Double 125 Gallon Tank stand

[Jesseliu13]

So I got my hands on another 125 gallon tank. I am just a terrible hoarder. But recently ive been breeding quite a few things lately and was thinking why not redo one of my builds! But i need some help! I would like to make a double 125 gallon tank stand. The only issue i have is I am not sure how to build a stable and safe stand! i am a little iffy on using 2x4 for a double 125 gallon tank stand... so im asking help here!

What should i use to build these? and how much room should i make for each tank? here is picture of a plan i just randomly drew being bored at work lmfaoo.

This build isnt some common put a tank on the ground stand.. both tanks will be elevated to a certain degree... this way i can use gravity to enable water to flow into my sump! i will be drilling these tanks myself as well. First time drilling! its time to experiment

 

[SandNukka15]

I would use 2x6s if you are stacking them....personally if you have the space i would put them side by side

Also if its your first time drilling i would practice on a cheap small tank before going balls deep lol

 

[millerkid519]

I drilled my first hole threw a 125. Tou need to take your time. Thinker glass is easier to drill by the way

 

[Def Leppard Hysteria]

If you're going to stack them, just make sure you have enough room above the bottom tank to do your maintenance. I've seen some DIY stacked tanks that look like a nightmare to work on.

 

[Jesseliu13]

I would use 2x6s if you are stacking them....personally if you have the space i would put them side by side

Also if its your first time drilling i would practice on a cheap small tank before going balls deep lol

lmfaoo thats true. ima try and drill an old crap tank before anything. Hopefully it'll go well. I'll prob try a 55 gallon tank ive been wanting to drill. Says tempered glass but the sides shouldnt be tempered. i'll double check.

I drilled my first hole threw a 125. Tou need to take your time. Thinker glass is easier to drill by the way

how big a hole did you use? i was thinking 1.5 or 1.25 hole would be good enough for flow rate.

If you're going to stack them, just make sure you have enough room above the bottom tank to do your maintenance. I've seen some DIY stacked tanks that look like a nightmare to work on.

I got a 12 inch gap in between the stand and the next tank. i built stands before and know how important space is lol.. made that mistake before. I feed that 12 inches is good enough.

 

[predatorkeeper87]

lmfaoo thats true. ima try and drill an old crap tank before anything. Hopefully it'll go well. I'll prob try a 55 gallon tank ive been wanting to drill. Says tempered glass but the sides shouldnt be tempered. i'll double check.

how big a hole did you use? i was thinking 1.5 or 1.25 hole would be good enough for flow rate.

I got a 12 inch gap in between the stand and the next tank. i built stands before and know how important space is lol.. made that mistake before. I feed that 12 inches is good enough.

either 2x6's or 4x4's....I've built stands for a 310 and 150 using both. BOLT THE WOOD TOGETHER! do NOT use screws with this much weight. carriage bolts, only thing I trust with tanks 125 and up. I have a 125 stand built with screws and 2x4's, scares the bejesus out of me

 

[Jesseliu13]

either 2x6's or 4x4's....I've built stands for a 310 and 150 using both. BOLT THE WOOD TOGETHER! do NOT use screws with this much weight. carriage bolts, only thing I trust with tanks 125 and up. I have a 125 stand built with screws and 2x4's, scares the bejesus out of me

I have a 300 gallon on screws... they do fine. i do plan on using 2x6s as they are probably the cheaper option. and prob takes less space. I just need to pick up the other tank and im good

 

[MonsterFishCreeper]

The weight of any tank should not be held up by the screws in my opinion. You want the wood itself to transfer the weight of the tank to the floor.

See how the boards on the outside corners of the stand take the weight from the rim of the tank. The vertical 2x4s on the outside edge are beat into place with a mallet so that they tightly fit between the top and bottom base of the stand. Technically none of the screws in this stand carry any weight at all.

 

[fishguy306]

lmfaoo thats true. ima try and drill an old crap tank before anything. Hopefully it'll go well. I'll prob try a 55 gallon tank ive been wanting to drill. Says tempered glass but the sides shouldnt be tempered. i'll double check.

You wouldn't think so, but a lot of 55 gal tanks are tempered all the way around, not just the bottom. There have been many, many people trying to drill a 55 only to have it shatter on them due to it being tempered. So be sure to verify.

 

[SandNukka15]

Yes as long as the wood is taking the impact of the weight.... screws are completely fine