]

The company selling this claims it is more than secure(it uses 2x4 wood) but my handyman says it is not and that he can build me a sturdier one for an extra $40 (no cabinets or shelves/levels just the frames) with 2x6 wood, what do you guys think? Can I use the one from the company??

This is from the company's:

This is from the handyman:

 

[homer1475]

I personally wouldn't use either one. Nothing holding that top up except screws. Top should rest on the verticals, not rely on screws to hold the weight.


EDIT:
So it actually looks like the first picture has the top sitting on the verticals. There is just a n extra band that is held up by screws.

 

[Makubex]

I personally wouldn't use either one. Nothing holding that top up except screws. Top should rest on the verticals, not rely on screws to hold the weight.


EDIT:
So it actually looks like the first picture has the top sitting on the verticals. There is just a n extra band that is held up by screws.

How long do you think a frame like the top could last? A few years at least? Arent iron stands open top also like these frames? Im confused as I have also seen many reefers tanks sitting on open top frames like these with live rock, sand, etc.... or fowlrs(like mine)

 

[PotatoPig]

Is the top one pressure treated? If so I’m not sure that’s a great idea to have around a marine tank.

 

[homer1475]

Nothing wrong with the open top. It has to do with where the weight is pushing. Gravity pushes down, the second frame is only help up by screws. The bottom frame has verticals between the top frame and bottom frame pushing down on the wood, not the screws.

 

[Makubex]

Nothing wrong with the open top. It has to do with where the weight is pushing. Gravity pushes down, the second frame is only help up by screws. The bottom frame has verticals between the top frame and bottom frame pushing down on the wood, not the screws.

Would an iron stand be safer? What do you guys think about iron stands?

 

[homer1475]

The top stand is perfectly fine.

What size tank are we talking here?

 

[sde1500]

The top stand is more than fine. Your handyman is overkill with 2x6 but then not as good with no vertical supports.

 

[Makubex]

The top stand is perfectly fine.

What size tank are we talking here?

Regular 125 gallon (6 feet x 18" wide x 21" tall) You said there was just an extra band that is held up by screws btw thats the company's not the handyman's, im afraid he would build it differently and mess it up

 

[Tathamet]

I googled how to make a structurally stable tank stands and the top image you posted look like the standard builds I saw in the tutorials.

I built one to raise a brute trash can above my indoor garden for a blumats watering system and it seemed like overkill with how sturdy it was honestly lol. Especially for smaller tanks.

the bottom image looks like the pressure points would all be on each of the vertical boards where as with the top image, it’s weight is spread throughout the top frame with no weight pushing on the screws.

The top frame on the bottom image would be pushing on screws I would think so I would probably avoid that one.

 

[Troylee]

Either one is fine.. the top being better honestly.. the bottom one is a little sketch BecUse it’s sitting on screws and not a 2x6 to hold the weight..

 

[bitwise]

I built a stand for my 4 foot tank about 2 years ago. I echo what other folks said. You need to have the top frame supported with the 2xX underneath. Even 2x4 is very strong under vertical compression. If you do go with 2x4s you will almost definitely need the center supports like the first image.

Lastly, I recommend adding cross bracing or a simple plywood skin (at least to the back), to prevent racking

 

[bitwise]

Here’s mine if you curious. I used rocket engineer design with 2x6 (overkill, but simplistic). I omitted some of the extra vertical accessory supports because I skinned mine (not pictured here)

 

[Potatohead]

Top fine, bottom no. Handyman guy needs some physics lessons.

 

[907_Reefer]

Agree top stand is better as-is, but I would probably take the bottom and add some vertical supports to it on what I assume is the back, facing us. If you look it appears the front (other side) has verticals, likely due to lack of center support.

Here's the stand I threw together for my 55 (it is overkill):

 

[Makubex]

Can the handyman use one inch galvanized pipes using speed rail fittings? Can an iron stand be made by a handyman of carpenter?... thanks again.

 

[Makubex]

@vetteguy53081 can I use some of your help here, you seem very experienced in this area

 

[Cell]

@RocketEngineer

 

[braaap]

Top is going to hold more weight. But the bottom looks nicer lol. The bottom one actually looks square and true. But it doesn't have very good vertical support.

 

[vetteguy53081]

@vetteguy53081 can I use some of your help here, you seem very experienced in this area

This is as about as solid as Ive seen a stand. The one item always overlooked that you covered is space for sump and good job. Apply a wood base for sump