New Stand Build for a 125 Gallon

[dbl]

Calling @Windy, @redfishbluefish and @143MPCo, and anyone else willing to offer structure guidance. I have a friend that is asking me to build a stand for a 125g fresh water. If you'll recall helping me several months ago with a stand (picture and link below for reference) you know I prefer not to use 2x4's if I can help it. So I'm looking for advice please.

With a footprint of 72" x 18", and weighing about 1,200 lbs. filled, I'm not sure if I can get away with something other than a 2x4 frame. I'm thinking of doing that and simply skinning with a hard wood to hide the structural wood. Center posts are not a concern here because it's fresh, so I don't feel the need to go any larger than 2x4's.

So the question is, do you think a 1x4 frame (or a doubled up 1x4) would be sufficient to support this thing? Any thoughts or ideas here would be greatly appreciated.

http://reef2reef.com/threads/stand-build-confirmation.216313/

 

[Windy]

It depends on what you want to do with the stand. Some people like to hang the outside panels with magnets or something like that so they can access the inside of the stand more easily. If you want that type of stand, then the frame must be able to carry the tank weight. If doors give enough access, then you can utilize the rigidity of plywood and build a box without an internal frame. Will provide more room in the stand, and you get to work with a consistent and non-warping material.

 

[TUSI]

The two 1x4 frame pcs on the front are like a 2x4. The only thing I would do different is I would replace the inner one with 3/4 plywood. Plywood edge ways is much stronger than a 1x4. Use a lot of wood glue and then do two layers of plywood on top.

 

[don_chuwish]

Look at this 'factory' stand that came with my 120G. The span is only 4' but you can see how light weight the structure is - center support and corner blocking makes it work. I think as long as you have center support - at 6' maybe even two center supports, you can get away with a lot.