• We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

Worried that your stand won't hold up?

The last post reminded me that I have some editing to do. Please bear with me as I work through it. You will see that I have already changed some of the numbers.
 
From an engineering fundamentals standpoint, I think the main areas of concern would be column buckling for the vertical sections and bending loads for long spans. The distributed load on from the tank weight needs to be adequately supported with stiff enough vertical supports so that those supports dont flex under the weight (the obvious part we note in general). There would be a critical load capability for a standard 2x4 and strapped together pieces would affect the I (xsect area effect) value in the equation thereby giving you more load carrying capability. Overall it is a common sense kind of thing but when you break it down you can obviously get pretty techincal about it. Over design and general experience/practicality is probably the best option for a general tank stand.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckling
http://www.efunda.com/formulae/solid_mechanics/columns/columns.cfm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bending
stress = M * y / I

I know I am probably not really helping here but at the very least some basic engineering equations could take out some of the guess work? Dependin gon your tank the amount of unsupported length could stress the tank base/joints as well, so support is obviously good.
 
good post. i used that stand design for my 40 breeder and not only was it easy to build, but it is holding up well. saved a lot of cash too!
 
I need to build one 96x28 for my 450 acrylic and want room to work on the sump; I guess I have some calculations to do.
 
Allow me to bump the thread...We might be moving in 6-12 months and I want to build a stand for my 125 gallon cichlid tank. I understand everything, however in my design, I want the front of my stand to be open enough to put a 80+ gallon sump straight in. What would be the best way to keep the top portion from bowing?
 
cdrake261 said:
Allow me to bump the thread...We might be moving in 6-12 months and I want to build a stand for my 125 gallon cichlid tank. I understand everything, however in my design, I want the front of my stand to be open enough to put a 80+ gallon sump straight in. What would be the best way to keep the top portion from bowing?
Click to expand...


Wondering this same thing... I'd look the option of being able to look at the sump if I want to leave it open.
 
In the middle of building my 125gal stand(6 footer), I plan to put a 55 sump underneath but wanted the sump to be visible... Which means I need a 48" opening. How many horizontal 2x4 will I need to keep the front of the stand from sagging?
 
cdrake261 said:
In the middle of building my 125gal stand(6 footer), I plan to put a 55 sump underneath but wanted the sump to be visible... Which means I need a 48" opening. How many horizontal 2x4 will I need to keep the front of the stand from sagging?
Click to expand...

If your leaving that big of an opening across the front go with 2x6 or 2x8s rather than 2x4s they won't bow/sag from the weight the way a 2x4 does


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