Stand question

-Aquaman- · Jun 18, 2019

So I got a 125 it's a old one so it's very heavy and i need to build a stand but I'm wondering if it's possible to build one with out a center brace. My reasoning for that is if i decide later that i want to upgrade the sump i can easily take it out and put the new one in.

Jon Fishman · Jun 18, 2019

5' wide 125? There is no way I'd build one without center braces.

Foothill Corals · Jun 18, 2019

You can if you go with 2x6 for the top frame.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1169964

LiveWire · Jun 18, 2019

What about building the stand that allows you to remove an end panel so that you can upgrade sumps in the future?

paphater · Jun 18, 2019

Yep you'll need a 2x6. I built a stand fo4r an old 150g with 2x6.

Ryan115 · Jun 19, 2019

Not an issue, as others have said just upgrade the top frame.
I built a stand for a 6' 180g with a 2x8 for the top frame, without center braces and without any issue.

Paul C. · Jul 13, 2019

Would a pair of 4' 80 gal tanks be safe on top of 2X8's used for the top frame with no center support?

Ryan115 · Jul 13, 2019

Back to back with a 4' span or end to end with an 8' span?

Paul C. · Jul 13, 2019

End to end. Looking to make stand 8.5' long

redfishbluefish · Jul 13, 2019

A stand is easily made to not have a center brace by using RocketEngineer's plan. The rule is up to four foot wide, all 2x4's; over four feet, top frame is 2x6's. I'd highly recommend topping the stand with 3/4 plywood to help level out the imperfections in the dimensional lumber. Also, skinning the stand will assist in keeping it from racking.

Here's the raw frame for my five foot tank:

Paul C. · Jul 13, 2019

Perfect. Off to Lowes for some 2X8's

Kain · Aug 17, 2019

Just a question cause I'm about to build a stand for a 84" x 35 x 24 tank. Was thinking 2x8 but how many center brace would I need for it?

Paul C. · Aug 29, 2019

Question for the group.
I built a 120" X 26 " stand according to template with 3/4" ply on the top. Top rail was built with 2X8's.. Stand is going to be used for 2 separate 4' 80 gal frag tanks end to end. Still question the need for a center support. Also thought about sistering up the front and back rail to prevent the need of a center support if needed to prevent a center support.

Thoughts?