Questions on DIY Stand/Canopy

[PaulKreider]

I think I've decided on a 75gal upgrade in the near future, since a 90 is just taller and harder to find IMO, I think I'm just going to stick with a 75. Looking at a standard 48x18x21.

I'm wondering if anyone has any stand layouts/ designs, more interested in the structural aspect, as for skinning and finishing I'm going to wing that.

Any I feel like 2x4's would be over kill for the canopy?

I'm a novice when it comes to DIY but if anyone has any tips, or build plans for a 75gal or close to it let me know!

Thank you!

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[kschweer]

This is pretty much the standard for tank stands. Like color boards are the same size.
Top and bottom

"Riser" boards in place

And finally the structural boards. These are there so that the lumber is holding the weight and not the screws

Most people will use a thin plywood like 1/4" for the skin and think like 3/4" for the top where the tank will sit

 

[kschweer]

Top and skin on

As far as the canopy goes I would stay away from 2x4's. They aren't necessary for support and will just add unneeded weight.

 

[PaulKreider]

Awesome! That helps a lot!

 

[PaulKreider]

Do you have to use a top piece as you mentioned the 3/4? Or do people use styro? Or what's the deal with that lol

 

[kschweer]

Do you have to use a top piece as you mentioned the 3/4? Or do people use styro? Or what's the deal with that lol

If it's a glass tank you could go without the 3/4", but I wouldn't. The 3/4" gives a nice flat surface for your tank to sit on. If the tank is acrylic you have to use a piece of plywood on top. The stryo or similar products are usually only used with rimless/trimless glass tanks and is used on top of a piece of plywood or whatever is used for the top of the stand

 

[redfishbluefish]

Kevin (kschweer) is spot on with the dimensional stand info above. One note, tanks up to four feet, all wood used are 2 x 4's. Tanks over four foot, the top frame needs to be 2 x 6, with the remaining boards 2 x 4's. No center brace needed for any tank stand using this design.




As far as the canopy, definitely not with 2 x 4's. I used inexpensive fir strips with 1/4 inch plywood. Here's the frame under construction:

and here it is finish, and open:

and now closed:

 

[PaulKreider]

Awesome, thanks for the help guys.