Questions on building DIY stand

[FL_Reef]

Hello all. I am planning on building a stand for my frag tank. Dimensions are 36”x 24” x 10” tall. 3/4” acrylic. I am using the plans that rocket engineer created. A couple things I’m not sure of:

The tank is drilled in the bottom only
1 5/8” from the back edge leaving just enough room for pvc to pass the top 2x4 but leaving no space to put a bulkhead. I’m guessing I have to move the tank forward at least 3/4” to make room for bulkheads meaning the tank would only be resting on half of the 2x4.
Would this still be structurally sound?
Also I want to put plywood on the top that the tank sits on. I know 3/4” is a lot stronger,but is it necessary or could I use 3/8”?

 

[Pico bam]

As long as there's plywood ontop you should be fine. The tank seems pritty heavy duty my 270 gallon is 3/4" acrylic. Id do 1/2" plywood or 3/4" for the top.

 

[FL_Reef]

Thanks. That’s what I was thinking since I’m losing some support by moving it halfway off the 2x4. Think I’ll go with the 3/4. Always good to get a second opinion

 

[Rrb1399]

I second the 3/4 on top and you should be fine .

 

[flyfisher2]

an idea you can consider is putting in a second horizontal on the back and cut the center thus making a double stand within the frame. Not sure that makes sense, the way I'm explaining.

 

[threebuoys]

Does the tank instructions specify support is required for the entire bottom or just for the edges? I'm not familiar with acrylic tank requirements. Rimmed tanks usually only require support around the perimeter. If your tank only requires perimeter support , the plywood is not required structurally. so you can use whatever you want. It will provide more lateral stability if you feel you need it.

 

[FL_Reef]

an idea you can consider is putting in a second horizontal on the back and cut the center thus making a double stand within the frame. Not sure that makes sense, the way I'm explaining.

That makes sense. Sounds like a good idea to consider. Thanks

 

[a4edwin]

1x6 for the rear with 2 vertical supports on either side of the drain? are you skinning the rear of the stand?

 

[FL_Reef]

Does the tank instructions specify support is required for the entire bottom or just for the edges? I'm not familiar with acrylic tank requirements. Rimmed tanks usually only require support around the perimeter. If your tank only requires perimeter support , the plywood is not required structurally. so you can use whatever you want. It will provide more lateral stability if you feel you need it.

I just bought it used locally so I’m not sure of the tank requirements. For all I know it could be homemade. I’m thinking I could probably get away with the thinner stuff but may just go with the 3/4 anyway to be safe. The downside is the added weight to the stand

 

[FL_Reef]

1x6 for the rear with 2 vertical supports on either side of the drain? are you skinning the rear of the stand?

That sounds like a good idea. I wasn’t planning on covering the back but would probably need to if I went this route

 

[FL_Reef]

Lots of good ideas Thanks all. I will update what I come up with tomorrow with some pics. I’m sure I’ll have more questions about plumbing

 

[FL_Reef]

I ended up just putting the 3/4” on the top. I needed to work around where the plumbing is going so it also has 2 cross braces on the top instead of one. This thing is heavy duty. No worries of it not being strong enough. I wrapped it in 1/8” poplar sanded plywood. Need to build the door and trim it out tomorrow