Thoughts and pics needed: Sump over front-load washer and drier?

cdness · Jul 8, 2013

I am helping with the design of a friend's new build. He is in a new house and after placement of the washer and drier he no longer has the room he thought for the sump for his new aquarium. So we have been hashing out ideas and theories from stacked rubbermaids to stacked tanks and I came up with an idea...

I would like to build a well supported shelf over the top of the washer and drier. It would support a 75G sump and some reactors in the future. If I was to build the stand like a normal tank stand with room to put the washer and drier under the stand, do you think it would work to support the sump? I would be placing a 4 foot tank over a 6 foot span however I would add supports and 3/4 plywood on the top to add rigidity to the stand making it in essence a table...

What are your thoughts on this plan?

Anyone tried this already and has pictures they could share?

Thanks!

Eric B · Jul 8, 2013

As long as it is well supported and proper wood is used I see no problem with placing sump over the washer dryer. My only concern is would the sump now be higher than the display tank. As if so the return pump would need to be on the lower of the 2 which ever that one is.

c_healy · Jul 8, 2013

It could be done, but that Is a lot of weight. I would only do it if you have legs running to the floor like a normal stand but taller.

cdness · Jul 8, 2013

The main tank is upstairs and the sump would be in the basement. It would actually assist in lowering the head loss I would think.

It would be built identical to the way a normal tank stand would be built minus the front board of the base frame. I plan to put supports to the floor between the two appliances as well just to add additional support. It will also be attached to the wall behind it for additional rigidity, unless that is a bad idea...

Eric B · Jul 8, 2013

I would go for it as also a 75 gallon sump will not have a full 75 gallons in it even in a power outage and if it does you have more problems to worry about. :smile:

totion · Jul 8, 2013

cdness said:
The main tank is upstairs and the sump would be in the basement. It would actually assist in lowering the head loss I would think.

It would be built identical to the way a normal tank stand would be built minus the front board of the base frame. I plan to put supports to the floor between the two appliances as well just to add additional support. It will also be attached to the wall behind it for additional rigidity, unless that is a bad idea...

That's the first thing I thought since the shelf will be 6 feet wide for a four foot tank. Shouldn't be a problem with center supports running down between the appliances. I also think attaching to the wall can't hurt.

totion · Jul 8, 2013

I would also put boards on a 45 in the corners from the vertical supports to the horizontal frame

_Alex_ · Jul 8, 2013

If built right and supported properly you should be fine. Remember 2x4 carry more weight when ran lengthwise and the thin part holding the weight, not laying flat. Hope that makes since. And with legs on the end and in the middle I see no problem, but I would run 2x4 under the plywood to help sturdy it up as that will be your weak point if all weight is directly down on it.

cdness · Jul 8, 2013

Yeah I have built many stands so structurally I think it will be just fine. Any cons to having it above the washer and drier?

Anyone tried this before and have a pic so I can show him what the final product would look like?

bassintoo · Jul 15, 2013

I just finished building mine for a 120g and used a 2x4 frame then 3/4 plywood. No vertical support on front between the two corners and I think it would support my truck. Height should really matter. Just turn ur 2x4s or whatever u use on top on edge to get the most strength. Only problem I could think of is using a ladder to access it. Good luck. Take pics

spscrazy · Jul 15, 2013

what about the shaking from the washer? uneven loads happen!

cdness · Jul 15, 2013

The washer will have enough clearance. It will not be connected to the stand either. The feet will go directly to the cement on the basement floor. I don't think it will be too much of an issue. We'll test it out though. Thanks for your thoughts!

Vw reef · Aug 20, 2013

I would put a header board on the back wall to tie in the wall studs and 2 2x4 or 4x4 legs on either end of the front stand. Did this in my garage to hold my tools and it is very strong. You carry the load better that way.