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DIY stand...2x4 or 4x4?

rkc772

rkc772

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Jan 2, 2006
1,846
1
68
Southern California 91744
i'm currently in a big question mark here on my face... :eek: should i use a 2x4 or a 4x4 for a 180 gal acrylic aquarium stand? some website says 4x4 and some 2x4. i don't want the stand to be too heavy but i don't want it weak. knowing it would almost have a total weights of 1,800 lbs of water and the rest... it is almost like a pick-up on top of a stand. :( anyone who has great experience and has tested a 180 or bigger? i'm avoiding an instant swimming pool in my living room :grinyes:
 
if you are looking for sturdy then use the 4x4's but I think that it is overkill... you will have to double up the 2x4's at least in the corners and middle to make sure that the stand will hold but there is no reason to make the cross bracing (ie the rest of the frame) out of 4x4s

I would say go to a LFS and see if they have any stands for the 180 and just look at what they have as far as the stand goes and try and mimic the skeletal structue of the stand. as far as the rest of it goes just have fun and be creative.
 
i went to the LFS and their stand is made out of 3/4 x 6 on my 60 gal. i'm kinda scared coz i think their cost cutting. :( don't wanna have problem... i might just go for 2x4 and double in the corner and middle... think is a nice idea. anyone knows any good stand and capnopy maker here in So. California? just wondering :grinno:
 
check out the stand by Hardboiled on the sticky. It's nice, and out of 2x4's. I used both 2x4 and 4x4 foe mine:)
 
Constructed properly, with the full vertical force being applied to the lumber, and not fasteners, 2x4s will be plenty strong (assuming enough material is used to brace across). I have used 4x4, but this was for a log-cabin type structure, easy to assemble, move and re-configure. I have some pictures/instructions on my most recent 5 level version. here:
http://www.2cah.com/netmax/diy_projects/freestandingstand/freestandingstand.shtml
Previously, I had a 7 level version for double stacking tanks, which also worked very well (if you like the look).
 
searcyb said:
if you are looking for sturdy then use the 4x4's but I think that it is overkill.
Click to expand...

overkill my ass!

oh wait...... i guess it really depends

both 2x4s and 4x4s work excellent

my 180 stand is made of 2x4s

but im gunna use 4x4s on my new tank

CALI IS EARTHQUAKE COUNTRY!!!!! :naughty: so 4x4 would be best :grinyes:
 
go overkill have a store made stand under a 90g had to use a jack to raise it up in the middle and add support and the sukers sagged again better safe they sorrry!
 
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