Cinder block stand

[jaws7777]

Guys im looking for quick and cheap way to build a stand for a 75 gal or 40b tank.

Can you guys give me some pointers on doing it with cinderblocks and possibly post some pics of you're stands.

Some questions off the top of my head:

Points of contact - where on the bottom of the tank should it contact with the blocks ?

Leveling- if the floor is off is it advisable to level just blocks that are off ? Also i would assume i'd have to level or shim all the way around any given block tht requires leveling ?

Should i put ply wood between the tank and blocks ?

Do these type of stands hold up over time ?

 

[tlindsey]

Never used Cinder blocks but wanted to for my 180 gallon, so instead built the stand out of wood. If you 4 corner the 75 gallon you should be fine. Shim if necessary while aquarium is empty with a contractor level.

 

[monkeybike]

At the store, we used chimney blocks on end with a 2x4 frame the size of the tank frame sitting on top.

 

[jaws7777]

Thx guys do i need points of contact towards the middle if the tank ?

 

[tlindsey]

Thx guys do i need points of contact towards the middle if the tank ?

Personally I would not worry about the middle with the Cinder blocks 4 cornered, but let others chime in.

 

[flukekiller]

this is how i did it for my current tank,,, smallest tank i have used has been a 125.

 

[jaws7777]

this is how i did it for my current tank,,, smallest tank i have used has been a 125.

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Thx for posting pics man. Cool use of the eggcrate btw

 

[flukekiller]

thanks, i did away with it though cause it got dirty real fast and was a pain to clean

 

[Drstrangelove]

I've used several cinder block stands.

1) Do not put the tank directly on the blocks. Use plywood or 2x4's to go underneath the tank.

2) It's okay with a glass tank to have nothing under the spans, but heck, blocks are cheap and so are 2x4's. I used 4 2x4's (placed tall side flat) to span two columns of cinder blocks. For stability, I placed a thin plywood on top that I glued to the 2x4s.

3) do not stack cinder blocks more than 3 high.

The blocks are strongest for supporting loads with the hollow spaces vertical. Not horizontal.

I'm not saying they will collapse under a 75 the other way; just saying your risk of collapse is lower if you point them in the strongest direction. They are pretty strong either way.

 

[jaws7777]

I've used several cinder block stands.

1) Do not put the tank directly on the blocks. Use plywood or 2x4's to go underneath the tank.

2) It's okay with a glass tank to have nothing under the spans, but heck, blocks are cheap and so are 2x4's. I used 4 2x4's (placed tall side flat) to span two columns of cinder blocks. For stability, I placed a thin plywood on top that I glued to the 2x4s.

3) do not stack cinder blocks more than 3 high.

The blocks are strongest for supporting loads with the hollow spaces vertical. Not horizontal.

I'm not saying they will collapse under a 75 the other way; just saying your risk of collapse is lower if you point them in the strongest direction. They are pretty strong either way.

Great tip with pointing the blocks vertical thank you