Building a Stand for a large Tank

[Jason McKenzie]

I have a lot of great suggestions already, but thought I'd ask.
I'm building a stand for a 78X36X30 tank. My carpentry skills are lacking in an extreme way, but I'm going ahead anyway.

I was thinking about notching the corners and using 4X4s any suggestion or links would be very helpful.

Jason

[Covey]

Here you go.
http://www.garf.org/
Go to DIY Pages
Then Stand Building and punch in your numbers
GARF's calculator are usally spot on.

[Jason McKenzie]

Originally Posted by Covey

Here you go.
http://www.garf.org/
Go to DIY Pages
Then Stand Building and punch in your numbers
GARF's calculator are usally spot on.

If you punch in my dimension it gives you 2X4 construction.
I really don't think the tank will stay on the stand very long a the weight will crush their plan as soon as water hit the tank


J

[Phil5613]

remember most house are built of 2x4 construction. The 210 I just bought last nite isnt even 2x4 and its ALL Glass's stand for the 210. I have built fishroom racks for two stores that are all 2x4. you would be suprised at what the crush rating is on a 2x4. I would use screws lag bolts and glue but it can be rock solid

[fletch]

I am using 2" x 6" 's on my 150 ( I like Over kill ) it makes me feel safer

[Big Wally B]

Jason
Phil is correct. I am an engineer. I don't do civil but if I recall correctly, a 2x4 standing upright has a compressive strength of approx. 1600psi. (1200 to 1800 depending upon type and grade of wood (hem-fir, southern yellow pine, northern white pine, etc.)) Since it has an area of 5.25 in. square, that means, if you could balance it, a single 2x4 will hold approx. 8400 lbs. By your dims. I get around 365 gallons at 8.5 or so per gal, gives us 3100 lb give or take. Not a problem for even a single 2x4. Now if you are worried about horizontal stability, I might agree. I always wondered that we never hear of one tipping over. Probably because they are always next to a wall. Just make sure you have decent joints and you should be fine. If you are using nails, one tip. Most people drive their nails in straight. If you angle them ever so slightly in opposite directions, it makes them hold 1.5 times better. Keep us posted!!!

Cheers

[Blade_Runner]

Great info Wally and good link Covey.

[Jason McKenzie]

WOW great info everyone.

I've figured out what I'm doing. I know now it will be over kill but I will sleep better.

2X 2X6 on both the front and back spanning the 78 inches. 2X 2X6 spanning the 36 inch.
2X4 box for the base.

2X4 risers 2 per corner.

2X6 attached to the risers cut to fit between the upper and lower box.

2X 2X6 riser braces across the 78 span.


Up over kill to the extreme.

I'll post pics. I'm getting the wood tomorrow (need a buddy with a truck as I only have a car)

Thanks again everyone. It's been a lot of help.

My next thread will be all about hoods LOL

Jason

[fletch]

Originally Posted by Jason McKenzie

WOW great info everyone.

I've figured out what I'm doing. I know now it will be over kill but I will sleep better.

2X 2X6 on both the front and back spanning the 78 inches. 2X 2X6 spanning the 36 inch.
2X4 box for the base.

2X4 risers 2 per corner.

2X6 attached to the risers cut to fit between the upper and lower box.

2X 2X6 riser braces across the 78 span.


Up over kill to the extreme.

I'll post pics. I'm getting the wood tomorrow (need a buddy with a truck as I only have a car)

Thanks again everyone. It's been a lot of help.

My next thread will be all about hoods LOL

Jason

(Over Kill I Love it) Jason I feel the same way, I know that you could probably park a car on the stand I made for my 150 but it makes me feel better knowing my tank is not going any were. Talk about over Kill I have some 2" x 12" 's in my cellar that I am going to use to re-enforce my floor with, I figure what the hey I have them already so I'll use them.