The sump is a standard 30g, 36" long. Why do you say the 2x6s will be inconvenient? My current setup is a 75g with a stand that I build which has 2x4s right in the middle... that's REALLY a pain in the rear... I thought this was an upgrade lol
I run a 55 gallon sump on my 125 gallon tank. I wish I would've gone with a 40 gallon breeder. I have to completed disassemble my 8" Reef Octopus for a deep cleaning, and I have to tetris the skimmer cup out for weekly cleanings. My stand design was very similar to what you did, and even the 2x4s constantly get in the way.
This is safe for a 6' tank? My thought was that wood is inherently more flexible than glass so even a tiny tiny bit of flex would stress the tank. I am not a scientist though.Use @RocketEngineer 's plans that don't require any center supports. Use a top 2x6 frame with all other dimension lumber, 2x4's. Here's his plan:
I hear ya. However, when the return pump is off in my tank, I only use about 30 gallons of the total 55 gallon capacity of the sump. A 40 gallon would've been just fine but more compact.
Here's what mine looked like. Plenty strong, but I wish I'd have gone with a smaller sump.
Not one, but TWO of Schrodinger's cats in a box!I love Siamese catfish!
Not one, but TWO of Schrodinger's cats in a box!
Believe me, this is so over engineered, it would support a car. This design has been used for years....I'm going to say at least 14 years because that's how old my stand is. If I remember correctly, up to four feet, all wood can be 2x4's. Over 4 feet, top frame needs to be 2x6's. That said, I'd also recommend topping the stand with 3/4 plywood to "level" out the imperfections in the dimensional lumber. But YES, this will easily support a six foot tank with no center brace.
I agree. So long as it's level, and the tank is evenly supported, I wouldn't lose any sleep over a four foot opening.
